2019 MINI Cooper vs 2020 Lexus ES

The 2019 MINI Cooper retained the quirky charm that made the brand iconic, but it had grown in size and sophistication. The latest model featured larger headlights and taillights, a longer front overhang, and a more complex design that some felt lacked the simple elegance of earlier versions. Inside, the classic pie-plate speedometer was replaced by a rectangular infotainment screen encased in a round housing with mood lighting. While the toggle switches and motorcycle-style gauges remained, the added technology introduced a layer of complexity that detracted from the car's original straightforward appeal.

In contrast, the 2020 Lexus ES underwent a transformation to shed its "boring" label from the early 2010s. The aggressive spindle grille, which had grown larger over the years, now fit seamlessly with the car's larger proportions. The rear design was more subdued, featuring thin taillamps and a pronounced kink at the back of the side windows. Inside, the ES offered a blend of modern technology and soft-touch materials, with a large infotainment screen integrated into the dash. The cabin was praised for its elegance, rivaled only by Mercedes-Benz in the luxury sedan segment.

The 2019 MINI Cooper John Cooper Works version was the pinnacle of performance for the model. It featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. This setup 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 manual gearbox. The car's lightweight design and performance-focused features, such as the John Cooper Works Pro Exhaust Valve and Pirelli Cinturato P7 all-season tires, made it a fun drive. However, issues like torque steer and occasional braking inconsistencies during aggressive driving were noted.

The 2020 Lexus ES came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination allowed the ES to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 131 mph. The ES prioritized comfort and refinement, with a suspension system that absorbed road bumps without feeling wallow-y. The F Sport trim offered an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and paddle shifters, enhancing the driving experience. While not a high-performance machine, the ES provided confident acceleration and a comfortable ride.

The 2019 MINI Cooper, even in its 2-door hardtop form, offered surprising utility. 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 34 cubic feet. The front seats provided a range of adjustments, including significant side bolsters and manual thigh-support extensions. However, the car's controls prioritized style over function, with chrome toggle switches and unconventional door release handles.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured a spacious cabin with ample head- and legroom in both rows. The front seats could slide back significantly while still leaving plenty of legroom for rear passengers. The front doors had deep pockets, and the center console offered multiple retractable panels for storage. The ES provided 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, which was mid-pack for the midsize luxury segment. However, the rear seats did not fold down, limiting the ability to carry larger items.

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 three methods of operation: voice control, a touchscreen, and physical controls. However, the physical controls were difficult to access, and the touchscreen's virtual buttons were often too small. The system sometimes behaved unpredictably, changing displays without input. Wireless charging and Apple CarPlay were available, but Android Auto was not. The car also featured a head-up display and a Parking Assistant.

The 2020 Lexus ES's technology centered around the Lexus Remote Touch system, which controlled the standard 8-inch or available 12.3-inch display. While not a touchscreen, the Remote Touch pad was intuitive once presets were set. The system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the CarPlay screen taking up the entire display. The ES also offered a 10-speaker premium audio system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. A head-up display was available, providing crisp graphics and customization.

The 2019 MINI Cooper offered a limited set of safety systems. It included eight airbags, a reversing camera, and an Active Driving Assistant with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, and a speed-limit information system. Adaptive cruise control was available, but the car lacked blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The MINI Cooper received a 4-star overall rating from the federal government and was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS in 2018.

The 2020 Lexus ES came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, and lane-tracing assist for limited semi-autonomous driving. The ES included a full array of airbags, traction control, stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.