2019 MINI Cooper vs 2020 Volkswagen Passat

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 complex design that some felt detracted from its simple elegance. Inside, the iconic pie-plate-size speedometer was replaced by a rectangular infotainment screen within a round housing, surrounded by mood lighting. While the toggle switches and motorcycle-style gauges remained, the addition of a head-up display and other tech features added complexity.

In contrast, the 2020 Volkswagen Passat looked familiar, resembling the previous generation Passat and the redesigned Jetta. The interior maintained a straightforward design with a 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen. The use of cheap, glossy plastic was prevalent, but it was easy to clean. The Passat was designed for ease of use, with simple controls and a focus on practicality. It was easy to drive, with light steering and a predictable, tossable nature.

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 at 5,200 rpm and 236 pound-feet of torque at 1,250 rpm. 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 in corners were noted. The John Cooper Works Pro Exhaust Valve added a sporty sound, especially in Sport mode.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat, on the other hand, had a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. It used a 6-speed automatic transmission to power the front wheels. The Passat's powertrain was simple and effective, with a Sport mode to improve responsiveness. It averaged 26 mpg in combined driving. The steering was light and precise, and the brakes were effective, though the suspension tuning was a mixed bag, being too stiff over sharp bumps and too soft over undulations.

The 2019 MINI Cooper, even in its 2-door hardtop form, was more practical than expected. 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. With the rear seats folded, the trunk expanded to 34 cubic feet. The front seats offered a range of adjustments, and the controls were stylish but sometimes impractical.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was designed with American consumers in mind, offering a spacious interior with wide, comfortable seats and ample room for five passengers. The trunk had a generous 15.9 cubic feet of space, easily accommodating full-size suitcases and other cargo. The Passat's interior featured plenty of storage bins and trays, and the visibility was excellent. Cloth upholstery was standard, with V-Tex leatherette and genuine leather available on higher trims.

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, though the latter were difficult to access. The system sometimes behaved unpredictably, and Android Auto was not available. The Harman Kardon audio system and wireless charging were highlights, and the Parking Assistant was useful for protecting the car's wheels.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat lacked the latest VW infotainment and Digital Cockpit technologies, but it included a 6.3-inch touchscreen display with App Connect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD and SiriusXM satellite radio, a CD player, and Bluetooth. The system was simple and effective, with physical buttons and knobs. The SEL trim added navigation and a Fender premium sound system. The Passat also offered remote engine start and parking steering-assist on higher trims.

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 Cooper received a 4-star overall rating from the federal government and was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS in 2018.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat came with a comprehensive set of safety systems, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and an automatic post-collision braking system. The SE trim added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, while the SEL trim included parking assist sensors and adaptive headlights. The Passat earned the top rating of Good from the IIHS.