2020 Subaru WRX vs 2020 MINI Cooper

The 2020 MINI Cooper was a standout on the road with its unique design, characterized by wide-eyed LED headlights and a grinning front grille. Its vibrant color options and Union Jack taillights added to its charm, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts. Despite its distinctive styling, the Cooper managed to avoid being labeled as wasteful or gaudy, exuding a charm that invited praise. Over the years, the MINI Cooper evolved from a two-door hardtop to include a convertible variant and a four-door body style. The introduction of the all-electric SE trim marked a significant development, offering similar performance and refinement levels as the Cooper S, but with an electric motor and battery. The SE maintained much of the Cooper S's design, with the key difference being its slightly higher stance to accommodate the battery cells. Inside, the MINI Cooper's design was dominated by circular elements, providing a premium feel unmatched by other cars of its size.

The 2020 Subaru WRX, originally a performance variant of the Subaru Impreza, had evolved into its own unique model by 2015. The WRX featured a wider stance, a lower front splitter, and a rear deck spoiler, making it the most aggressively styled vehicle in Subaru's lineup. Despite its sporty appearance, the non-STI version could be considered a sleeper, surprising those unfamiliar with its performance capabilities. The WRX was available in Base, Premium, and Limited trims, each offering a range of features from 17-inch alloy wheels and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system to leather upholstery and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The WRX STI, a more hardcore version, boasted a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, Brembo brakes, and a stiffer suspension, enhancing its cornering abilities but resulting in a rougher ride.

The 2020 MINI Cooper was renowned for its nimble quickness and ability to carve corners, a legacy dating back to its success in the European Touring Car Championship circuit during the 1960s. The Cooper S, with its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, produced 189 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. The electric SE trim, with its 181 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, offered a similar performance experience due to the immediacy of the electric motor's torque delivery. The SE's regenerative braking system helped keep its battery charged, though it added roughly 300 pounds to the vehicle's weight. Despite this, the SE maintained a low center of gravity, contributing to its planted feel in corners. The SE used a single-speed gearbox, while gas-powered Coopers employed either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or an eight-speed automatic in the John Cooper Works trim.

The 2020 Subaru WRX was equipped with a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Power was sent to symmetrical all-wheel drive through a standard six-speed manual transmission, with an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) available. The CVT featured Subaru’s SI-DRIVE with multiple drive modes and paddle shifters with six-speed and eight-speed manual-shift modes. The WRX's AWD systems varied based on transmission selection, with the manual offering a 50:50 front:rear torque distribution and the CVT providing a 45:55 front:rear torque-split ratio. The WRX's power delivery was impressive, with minimal turbo lag and precise steering, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. The WRX STI, with its 310 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque, offered even sharper cornering abilities but at the cost of a stiffer ride.

The 2020 MINI Cooper hatchback was not ideal for carpooling or long road trips, with limited rear-seat space best suited for children. The two-door Cooper offered 8.7 cubic feet of cargo space, while the four-door version provided 13.1 cubic feet. The Convertible had only 5.7 cubic feet of cargo space. Despite its compact size, the Cooper's interior was thoughtfully designed, with two-zone automatic air conditioning and high-quality materials. The chrome toggle switches and ergonomic steering wheel added to the car's premium feel.

The 2020 Subaru WRX's sedan layout provided excellent sightlines, with good rear and side visibility. The cabin featured a simple, straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and ample storage compartments. The WRX offered plenty of first-row seating space, with adequate rear-seat space for adults on most trips. Its 12 cubic feet of cargo space was low compared to other compact sedans but comparable to sports cars with similar performance.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE featured an “eDrive” driver-information display connected to the steering wheel, displaying vehicle speed, time, mileage, remaining charge, and drive mode. The SE's 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display included Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, and Apple CarPlay. The SE Iconic trim offered an 8.8-inch screen, a wireless charging pad, and a head-up display.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an available 7-inch screen. The Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly and included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The WRX also featured a digital display in the instrument panel and a digital information screen atop the dash, providing key driver information in multiple locations.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE lacked advanced safety features, with only front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera system included in the Iconic package. Forward-collision warning was standard, but automatic emergency braking was unavailable. The MINI Cooper received "Good" scores in all crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The optional EyeSight suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The WRX earned top marks from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).