2021 MINI Cooper vs 2020 MINI Cooper

The 2020 MINI Cooper undeniably captured attention with its unique, never-to-be-mistaken aesthetics. The car flaunted wide-eyed LED-ring headlights upfront, coupled with a front grille that seemed to wear a perpetual grin. The array of vibrant color choices turned heads, while the Union Jack taillights were an absolute crowd-pleaser. MINI fans adored the car’s styling, which played into its identity as an enthusiast’s machine without ever appearing wasteful or gaudy. The charm practically dripped off the Cooper, inviting admiration. Initially introduced as a two-door hardtop, the MINI Cooper evolved over time offering a convertible variant and later a four-door body style. For this review, the focus was placed on the all-electric Cooper SE trim.

The 2020 Cooper SE closely imitated the design aesthetics found on a traditional Cooper S, with the significant difference being its slightly elevated stance to accommodate battery cells under its floor. The SE also featured unique paint schemes and EV-specific wheels that mirrored a European-style electrical outlet. The distinction between the electric and gas models was subtle, reflecting MINI’s commitment to maintaining classic appeal.

Inside, the circular design language of the Mini Cooper continued to dominate. Circular elements graced everything from the speakers and air vents to the door handles. The heart of this design was the massive circular housing encasing the touchscreen infotainment system between the front seats. Despite its compact size, the 2020 Cooper boasted an unmatched level of refinement among its peers, delivering a premium feel throughout.

The 2021 MINI Cooper retained much of the iconic styling that made the brand a household name. Its rounded shape and compact dimensions set it apart in a crowded subcompact segment. With customization options galore, buyers could select from different exterior hues, roof graphics—including the Union Jack flag—and various wheel and trim upgrades depending on the model.

The design language extended seamlessly into the 2021 Cooper’s interior. Rounded shapes and circles persisted across the seats, dashboard, and center stack, complemented by a bright, ringed infotainment touchscreen and circular air vents. The high-quality materials provided a premium feel, but the inherent lack of space was a notable drawback. The rear seats were more apt for storage than human occupants, presenting significant limitations in terms of passenger comfort.

Tracing its lineage back to giving V8 racecars a run for their money in the 1960s European Touring Car Championships, the 2020 MINI Cooper was steeped in performance legacy. Known more for agile maneuverability than outright speed, the front-wheel-drive Mini Cooper S carried this torch forward. The John Cooper Works (JCW) trim continued to dance circles around ostensibly more powerful rivals on paper.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE, driven by an electric motor producing 181 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque from a 32.6-kilowatt-hour battery, offered performance just shy of the Cooper S's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which delivered 189 hp and 207 lb-ft. Thanks to the immediate torque delivery from the electric motor, the SE felt nearly as quick as the Cooper S during acceleration, and easily outpaced the base Cooper’s 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder with its 134 hp and 162 lb-ft. The regenerative braking system of the SE was aggressive by default, emulating a one-pedal driving style that many found convenient, albeit with an option for less aggressive settings.

A trade-off for the SE, however, was its added weight—approximately 300 pounds more than the Cooper S due to its battery. However, strategic placement of the battery in a T shape under the floor kept the center of gravity low, preserving the nimble and planted feel in corners that MINI enthusiasts loved. The instant torque, direct steering, and minimal body roll added to the SE’s authentic MINI driving experience.

For the 2021 MINI Cooper, four powertrain options were available: a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder with 134 hp for the base model; a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 189 hp for the Cooper S; a 228-hp turbo-four for the JCW; and a 301-hp turbo-four for the JCW GP. All models were front-wheel-drive by default. Manual transmission options returned with a six-speed manual available for the Cooper and Cooper S, while the JCW GP came equipped with an eight-speed automatic.

Regardless of the engine choice, all 2021 Cooper models felt spunky and lively beyond their size. The turbocharged four-cylinder engines in particular offered stronger performance, especially at highway speeds. The JCW GP transformed the driving experience into that of a proper rocket ship, delivering the best acceleration across the lineup.

However, the 2021 models exhibited a somewhat stiff ride quality that could become exhausting on longer trips. While its agility and responsiveness in cornering were highlights, the compromised ride comfort due to road imperfections was critical to note. The most fuel-efficient setup for 2021 was the Convertible variant at 28/37/31 mpg city/highway/combined, whereas the Cooper S Convertible lagged behind at 23/32/26 mpg.

