2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2020 MINI Cooper

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI was a masterclass in understated design, appealing to those who preferred a stealthy presence on the road. Its exterior, with a two-box design, honeycomb grille, and red accents, masked the powerful performance beneath. The Rabbit Edition trim added unique touches like gloss black 18-inch wheels and a rear roof spoiler, though some found the gloss-black trim and bunny badge a bit excessive. Inside, the GTI offered a straightforward dashboard design with quality materials, and the Clark Plaid cloth upholstery added a playful touch.

In contrast, the 2020 MINI Cooper was a standout with its distinctive styling, featuring wide-eyed LED headlights and Union Jack taillights. The MINI's design was vibrant and charming, appealing to enthusiasts without being over-the-top. The SE trim introduced an all-electric variant, maintaining the iconic MINI look while accommodating a battery and electric motor. Inside, the MINI's circular design elements dominated, from the speakers to the infotainment system, creating a premium feel that was unmatched in its class.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI delivered thrilling performance with its turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The VAQ limited-slip differential enhanced traction and handling, making the GTI a joy to drive on twisty roads. The GTI's acceleration was brisk, reaching 60 mph without needing third gear, and the manual gearbox offered smooth shifts. The ride was firm, with wind and road noise on the highway, but the steering was precise and responsive. The GTI's brakes, borrowed from the Golf R, provided strong stopping power.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE excelled in nimble handling, with its electric motor delivering 181 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. The SE's immediate torque delivery made it feel quick off the line, and its regenerative braking system added efficiency. Despite a 300-pound weight increase due to the battery, the SE maintained a low center of gravity, enhancing its cornering ability. The SE's single-speed gearbox and lack of a manual transmission were notable, but the MINI's direct steering and limited body roll preserved the classic MINI driving experience.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI was a versatile choice for families and driving enthusiasts alike. It offered spacious front seats with adjustable bolsters and a well-designed dashboard with clear gauges. Storage was ample, with a large glove box and door-panel bins. The backseat provided decent comfort, though legroom was limited. The GTI's trunk offered 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 52.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, making it practical for various needs.

The 2020 MINI Cooper, while not ideal for carpooling or large cargo, offered a thoughtfully designed interior. Front-seat space was good, and the large windows provided an open feel. The backseat was best suited for children, and cargo space was limited, with 8.7 cubic feet in the two-door model and 25.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Despite its compact size, the MINI featured luxury touches like two-zone automatic air conditioning and high-quality materials, reflecting BMW's investment in the brand.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI's infotainment system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and smartphone integration. The SE trim offered an upgraded system with an 8-inch display, HD Radio, and a Fender premium sound system. The GTI Autobahn added a navigation system and semi-autonomous parking assistant. While the Rabbit Edition's system was basic, it met essential needs, though some users experienced issues with Apple CarPlay.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE featured an "eDrive" display connected to the steering wheel, providing information on speed, range, and drive mode. The SE's 6.5-inch touchscreen housed in a circular dash display included Bluetooth, navigation, and Apple CarPlay. The top-tier SE Iconic trim offered an 8.8-inch screen, wireless charging, and a head-up display, enhancing the MINI's tech appeal.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered advanced safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The GTI SE added Car-Net Safety & Security services, while the Autobahn trim included adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The GTI received a 5-star NHTSA rating and high marks from the IIHS, though some areas were rated lower.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE lacked many advanced safety features, offering only front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera. Forward-collision warning was standard, but automatic emergency braking was unavailable. The NHTSA had not rated the MINI, but the IIHS awarded it "Good" scores in all crash tests, providing some reassurance despite its small size.