2019 MINI Cooper vs 2019 Toyota Prius

The 2019 MINI Cooper retained the charm and individuality that made its predecessors a sensation. However, it had grown in size and sophistication, which some enthusiasts felt diluted its original simplicity. The latest model featured larger headlights and taillights, a longer front overhang, and a more complex interior with a rectangular infotainment screen replacing the iconic pie-plate-size speedometer. Despite these changes, the MINI Cooper still offered a unique driving experience, especially in the performance-focused Knight’s Edition, which came with exclusive Melting Silver paint and gloss black trim.

In contrast, the 2019 Toyota Prius continued to prioritize function over form. Its design, while not universally praised, was instantly recognizable and made a statement. The fourth-generation Prius, introduced in 2016, featured a more extroverted design that some argued hurt its sales. Despite this, the Prius remained a practical choice for daily driving, offering a range of trims and a new all-wheel-drive system. The interior was unusual but functional, with centralized controls and a mix of modern and outdated displays.

The 2019 MINI Cooper John Cooper Works (JCW) was the pinnacle of performance within the MINI lineup. It boasted a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. This power, combined with a base curb weight of 2,845 pounds, allowed the JCW to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds with the optional 6-speed automatic transmission, or 6.1 seconds with the 6-speed manual. The JCW also featured a Pro Exhaust Valve for an exhilarating exhaust note, and Pirelli Cinturato P7 all-season tires for good grip, though they squealed in sharp corners. Torque steer and occasional braking issues during aggressive driving were noted, but overall, the JCW provided a thrilling driving experience.

The 2019 Toyota Prius, on the other hand, focused on efficiency and practicality. It combined a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor to produce 121 horsepower. The optional AWD-e system added a 5-kilowatt rear electric motor, which powered the rear wheels up to 43 mph. The AWD-e system reduced fuel economy slightly, with the Prius AWD-e achieving 50 mpg compared to the standard Prius's 52 mpg. The Prius featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered a smooth, quiet ride, especially in urban environments. It also had an EV mode for short distances and blended regenerative brakes for efficient energy recuperation.

The 2019 MINI Cooper, even in its 2-door hardtop form, was surprisingly practical. The back seat could accommodate passengers if the front seats were adjusted, and the trunk offered 8.7 cubic feet of space, expandable to 34 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front seats were adjustable and comfortable, with significant side bolsters and manual thigh-support extensions. However, the interior controls prioritized style over function, with chrome toggle switches and unconventional door release handles.

The 2019 Toyota Prius provided comfortable seating for four adults, with manual height adjustment for the driver's seat and heated front seats. Rear passengers enjoyed good thigh support and decent legroom, though air conditioning vents were absent. The Prius's trunk was spacious, offering up to 27.4 cubic feet of luggage space, expandable to 65.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The SofTex leatherette upholstery in the XLE and Limited trims could trap sweat, making the interior uncomfortable on hot days.

The 2019 MINI Cooper's top-level infotainment system, based on BMW iDrive technology, featured an 8.8-inch display screen, navigation, and MINI Connected Services. It offered voice control, a touchscreen, and physical controls, though the latter were difficult to access. The system sometimes behaved unpredictably, and Android Auto was not available. The Knight’s Edition included wireless charging, a Harman Kardon audio system, and a head-up display.

The 2019 Toyota Prius's most impressive infotainment system was limited to the Limited trim, featuring an 11.6-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a premium JBL sound system. The standard setup in the XLE AWD-e included a 6.1-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and a CD player. The Prius's instrumentation was housed in a horizontal strip below the windshield, with a mix of modern and outdated displays. The Advanced Technology Package added a head-up display and adaptive headlights, but the infotainment system lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2019 MINI Cooper offered a basic set of safety systems, including eight airbags, a reversing camera, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. Adaptive cruise control was available, but blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist were missing. The MINI Cooper received a 4-star overall rating from the federal government and was a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS in 2018.

The 2019 Toyota Prius included Toyota Safety Sense as standard, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The LE trim added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The Prius received a 5-star rating from the federal government and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.