2019 MINI Cooper vs 2020 MINI Cooper

When the 2019 MINI Cooper hit the U.S. market, its design showcased a charming yet more mature evolution of the classic MINI aesthetic. While it still boasted the hallmark features like the floating roof and wrap-around glass, the larger headlights and taillights seemed a bit disproportionate, contributing to a visual imbalance. Specific design choices, such as an extended front overhang and the centrally weighted look, made the 2019 model appear bulkier, especially over the front wheels.

Inside the 2019 MINI Cooper, changes included a rectangular infotainment screen housed in an oversized, mood-lit circular frame, replacing the beloved pie-plate-sized speedometer from earlier models. This added to a tech-heavy feel, making it seem intricate. Traditional toggle switches and motorcycle-style gauges were retained, but the introduction of an available head-up display provided a nod to modern tech integration. The 2019 model certainly conveyed individuality, yet the layered technological complexity might have deterred some purists. Notably, the limited-edition Knight’s Edition brought unique features like Melting Silver paint for the roof and matching stripes, alongside gloss black MINI badges and interior trim—adding a touch of exclusivity, albeit at a steeper price.

The 2020 MINI Cooper retained the brand's iconic elements but with tweaks that made it stand out. It featured wide-eyed headlights adorned with LED rings and a front grille that seemed to grin. The vibrant color options and Union Jack taillights turned heads and garnered praise. The 2020 iteration came across as enthusiast-focused without being wasteful or gaudy. Originally a two-door hardtop, the MINI Cooper lineup had expanded to include a convertible and a four-door version, plus the new all-electric SE trim. The SE trim mirrored much of the Cooper S’s design but had unique elements like a slightly higher stance and EV-exclusive wheels evocative of a European electrical outlet.

Inside the 2020 model, the circular motifs persisted, from speakers to air vents to the infotainment housing. The 2020 Cooper SE notably retained its premium feel with top-tier materials, enhanced by BMW’s investment in the MINI brand. This refined design extended to thoughtful details, like ergonomic steering and materials that felt much pricier than they were.

Performance in the 2019 MINI Cooper John Cooper Works (JCW) was nothing short of exhilarating. It featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine churning out 228 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 236 pound-feet of torque from just 1,250 rpm. Considering the car's curb weight of 2,845 pounds, this setup delivered impressive acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.9 seconds with the optional 6-speed automatic and 6.1 seconds with the 6-speed manual. The focus was on performance and engagement, with sport modes, a manual mode with paddle shifters, and a John Cooper Works Pro Exhaust Valve for enhanced aural feedback.

The 2019 model did face some handling issues—occasional torque steer and braking inconsistencies in spirited driving conditions. The Pirelli Cinturato P7 all-season tires performed adequately but squealed under sharp turns. Bigger brakes aided overall performance, though they caused issues during weight transfer in corners. This slightly undermined the trust factor needed for maximum driving enjoyment.

The 2020 MINI Cooper maintained the brand's reputation for nimble quickness and corner-carving ability. The SE trim, although less powerful than the top-tier gas-powered JCW, delivered an electric motor outputting 181 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, fed by a 32.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It felt nearly as quick as its Cooper S sibling, thanks to the immediacy of electric torque. With a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine in the Cooper S producing 189 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, the driving experience remained spirited despite the SE’s 300-pound weight penalty due to the battery pack.

The SE’s regenerative braking was a unique aspect, offering an aggressive default setting that permitted one-pedal driving. Nonetheless, it offered less aggressive settings for those who preferred traditional braking. The SE’s battery placed low for a solid center of gravity, aiding in corner-sticking. Direct steering and limited body roll kept the driving experience true to MINI's heritage.

Despite its size, the 2019 MINI Cooper proved to be more functional than expected. The two-door hardtop could surprisingly accommodate a driver, front passenger, and rear passengers, although the back seat was best for short trips due to limited legroom. The trunk space of 8.7 cubic feet could fit a full-size suitcase and a backpack. When thinking practically, the Cooper excelled as a two-seater with an expansive 34-cubic-foot trunk. Front seats offered comfortable adjustments, particularly in the JCW version with its high side bolsters and manual thigh-support extensions. Controls prioritized style, often at the expense of practicality, with unconventional switches and infotainment ergonomics.

The 2020 MINI Cooper, following a similar pattern, wasn't the ideal choice for extensive passenger or cargo transportation. Front-seat space felt adequate with plenty of visibility, but the rear seats remained cramped, best reserved for children or short trips. Cargo space in the two-door model was an unchanged 8.7 cubic feet, scaling up to 13.1 cubic feet in the four-door model, while the convertible cut it down to 5.7 cubic feet. Folding the rear seats in the SE trim maximized cargo room to 25.8 cubic feet—still modest compared to rivals like the Volkswagen Golf.

Thoughtful design elements in the 2020 Cooper included two-zone automatic air conditioning and a heat pump-based heating system to efficiently manage the SE’s battery during winter. Chrome toggle switches added a playful character, steering wheel ergonomics were spot-on, and materials felt premium, reflecting BMW’s influence.

In 2019, the MINI Cooper’s top-tier infotainment system, derived from BMW iDrive tech, featured an 8.8-inch display, navigation, and MINI Connected Services. While the system offered voice control, touch, and physical controls, the latter were poorly situated and became mostly impractical. The touchscreen interface was handy, though occasionally finicky with small virtual buttons. Despite issues with intuitive operation, extras like wireless Apple CarPlay, a Harman Kardon audio system, and a plastic head-up display added to the tech appeal. However, the lack of Android Auto might have disappointed non-iPhone users.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE integrated a distinctive “eDrive” display, though its connection to seat adjustment controls could be a minor inconvenience. This display relayed key information like speed, mileage, remaining charge, and driving mode. The car’s primary concern was its range—110 miles as per EPA estimates—less competitive but arguably sufficient for urban drivers. The infotainment system centered around a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, navigation, and Apple CarPlay standard at lower trims, expanding to an 8.8-inch screen with wireless charging and a head-up display at the Iconic trim level.

Safety in the 2019 MINI Cooper was basic yet essential. The vehicle came with eight airbags, a reversing camera, and an Active Driving Assistant with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beams, and a speed-limit information system. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and parking sensors. However, features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warnings were noticeably absent. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick in 2018 but withdrew the rating following tougher standards in 2019. The NHTSA gave it a 4-star overall rating, spotlighting its adequate but not exemplary crashworthiness.

In contrast, the 2020 MINI Cooper SE didn't raise the safety bar substantially. It featured front and rear parking sensors and a clear rear-view camera with the Iconic package. The standard forward-collision warning lacked the companion automatic emergency braking. The NHTSA didn’t rate the 2020 model, but the IIHS awarded it top “Good” marks in all tested categories. Still, given its small size and limited advanced safety tech, it wasn’t ideal for those prioritizing maximum safety features.