As expected, the 2020 MINI Cooper hatchback was not a prime choice for extensive carpooling, long road trips, or carrying large loads. The front seats provided ample space and the large greenhouse area ensured a feeling of openness, even if the compact size might suggest otherwise. However, the backseat was predictably tight, better suited for children or even solitary use as extra storage space.

The cargo capacity in the two-door 2020 Cooper was a meager 8.7 cubic feet, unchanged in the SE trim. Opting for the four-door variant increased cargo space to a more reasonable 13.1 cubic feet. On the other hand, the Convertible model offered an even smaller 5.7 cubic feet. Folding down the rear seats in the SE expanded space to a maximum of 25.8 cubic feet—still less than half of what competitors like the Volkswagen Golf offered with seats folded. Impressively, MINI managed to engineer the SE trim without compromising the already limited interior space—a crucial consideration given the car’s compact nature.

Thoughtful interior design marked the 2020 Cooper, with features like two-zone automatic climate control and a remarkably efficient heat pump for minimizing the electric SE’s winter energy draw. Fun chrome toggle switches, ergonomic steering wheels, and premium materials further elevated the driving experience.

The 2021 MINI Cooper continued this tradition but also retained some familiar constraints. The rear seat was functionally more useful for cargo storage than accommodating passengers. The front seats were comfortable, offering reasonable head and legroom for average adults, but taller drivers might struggle with knee placement due to the dash shape under the steering column. The front cabin, though cozy, couldn't escape the overall space limitations inherent to the MINI’s design.

Storage inside the 2021 Cooper was similarly constricted, with a center console storage area scarcely larger than an old smartphone and equally restrictive door pockets. The Cooper Hatchbacks provided decent cargo capability, with back seats that fold down for added storage flexibility. However, the Convertible models delivered minimal usable space beneath the folding top compartment.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE stood out with its unique “eDrive” driver-information display, adjustable with the steering wheel positioning—a minor annoyance for some but manageable nonetheless. This screen could showcase various metrics, including speed, time, mileage, remaining charge, and drive mode (Sport, Mid, or Green). However, the critical figure for electric driving was the remaining range. With its 32.6-kilowatt-hour battery, the SE achieved an EPA-rated 110 miles per charge, less competitive against rivals like the Hyundai Kona Electric but still suited for urban driving needs.

The tech centerpiece for the 2020 SE was a 6.5-inch touchscreen housed within the dash’s circular enclosure. While visually striking, it wasn’t the most efficient use of space. This system supported Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims like the SE Iconic offered an upgraded 8.8-inch screen, wireless charging, and a head-up display.

The 2021 MINI Cooper wasn’t particularly generous with standard features. The base unit featured a 6.5-inch screen, with an 8.8-inch upgrade available that added SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and more. Options included a Harman Kardon sound system, automatic climate control, and LED headlights. While physical controls enhanced usability, MINI fell short by excluding Android Auto across all trims, leaving a significant portion of smartphone users reliant on basic Bluetooth connections.

Parent company BMW’s infotainment software provided a reliable experience, but the physical iDrive controller’s placement—in a tight spot between the front seats—made it challenging to use. Many might prefer interacting directly with the touchscreen instead.

For the 2020 MINI Cooper SE, comprehensive safety wasn’t a strong point. Advanced safety features were sparse. The Iconic package included front and rear parking sensors, and the rear-view camera system was sharp, but overall, the advanced safety suite was lacking. Forward-collision warning was standard, yet automatic emergency braking wasn’t available.

The NHTSA didn’t rate the 2020 MINI Cooper, while the IIHS provided "Good" ratings across all crash tests. Despite these reassuring scores, the MINI’s small size and limited seating made it unsuitable as a primary family vehicle.

The 2021 MINI Cooper didn’t earn a Top Safety Pick from IIHS due to "Acceptable" or "Poor" ratings for its headlights. It did, however, receive "Good" marks in crash tests, "Advanced" scores for its front crash prevention systems, and a "Marginal" rating for the LATCH system’s ease of use.

Like its predecessor, the NHTSA didn’t rate the 2021 Cooper. Standard driver-assistance features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and rear parking sensors. Optional add-ons for 2021 ranged from front parking sensors, parking assistance systems, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.