2019 MINI Cooper vs 2020 Acura TLX

The 2019 MINI Cooper retained the charm that made the original Cooper a sensation, but it had grown in size and sophistication. While it still promised fun with its classic Mini styling, the latest model's design elements, such as oversized headlights and taillights, and a longer front overhang, detracted from its simple elegance. Inside, the iconic pie-plate-size speedometer was replaced by a rectangular infotainment screen, surrounded by mood lighting. The toggle switches and motorcycle-style gauges remained, but the added technology introduced complexity that some found unnecessary.

In contrast, the 2020 Acura TLX, especially with the A-Spec option package, presented a handsome, albeit somewhat anonymous, design. The PMC Edition, hand-built in Ohio, stood out with its dazzling Valencia Red Pearl paint and unique body-color and gloss black accents. The TLX's design updates, including 19-inch wheels and revised bumper designs, gave it a sportier appearance. Inside, the TLX exuded quality with supple leather, heated and ventilated seats, and ample room for both front and rear passengers, making it a compelling choice for daily driving.

The 2019 MINI Cooper John Cooper Works version was the pinnacle of performance for the MINI lineup. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine produced 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to accelerate to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds with the automatic transmission. The manual gearbox, while slightly slower at 6.1 seconds, offered a more engaging driving experience. The car's handling was sharp, but torque steer and occasional braking issues in corners detracted from the overall driving confidence.

The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition featured the top-performing powertrain in the TLX lineup, with a 290-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine and a 9-speed automatic transmission. The SH-AWD system provided excellent handling, with the ability to send up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The V6 engine delivered a steady build-up of power, making the TLX a thrill to drive, especially in Sport or Sport+ mode. The TLX also offered a comfortable and quiet ride for daily driving, with a firm yet not overly stiff suspension.

The 2019 MINI Cooper, despite its small size, offered surprising practicality. The back seat could accommodate passengers if the front seats were adjusted, and the 8.7-cubic-foot trunk could hold a full-size suitcase and a backpack. When used as a 2-seater, the trunk expanded to a generous 34 cubic feet. The front seats provided significant adjustment and support, but the controls prioritized style over function, with chrome toggle switches and unconventional door release handles.

The 2020 Acura TLX provided a luxurious and comfortable interior, with high-quality materials and outstanding front seats. The rear seats were also accommodating, with air-conditioning vents and available heated cushions. However, the trunk space was limited to 14.3 cubic feet, which was more in line with compact cars rather than midsize sedans. Despite this, the TLX offered a compelling combination of comfort and practicality for daily use.

The 2019 MINI Cooper's infotainment system, based on BMW iDrive technology, was both a blessing and a curse. It featured an 8.8-inch display screen, navigation, and MINI Connected Services, with three methods of operation: voice control, touchscreen, and physical controls. However, the physical controls were difficult to access, and the system sometimes behaved unpredictably. Wireless charging and Apple CarPlay were available, but Android Auto was not. The Parking Assistant, while seemingly unnecessary for a small car, was useful for protecting the Knight’s Edition’s bulging wheel spokes.

The 2020 Acura TLX's dual-screen infotainment system was a major drawback. The top display was not a touchscreen, while the bottom display was, leading to confusion and frustration. The system's layout and operation were not intuitive, and the voice-recognition system was subpar. However, the Acura/ELS premium audio system sounded good, and the car featured both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The smartphone charger was conveniently located, but the overall infotainment experience was lacking.

The 2019 MINI Cooper offered a limited 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 the car lacked a blind-spot-monitoring system, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Cooper received a 4-star overall rating from the federal government and was a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS in 2018, but it lost that rating in 2019.

The 2020 Acura TLX, despite its aging architecture, earned 5-star ratings in every NHTSA test, including the rollover test. However, it did not qualify for a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS due to an Acceptable rating in the small overlap frontal-impact test. The TLX came standard with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and road-departure mitigation. A blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert was included on all but the base model. While effective, these systems lacked the refinement and sophistication of more modern vehicles.