2020 Cadillac CT5 vs 2020 MINI Cooper

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 was a striking representation of Cadillac's future design language, heavily inspired by the Escala concept vehicle. It exuded a sleek and elegant aesthetic, with a design that was largely free of flaws, save for a debatable chrome spear on the rear roof pillars. The standard 18-inch wheels complemented the car's proportions well, and the Red Obsession Tintcoat paint, though costly, added a touch of luxury. The CT5's interior was a significant improvement over its predecessor, the CTS, offering a spacious and comfortable cabin with high-quality materials, although some areas still needed refinement.

In contrast, the 2020 MINI Cooper was a unique and charming vehicle, instantly recognizable with its wide-eyed LED headlights and grinning front grille. It offered a variety of vibrant color options and featured Union Jack taillights that were a hit among enthusiasts. The MINI Cooper's design was both playful and sophisticated, appealing to those who appreciated its distinct style. Inside, the Cooper maintained its circular design theme, with a premium feel that was unmatched in its class. Despite its compact size, the MINI Cooper's interior was thoughtfully designed, providing a surprising level of refinement and comfort.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 offered a choice between an unrefined 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a more powerful twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6. The latter, available on the Premium Luxury and standard on the CT5-V, delivered 335 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque in the Premium Luxury trim, and 360 hp and 405 lb-ft in the CT5-V. The V6 engine transformed the CT5 into a powerful and exhilarating vehicle, although the 10-speed automatic transmission occasionally detracted from the driving experience. The CT5's suspension was tuned for comfort, making it ideal for everyday driving, but less engaging at its limits.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE excelled in performance with its electric motor producing 181 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. Although 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's regenerative braking system allowed for one-pedal driving, which some drivers appreciated. Despite the added weight of the battery, the SE maintained a low center of gravity, providing a planted and agile driving experience. The SE's single-speed gearbox and lack of a manual transmission were notable changes for MINI enthusiasts.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 boasted a spacious interior, thanks to its stretched wheelbase. The Premium Luxury Platinum trim offered 18-way power-adjustable front seats with lumbar massage and automatic climate controls, providing exceptional comfort. Rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom and air conditioning vents. Interior storage was generous, with various compartments for personal items. However, the trunk space was limited to 11.9 cubic feet, with a non-flat floor and enclosed hinges.

The 2020 MINI Cooper, while compact, was cleverly designed. Front-seat space was adequate, and the large windows prevented any feeling of confinement. The backseat was small, suitable for children, and cargo space was limited, with only 8.7 cubic feet in the two-door model. The four-door version offered slightly more space, while the convertible had the least. Despite its size, the Cooper featured thoughtful touches like two-zone automatic air conditioning and high-quality materials, reflecting BMW's investment in the brand.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 featured an updated Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system with a 10.0-inch high-definition touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Optional upgrades included a navigation system and a 15-speaker Bose sound system. The CT5 also offered a head-up display, although its speed-limit data was occasionally inaccurate. Additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and parking assist with automatic emergency braking.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE came with an "eDrive" driver-information display, which moved with the steering wheel adjustments. The SE's infotainment system featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, navigation, and Apple CarPlay. The top-tier SE Iconic trim offered an 8.8-inch screen, wireless charging, and a head-up display. While the SE's range was limited to 110 miles, it was designed for urban drivers who didn't require long-range capabilities.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 was equipped with advanced safety features, although they were not available on the base Luxury trim. The test car's lane-keeping assistance was subtle, and the adaptive cruise control system operated smoothly. The CT5 earned five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, but the IIHS had not rated it at the time of review.

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 not available. The IIHS rated the MINI Cooper with "Good" scores in all crash tests, but the NHTSA had not rated it.