2019 MINI Cooper vs 2020 Dodge Charger

The 2019 MINI Cooper retained the charm that made the original Cooper a sensation, but it had grown in size and sophistication. The car's design elements, such as the floating roof and wrap-around glass, remained, but the proportions felt off. The headlights and taillights were larger, and the front overhang was longer, making the car appear visually heavier. 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 were still present, but the technology overlay added complexity.

In contrast, the 2020 Dodge Charger continued to embody the muscle car spirit with its menacing headlights and gaping grille. The 2015 facelift had modernized the car while maintaining its retro appeal. The cabin blended old and new, with vintage-looking bezels housing modern digital displays. The rear-wheel-drive platform created a cockpit-like feel for the driver and front passenger. The Charger offered various trims, each with unique visual and performance enhancements, from the base SXT to the high-performance Hellcat.

The 2019 MINI Cooper John Cooper Works version was the pinnacle of performance for the MINI lineup. It featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. This power allowed the car 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 car's handling was sharp, but torque steer and occasional braking issues in corners detracted from the overall driving experience.

The 2020 Dodge Charger offered a range of powertrains to suit different performance needs. The SXT and GT trims came with a 3.6-liter V6, producing 292 and 300 horsepower, respectively. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 370 horsepower, while the R/T Scat Pack boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 485 horsepower. The top-tier Hellcat had a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, delivering a staggering 707 horsepower. The Charger’s performance was complemented by Brembo brakes, adaptive suspension, and a comprehensive Performance Pages system for detailed driving data and customization.

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 two-seater, the trunk expanded to 34 cubic feet. The front seats provided ample adjustment and support, but the controls prioritized style over functionality, with chrome toggle switches and unconventional door handles.

The 2020 Dodge Charger excelled in interior space, offering ample legroom for rear passengers, even with the front seats slid back. The front bucket seats were well-bolstered, and the cabin featured numerous storage solutions. The Charger’s trunk was spacious, with 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space, and the 60/40 split-fold rear bench added versatility. This made the Charger not only a performance sedan but also a practical family car.

The 2019 MINI Cooper's infotainment system, based on BMW iDrive, featured an 8.8-inch display with navigation and MINI Connected Services. It offered voice control, a touchscreen, and physical controls, but the latter were difficult to access. The system sometimes behaved unpredictably, changing screens without input. Wireless charging and Apple CarPlay were available, but Android Auto was not. The Harman Kardon audio system provided impressive sound quality, and the Parking Assistant helped with parallel parking.

The 2020 Dodge Charger came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured an 8.4-inch screen running the Uconnect system. This system was praised for its simplicity and logical menu layout, with docked icons for easy navigation. It included Bluetooth, USB connectivity, satellite radio, HD radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The digital display in the instrument panel provided essential information and turn-by-turn navigation.

The 2019 MINI Cooper offered basic safety features, including eight airbags, a reversing camera, and an Active Driving Assistant with forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The IIHS rated it as a Top Safety Pick in 2018, but it lost this rating in 2019. The federal government gave it a 4-star overall rating, with a 3-star rating for rear seat occupant protection in side impacts.

The 2020 Dodge Charger included standard front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beams. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rain-sensing wipers were also available. The IIHS rated the Charger's crash prevention technology as Superior, although these features were optional.