2019 MINI Cooper vs 2020 Subaru Legacy

The 2019 MINI Cooper retained the iconic charm that made the brand a sensation in the early 2000s. However, it had grown in size and sophistication, losing some of the simple elegance of its predecessors. The car's design featured larger headlights and taillights, a longer front overhang, and a more visually front-heavy appearance. Inside, the classic pie-plate-size speedometer was replaced by a rectangular infotainment screen, surrounded by mood lighting. Despite these changes, the 2019 model still conveyed a sense of individuality, though the added technology introduced a layer of complexity.

In contrast, the 2020 Subaru Legacy aimed for pragmatic sensibility, resulting in a handsome but somewhat understated design. The car featured sharp angles and details but struggled to stand out compared to competitors like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The front end appeared smaller, almost compact, which could be mistaken for a Subaru Impreza. Inside, the Legacy boasted a massive 11.6-inch touchscreen, but many features were buried within the digital interface, complicating simple tasks like adjusting climate controls. Despite this, the Legacy offered a spacious and comfortable interior, particularly in the backseat.

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. With a base curb weight of 2,845 pounds, it could accelerate 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 during aggressive driving were noted. The John Cooper Works Pro Exhaust Valve added an engaging auditory experience, especially in Sport mode.

The 2020 Subaru Legacy offered two engine options. The base, Premium, Sport, and Limited trims came with a 2.5-liter boxer 4-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. While the Legacy was quick off the line, it struggled to reach highway speeds without significant noise. The Limited XT and Touring XT trims featured a more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The Legacy's chassis provided precise cornering and a refined ride, but the auto stop-start system was jarring and complicated to disable.

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 were adjustable and supportive, but the car's controls prioritized style over function, with chrome toggle switches and unconventional door handles.

The 2020 Subaru Legacy provided solid trunk space for its class at 15.1 cubic feet, though it couldn't compete with crossovers. The backseat offered impressive head- and legroom, accommodating even tall passengers comfortably. The front seats were supportive, and the cabin featured deep door pockets and rear USB ports. However, the center stack's tray was small, making it difficult to plug in cables.

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 voice control, a touchscreen, and physical controls, but the latter were difficult to access. The system sometimes behaved unpredictably, and Android Auto was not available. The car also included wireless charging, a Harman Kardon audio system, and a head-up display. The Parking Assistant was useful for protecting the car's bulging wheel spokes.

The 2020 Subaru Legacy's Starlink infotainment system featured a massive 11.6-inch screen but required multiple steps for simple tasks like adjusting heated seats or climate controls. The system's portrait orientation scrunched Apple CarPlay into a third of the screen, though an over-the-air update from Apple might have alleviated some issues. The system was found in all trims except the base, which had its own set of problems. Despite these drawbacks, the system had no lag-time or bugs, and Subaru retained physical volume and tuning knobs.

The 2019 MINI Cooper offered a limited set of safety features, including eight airbags, a reversing camera, and an Active Driving Assistant with forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control was available, but the car lacked blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The IIHS rated it a Top Safety Pick in 2018, but it lost that rating in 2019. The federal government gave it a 4-star overall rating, with a 3-star rating for rear seat occupant protection in a side-impact collision.

The 2020 Subaru Legacy came standard with Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The system used a head-up light system for alerts and included a feature that notified the driver when the car in front started moving. Other standard safety features included a full array of airbags, traction control, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).