2019 Nissan Maxima vs 2020 MINI Cooper

The 2019 Nissan Maxima showcased a refined evolution of Nissan's V-shaped design, which had become more acceptable over the years. The model featured new projector-beam LED headlights with intricate reflector patterns, an edgier grille, and a silver bumper strip beneath enlarged fog-lamp enclosures. The LED taillights were tinted black, sitting above a revised bumper and quad tailpipes. Despite these updates, the Maxima retained its concave front fascia, wavy side creases, and the distinctive "floating roof" design. Inside, the Maxima boasted upgraded materials, with the SV trim offering contrast stitching, polished black console trim, and minimal hard plastic, providing a premium feel without reaching the top-tier Platinum Reserve's luxury.

The 2020 MINI Cooper stood out with its unique styling, featuring wide-eyed LED headlights, a grinning front grille, and vibrant color options. The Union Jack taillights added to its charm, making it an enthusiast's delight without being gaudy. The Cooper evolved from a two-door hardtop to include a convertible and a four-door variant, with the all-electric SE trim offering similar performance to the Cooper S. The SE maintained the Cooper's design, with a slightly higher stance to accommodate the battery, and unique EV-exclusive wheels. Inside, the Cooper's circular design elements dominated, with a premium feel unmatched in its size category.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) driving the front wheels. Despite the potential for torque steer, the Maxima managed to mitigate it effectively, providing smooth and immediate thrust. However, the driving experience was marred by a mushy brake pedal and numb steering, even in Sport mode. The suspension offered a balance of ride quality and nimble response, and the laminated windshield and windows reduced exterior noise. The Maxima's fuel economy was decent, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 30 highway, and 24 combined.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE excelled in performance with its 181-horsepower electric motor and 199 pound-feet of torque, powered by a 32.6-kilowatt-hour battery. While slightly less powerful than the Cooper S's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the SE's immediate torque delivery made it feel just as quick. The SE featured regenerative braking, allowing for one-pedal driving, though some drivers preferred a less aggressive setting. Despite a 300-pound weight increase due to the battery, the SE maintained a low center of gravity, enhancing its cornering ability. The SE used a single-speed gearbox, while gas-powered Coopers offered dual-clutch or automatic transmissions.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima featured a single 8-inch display integrated into the dash, offering quick response times and easy operation via touch or knob. The trunk space was 14.3 cubic feet, smaller than competitors, but passenger room was ample, with comfortable front seats designed to reduce muscle fatigue. The seating position was driver-oriented, with a flat-bottom steering wheel and canted center stack.

The 2020 MINI Cooper, while not spacious, offered good front-seat space and a large greenhouse for an open feel. The backseat was small, suitable for children, and cargo space was limited, with 8.7 cubic feet in the two-door model and 13.1 cubic feet in the four-door. The SE trim maintained interior space despite the battery, with a maximum of 25.8 cubic feet with rear seats folded. The Cooper featured thoughtful design elements, such as two-zone automatic air conditioning and chrome toggle switches, with high-quality materials reflecting BMW's investment in the brand.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima's infotainment system included an updated navigation system, customizable home screen, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A high-speed USB-C port was available, along with compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The instrument panel screen could display multiple readouts, and the Bose stereo featured active noise cancellation. However, the Maxima lacked Nissan's ProPilot Assist for semi-automated driving.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE featured an "eDrive" driver-information display, which moved with steering-wheel adjustments. The display showed vehicle speed, time, mileage, remaining charge, and drive mode. The SE's 6.5-inch touchscreen housed in a circular dash display included Bluetooth, navigation, and Apple CarPlay, with an 8.8-inch screen standard on the SE Iconic trim. The Iconic trim also offered a wireless charging pad and head-up display.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima came with standard safety features like forward-emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and reverse emergency braking. The Maxima received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE lacked advanced safety features, with only front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera included in the Iconic package. Forward-collision warning was standard, but automatic emergency braking was unavailable. The IIHS rated the MINI Cooper with top "Good" scores in all crash tests.