2021 Honda Civic vs 2020 MINI Cooper
Overview | |
MSRP$23,400 | MSRP$21,250 |
Average price$19,433 | Average price$20,040 |
Listings144 | Listings894 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.2 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2020 MINI Cooper Reviews SummaryThe MINI Cooper showcases timeless design and encourages even the timidest driver to live out their inner Mario Kart fantasies. With a short wheelbase, low curb weight, and torquey engines, the MINI Cooper delivers more smiles per square foot than most competitors. And with a new electric powertrain option, it can do so with a green footprint, too. | |
2021 Honda Civic Reviews SummaryHonda is ready to retire the 10th-generation Civic, one of the groundbreaking versions in the nameplate's long and storied history. From its polarizing design and three body styles to the arrival (finally!) of the Type R performance variant in the U.S. market, this version of the Civic made its mark. And even though the design is now six years old, and the car is ubiquitous on American roads, the 2021 Honda Civic remains worthy of consideration. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.5L 134 hp I3 | Engine2.0L 158 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity4 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower134 hp @ 4400 rpm | Horsepower158 hp @ 6500 rpm |
MPG City28 | MPG City30 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway38 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.5L 134 hp I3 | Engine Name2.0L 158 hp I4 |
Torque162 lb-ft @ 1250 rpm | Torque138 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm |
Horsepower134 hp @ 4400 rpm | Horsepower158 hp @ 6500 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City28 | MPG City30 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway38 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity4 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall4 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space8.7 cu ft | Cargo Space15.1 cu ft |
Curb Weight2625 lbs | Curb Weight2771 lbs |
Height55.7 in | Height55.7 in |
Length151.1 in | Length182.7 in |
Width76.1 in | Width70.9 in |
Wheelbase98.2 in | Wheelbase106.3 in |
Maximum Payload680 lbs | Maximum Payload998 lbs |
Number of doors2 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $23,400 | $21,250 |
Average price | $19,433 | $20,040 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.3 out of 10Read full review | 7.2 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | The MINI Cooper showcases timeless design and encourages even the timidest driver to live out their inner Mario Kart fantasies. With a short wheelbase, low curb weight, and torquey engines, the MINI Cooper delivers more smiles per square foot than most competitors. And with a new electric powertrain option, it can do so with a green footprint, too. | Honda is ready to retire the 10th-generation Civic, one of the groundbreaking versions in the nameplate's long and storied history. From its polarizing design and three body styles to the arrival (finally!) of the Type R performance variant in the U.S. market, this version of the Civic made its mark. And even though the design is now six years old, and the car is ubiquitous on American roads, the 2021 Honda Civic remains worthy of consideration. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.5L 134 hp I3 | 2.0L 158 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 |
Horsepower | 134 hp @ 4400 rpm | 158 hp @ 6500 rpm |
MPG City | 28 | 30 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 38 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.5L 134 hp I3 | 2.0L 158 hp I4 |
Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 1250 rpm | 138 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm |
Horsepower | 134 hp @ 4400 rpm | 158 hp @ 6500 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 28 | 30 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 38 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 8.7 cu ft | 15.1 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 2625 lbs | 2771 lbs |
Height | 55.7 in | 55.7 in |
Length | 151.1 in | 182.7 in |
Width | 76.1 in | 70.9 in |
Wheelbase | 98.2 in | 106.3 in |
Maximum Payload | 680 lbs | 998 lbs |
Number of doors | 2 | 4 |
The 2020 MINI Cooper stood out on the road with its distinctive design, characterized by wide-eyed LED-ringed headlights and a grinning front grille. Its vibrant color options and Union Jack taillights added to its charm, making it a favorite among enthusiasts. Despite its unique styling, the Cooper managed to avoid being wasteful or gaudy, exuding a sense of 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 S trim but with an electric motor. 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 in cars of its size.
The 2021 Honda Civic, with its long history of segment-defining models, continued to impress with its four-door sedan, five-door hatchback, and performance-tuned Type R formats. The 2021 model year saw the discontinuation of the two-door coupe and the temporary hiatus of the sporty Civic Si. Our review focused on the Civic sedan, specifically the Touring trim in Cosmic Blue Metallic paint. The Civic's styling, once polarizing, had become familiar on the roads, with its handsome 18-inch wheels adding to its appeal. The interior, though not as dramatic as when first introduced, still featured quality materials and thoughtful detailing. The Civic's cabin offered a spacious feel, akin to a midsize car from a decade ago, with a trunk size of 15.1 cubic feet, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.
