2019 MINI Cooper vs 2020 Subaru WRX

The 2019 MINI Cooper retained the charm that made the original Cooper a sensation, but it had grown in size and sophistication. The latest model featured larger headlights and taillights, a longer front overhang, and a more substantial visual weight over the front wheels. Inside, the iconic pie-plate-size speedometer was replaced by a rectangular infotainment screen within a round housing, surrounded by mood lighting. The toggle switches and motorcycle-style gauges remained, joined by an available head-up display. Despite the technological advancements, the 2019 MINI Cooper's design felt more complex and less elegant than its predecessors.

In contrast, the 2020 Subaru WRX maintained a more aggressive and performance-oriented look. It featured a wider stance, a lower front splitter, a rear deck spoiler, and a large functional air intake. The STI version added a large rear wing and additional aerodynamic components. The WRX's design was unmistakably Subaru, with a focus on function and performance. Inside, the WRX offered a straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and plenty of storage compartments. The cabin provided ample space for front-row passengers and adequate rear-seat space for adults on shorter trips.

The 2019 MINI Cooper John Cooper Works (JCW) version was the pinnacle of performance for the model. It featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 236 pound-feet of torque at 1,250 rpm. With a base curb weight of 2,845 pounds, the JCW 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 gearbox. The JCW Pro Exhaust Valve added a sporty sound, especially in Sport mode. However, the car experienced some torque steer and occasional braking issues during aggressive driving.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came equipped with a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Power was sent to symmetrical all-wheel drive through a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). The manual transmission provided a 50:50 front:rear torque distribution, while the CVT offered a 45:55 split. The WRX's power delivery was smooth, with minimal turbo lag and precise steering. The WRX STI version featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 310 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque, along with Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension for enhanced cornering performance.

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 Cooper provided a spacious 34-cubic-foot trunk. The front seats offered a range of adjustments, with significant side bolsters and manual thigh-support extensions. However, the controls prioritized style over function, with chrome toggle switches and unconventional door release handles.

The 2020 Subaru WRX's sedan layout provided excellent sightlines, with good rear and side visibility. The large windshield, slanted hood, and front quarter windows ensured terrific forward visibility. The cabin featured a simple, functional dash layout with easy-to-use controls and ample storage compartments. The WRX offered plenty of first-row seating space and adequate rear-seat space for adults on shorter trips. The 12 cubic feet of cargo space was modest compared to other compact sedans but comparable to other performance-oriented vehicles.

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 physical controls were difficult to access. The voice controls worked reasonably well, and the touchscreen was welcome, though some virtual buttons were too small. The system sometimes behaved unpredictably, and Android Auto was not available. The Harman Kardon audio system provided impressive sound quality, and the head-up display showed various information on a plastic panel.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an available 7-inch screen. The Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly and included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The WRX also featured a digital display in the instrument panel and a digital information screen atop the dash, providing key driver information in multiple locations. The system was straightforward and didn't overcomplicate the driving experience.

The 2019 MINI Cooper offered a limited set of safety systems, including 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 Cooper 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 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2018.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features was available, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The WRX earned top marks from the IIHS and was a 2020 IIHS Top Safety Pick, as well as a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.