2019 MINI Cooper vs 2020 Nissan Sentra

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, and toggle switches remained, now joined by a head-up display. Despite the technological advancements, the 2019 MINI Cooper's individuality was somewhat overshadowed by complexity.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Sentra underwent a significant transformation, shedding its dowdy image for a more stylish and upscale appearance. The new Sentra, with its Electric Blue paint, low profile, and detailed sheet metal creases, looked more expensive than it was. The interior also saw an upgrade, with a flat-bottom leather steering wheel, white-stitched leatherette dash, and knurled climate knobs. The SV Premium Package added quilted tan leather seats and Infiniti-grade materials, making the Sentra's cabin feel luxurious. The Sentra's design and interior quality were a step up from its predecessors, making it a more attractive option.

The 2019 MINI Cooper John Cooper Works (JCW) 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, allowing it to accelerate to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds with the optional 6-speed automatic transmission. The manual gearbox, while slightly slower at 6.1 seconds, offered a more engaging driving experience. The JCW Pro Exhaust Valve added a thrilling auditory experience, especially in Sport mode. However, the Pirelli Cinturato P7 all-season tires squealed in sharp corners, and torque steer was an occasional issue. The bigger brakes were effective but sometimes inconsistent during aggressive driving, leading to a lack of trust in the car's performance.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra, on the other hand, featured a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While it lacked the turbocharged punch of the MINI, the Sentra's CVT mimicked gear changes smoothly and responsively. The independent rear suspension improved handling and ride quality, making the Sentra feel controlled and comfortable. Fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA rating of 29 mpg city, 39 highway, and 33 combined. The Sentra's performance was not sporty, but it provided a balanced and reliable driving experience.

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 ample adjustment and support, but the controls prioritized style over function, with chrome toggle switches and unconventional door release handles.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra's backseat was spacious, accommodating a 5-foot-11 passenger without issue. The front seats featured Nissan's Zero Gravity cushioning, reducing fatigue on long drives. The lowered body profile improved side visibility, though the rear window's rake limited the rear view. The trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of space, with foldable seatbacks for added versatility. The Sentra's interior was comfortable and practical, with easily accessible controls and a user-friendly layout.

The 2019 MINI Cooper's top-level infotainment system, based on BMW iDrive technology, included an 8.8-inch display, 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, and the touchscreen's small virtual buttons were challenging to use. Wireless charging and Apple CarPlay were available, but Android Auto was not. The Harman Kardon audio system provided excellent sound quality, and the Parking Assistant helped with parallel parking.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra did not offer ProPilot, navigation, or wireless charging, but it came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and WiFi on the mid-level SV. The SV also included dual-zone climate control, proximity-entry key, adaptive cruise control, and remote engine start. The SV Premium Package added bright LED headlights, while the SR trim offered additional features like a Bose stereo and heated front seats. The Sentra's technology package was comprehensive and user-friendly, providing good value for the price.

The 2019 MINI Cooper offered a limited set of safety features, including eight airbags, a reversing camera, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, and a speed-limit information system. Adaptive cruise control was available, but blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist were not. The IIHS rated it a Top Safety Pick in 2018, but it lost that rating in 2019. The NHTSA gave it a 4-star overall rating, with a 3-star rating for rear seat occupant protection in a side-impact collision.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra included a comprehensive set of safety features, such as rear side airbags, knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, forward and reverse emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, auto high beams, and a driver attention monitor. While it had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, it was expected to receive top ratings in all categories.