2019 MINI Cooper vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

The 2019 MINI Cooper retained the iconic charm that made its predecessors a sensation, but it had grown in size and sophistication. While it still promised fun in a compact package, the design elements seemed less cohesive than before. The headlights and taillights appeared oversized, and the front overhang was longer, giving the car a somewhat unbalanced look. Inside, the once charming pie-plate-size speedometer was replaced by a modern infotainment screen, surrounded by mood lighting. Despite these changes, the MINI Cooper continued to exude individuality, though the added technology introduced complexity that some enthusiasts might find unnecessary.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota Corolla, though not initially striking, offered a more appealing design in its SE or XSE trims, especially with the Celestite paint. The Corolla's interior saw significant improvements in quality, with soft-touch surfaces replacing the previous model's hard plastics. However, the transmission shifter reminded drivers of its economy car roots. Despite this, the Corolla provided a comfortable and practical experience, with a base price starting at $19,600. The XSE trim, with its sportier features, offered a more engaging drive, though it lacked the power to fully capitalize on its sporty aspirations.

The 2019 MINI Cooper, particularly in the John Cooper Works variant, was a performance powerhouse. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine delivered 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to accelerate to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds with the automatic transmission. The manual option, while slightly slower, offered a more engaging driving experience. The car's handling was sharp, aided by Pirelli Cinturato P7 tires, though they squealed in tight corners. Torque steer was a minor issue, and the brakes, while generally effective, occasionally faltered during aggressive driving.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, particularly in the XSE trim, offered a more balanced driving experience. Its 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine produced 169 horsepower, paired with a CVT that included paddle shifters and a launch gear for improved acceleration. The Corolla's independent rear suspension provided a smooth ride, and its handling was confident, though the steering lacked feedback. The brakes were reliable, even under stress, but the engine struggled with rapid acceleration and passing maneuvers. Despite this, the Corolla's fuel economy was commendable, with an EPA rating of 31 mpg city and 38 mpg highway.

The 2019 MINI Cooper, despite its compact size, offered surprising practicality. The back seat could accommodate passengers if the front seats were adjusted, and the trunk provided 8.7 cubic feet of space, expandable to 34 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The interior was stylish but sometimes prioritized form over function, with unique controls and limited storage space.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, classified as a midsize car by the EPA, provided ample space for a family of four. However, the lack of rear air-conditioning vents and USB ports, along with the low seating position, were drawbacks. The trunk offered 13.1 cubic feet of space, sufficient for several bags. The interior lacked storage options, but the front seats were comfortable, and the climate control system was effective.

The 2019 MINI Cooper's infotainment system, based on BMW iDrive, featured an 8.8-inch display with navigation and MINI Connected Services. It offered multiple control methods, but the physical controls were inconveniently placed. The system sometimes behaved unpredictably, and Android Auto was not available. The Harman Kardon audio system and head-up display were notable features, and the Parking Assistant was useful for protecting the car's wheels.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla's Entune 3.0 system was user-friendly, with Apple CarPlay compatibility and a high-mounted touchscreen. The system included Amazon Alexa, Siri Eyes Free, and several trial services. The XSE trim offered additional features like advanced voice recognition and a JBL sound system. While Android Auto was absent, the system's overall functionality was impressive.

The 2019 MINI Cooper offered basic safety features, including eight airbags and a reversing camera. The Active Driving Assistant provided forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, but the car lacked blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. The IIHS rated it a Top Safety Pick in 2018, but it lost this rating in 2019. The NHTSA gave it a 4-star overall rating.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring advanced driver-assistance systems like low-light pedestrian detection and Lane Tracing Assist. The system was generally refined, though the lane-departure warning was intrusive. The Corolla also offered blind-spot monitoring, standard on higher trims. The NHTSA awarded it a 5-star frontal-impact rating, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick.