2021 Subaru WRX vs 2020 MINI Cooper

The 2020 MINI Cooper stood out on the road with its unique design, featuring wide-eyed LED headlights, a grinning front grille, and vibrant color options. The Union Jack taillights were a crowd favorite, adding to the car's charm without appearing wasteful or gaudy. Initially available only as a two-door hardtop, the MINI Cooper evolved to include a convertible variant, a four-door body style, and an all-electric SE trim. The SE trim maintained the design elements of the Cooper S but sat slightly higher to accommodate the battery cells. Inside, the MINI Cooper's design was dominated by circles, from the speakers to the air vents, and the premium feel of the materials was unmatched in cars of its size.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru WRX had a more adolescent aesthetic, often compared to a rebellious teenager within the Subaru family. While the standard WRX looked tamer than the racier WRX STI, it still featured a wedge-like front end and a short trunk lid, giving it a speedy appearance even when stationary. The aerodynamic bodywork and functional hood scoop added to its sporty look. Inside, the WRX's cockpit was function-first, with plenty of hard plastics that contributed to its less refined reputation compared to competitors like the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si. The WRX came in Base, Premium, and Limited trims, with the Limited offering leather upholstery, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and adaptive steering-responsive LED headlights.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE excelled in performance with its 181-horsepower electric motor and 199 pound-feet of torque, powered by a 32.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack. These figures were just below the Cooper S's 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, which generated 189 hp and 207 lb-ft. The SE's immediacy in torque delivery made it feel just as quick as the Cooper S, despite a 300-pound weight penalty due to the battery. The SE's regenerative braking system was aggressive, allowing for one-pedal driving, though it could be adjusted to a less aggressive setting. The SE maintained a low center of gravity, thanks to the battery's "T" shape beneath the floor, ensuring a planted feel in corners. Gas-powered Coopers offered either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or an eight-speed automatic in the John Cooper Works trim, while the SE used a single-speed gearbox.

The 2021 Subaru WRX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Despite being the most powerful among its rivals, the WRX required precise rev management to extract its full potential. The CVT, though not ideal for driving enthusiasts, kept the revs in the powerband with paddle shifters. The manual transmission, however, felt vague and required frequent shifting to maintain optimal revs. The WRX also included Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring, enhancing cornering precision. While the WRX offered well-weighted steering and a thrilling driving experience, its stiff ride was less comfortable compared to the Civic Si and GTI.

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 variant provided a more competitive 13.1 cubic feet. The Convertible had only 5.7 cubic feet of cargo space. Dropping the rear seats in the SE trim increased cargo space to 25.8 cubic feet, still less than half of what a Volkswagen Golf offered. Despite the limited space, the MINI Cooper featured thoughtful design elements like two-zone automatic air conditioning and chrome toggle switches on the dashboard. The materials used in the car felt top-notch, reflecting BMW's investment in the MINI brand.

The 2021 Subaru WRX, with its conventional sedan layout, offered 12 cubic feet of trunk space. This was more than the Civic Si coupe but less than the sedan and significantly less than the VW GTI's cargo space with the rear seats folded. The WRX's interior packaging felt dated, with limited in-door bottle holders and center console cupholders that could obstruct shifting. However, the WRX provided a comfortable driving position with excellent visibility. The rear seats could accommodate four adults comfortably, showcasing the advantages of a sedan layout over a coupe or sports car.

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, housed within a circular dash, 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, enhancing the tech experience.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch screen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a sensible layout and easy-to-use controls. The Limited trim offered an option package with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, providing excellent sound quality. Despite updates, the WRX's tech felt dated compared to newer models.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE 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 top marks from the IIHS, earning "Good" scores in all crash tests, though it was not rated by the NHTSA.

The 2021 Subaru WRX did not come standard with the latest safety features. Subaru's EyeSight system, including adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning, was available only on Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. Adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking were optional on the Limited trim. All WRX trims included a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.