The 2020 MINI Cooper was renowned for its nimble quickness and ability to carve corners, a legacy dating back to its racing days in the 1960s. The Cooper SE, with its 181 horsepower electric motor and 199 pound-feet of torque, delivered impressive performance, closely matching the Cooper S's 189 hp and 207 lb-ft from its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The SE's electric motor provided immediate torque delivery, making it feel quick off the line. The SE also featured regenerative braking, which some drivers found aggressive, but it helped keep the battery charged. Despite a 300-pound weight penalty due to the battery, the SE maintained a low center of gravity, ensuring a planted feel in corners. The SE used a single-speed gearbox, while gas-powered Coopers offered a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or an eight-speed automatic in the John Cooper Works trim.
The 2021 Honda Civic offered a choice between a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 174 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged engine, available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, provided the Civic with ample power. The Civic's sophisticated four-wheel independent suspension and precise steering made it a delight to drive, especially with the Touring trim's 18-inch wheels. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was a drawback, with its droning nature and unsatisfactory paddle shifters. Despite this, the Civic's fuel economy was commendable, averaging 34.8 mpg on a 140-mile loop, surpassing the EPA estimate of 33 mpg.
The 2020 MINI Cooper, while not ideal for carpooling or long trips, offered good front-seat space and a spacious feel due to its large greenhouse. The backseat was best suited 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 the same interior space, with a maximum of 25.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Despite its compact size, the Cooper featured thoughtful design elements, such as two-zone automatic air conditioning and ergonomic controls, reflecting BMW's investment in the brand.
The 2021 Honda Civic sedan, though low to the ground, provided comfortable seating once inside. The driver's seat offered eight-way power adjustment, but the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Civic's interior was spacious, with rear seats accommodating adults comfortably. The center console offered remarkable storage space, and the trunk was generous, with 15.1 cubic feet of space, slightly reduced in the Touring trim. The Civic's practicality was evident in its thoughtful design and ample storage options.
The 2020 MINI Cooper SE featured an "eDrive" driver-information display, which moved with the steering wheel adjustments. The display provided essential information, including vehicle speed, time, mileage, and remaining charge. The SE's 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Bluetooth, navigation, and Apple CarPlay, with an 8.8-inch screen available in the SE Iconic trim. The top-tier SE also offered a wireless charging pad and a head-up display.
The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was somewhat dated, with the LX trim offering a 5-inch LCD screen and basic Bluetooth connectivity. The Civic Sport upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an eight-speaker sound system. The EX trim added HD Radio and SiriusXM, while the Touring trim included navigation and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The Civic's voice recognition system was unsophisticated, but the premium sound system was a nice addition.
The 2020 MINI Cooper 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 MINI Cooper received "Good" scores in all crash tests from the IIHS, but the NHTSA had not rated it.
The 2021 Honda Civic came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Civic also featured LaneWatch, a camera-based blind-spot monitoring system. However, it lacked a traditional radar-based blind-spot warning system. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and received five-star ratings in all NHTSA assessments.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 MINI Cooper is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda Civic scores 7.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 MINI Cooper is the recommended choice, offering a unique driving experience and premium features that slightly edge out the Civic's practicality and safety.
Choose the 2021 Honda Civic if:
- You need a spacious interior with ample trunk space for a compact car.
- You appreciate advanced safety features and a strong safety rating.
- You seek a balance of performance and fuel efficiency in a reliable vehicle.
Choose the 2020 MINI Cooper if:
- You prioritize unique styling and a premium feel in a compact package.
- You enjoy nimble handling and quick acceleration, especially in urban settings.
- You value a distinctive design with thoughtful interior features.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 MINI Cooper is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda Civic scores 7.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 MINI Cooper is the recommended choice, offering a unique driving experience and premium features that slightly edge out the Civic's practicality and safety.
Choose the 2021 Honda Civic if:
Shop Now- You need a spacious interior with ample trunk space for a compact car.
- You appreciate advanced safety features and a strong safety rating.
- You seek a balance of performance and fuel efficiency in a reliable vehicle.
Choose the 2020 MINI Cooper if:
Shop Now- You prioritize unique styling and a premium feel in a compact package.
- You enjoy nimble handling and quick acceleration, especially in urban settings.
- You value a distinctive design with thoughtful interior features.

By: CarGurus + AI
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