2021 Toyota Corolla vs 2020 MINI Cooper
Overview | |
MSRP$23,400 | MSRP$20,025 |
Average price$19,559 | Average price$18,147 |
Listings123 | Listings1803 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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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 Toyota Corolla Reviews SummaryEverybody knows somebody who owns or has owned a Toyota Corolla. Thanks to a deserved reputation for affordability, reliability, and efficiency, the Corolla is what comes to mind when all you want is a cheap, dependable, and thrifty set of wheels. Over the nameplate’s 55-year history, Toyota built a handful of Corollas that were anything but rolling appliances. But those fun-to-drive gems were relative rarities. Under the tenure of Akio Toyoda, the automaker’s current president and a man who loves to drive, the Corolla has become something more than a bore. It’s a car that makes you want to cruise instead of snooze. We’re talking about the Corolla SE and XSE, of course. Toyota still makes dull and duller versions of its compact car, but the SE and XSE trim levels add some spice to the basic commuter-car recipe. This year, the 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE are available in a new limited-production Apex Edition flavor. It’s got a track-tuned sport suspension, a lowered ride height, revised steering calibration, a sport exhaust system, and lightweight 18-inch gloss black aluminum wheels that you can wrap in optional summer performance tires. Unfortunately, it also comes with a “Lookit me, Officer, I like to go fast!” body kit. Fearing this would be the example Toyota sent to us for review, we instead happily accepted the key fob to a Barcelona Red Corolla XSE and discovered that you don’t need the Apex Edition treatment to enjoy driving this car. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.5L 134 hp I3 | Engine1.8L 139 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity4 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower134 hp @ 4400 rpm | Horsepower |
MPG City28 | MPG City30 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway38 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.5L 134 hp I3 | Engine Name1.8L 139 hp I4 |
Torque162 lb-ft @ 1250 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower134 hp @ 4400 rpm | Horsepower |
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 Space13.1 cu ft |
Curb Weight2625 lbs | Curb Weight2910 lbs |
Height55.7 in | Height56.5 in |
Length151.1 in | Length182.3 in |
Width76.1 in | Width70.1 in |
Wheelbase98.2 in | Wheelbase106.3 in |
Maximum Payload680 lbs | Maximum Payload825 lbs |
Number of doors2 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $23,400 | $20,025 |
Average price | $19,559 | $18,147 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.3 out of 10Read full review | 7.8 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
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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. | Everybody knows somebody who owns or has owned a Toyota Corolla. Thanks to a deserved reputation for affordability, reliability, and efficiency, the Corolla is what comes to mind when all you want is a cheap, dependable, and thrifty set of wheels. Over the nameplate’s 55-year history, Toyota built a handful of Corollas that were anything but rolling appliances. But those fun-to-drive gems were relative rarities. Under the tenure of Akio Toyoda, the automaker’s current president and a man who loves to drive, the Corolla has become something more than a bore. It’s a car that makes you want to cruise instead of snooze. We’re talking about the Corolla SE and XSE, of course. Toyota still makes dull and duller versions of its compact car, but the SE and XSE trim levels add some spice to the basic commuter-car recipe. This year, the 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE are available in a new limited-production Apex Edition flavor. It’s got a track-tuned sport suspension, a lowered ride height, revised steering calibration, a sport exhaust system, and lightweight 18-inch gloss black aluminum wheels that you can wrap in optional summer performance tires. Unfortunately, it also comes with a “Lookit me, Officer, I like to go fast!” body kit. Fearing this would be the example Toyota sent to us for review, we instead happily accepted the key fob to a Barcelona Red Corolla XSE and discovered that you don’t need the Apex Edition treatment to enjoy driving this car. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.5L 134 hp I3 | 1.8L 139 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 |
Horsepower | 134 hp @ 4400 rpm | |
MPG City | 28 | 30 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 38 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.5L 134 hp I3 | 1.8L 139 hp I4 |
Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 1250 rpm | |
Horsepower | 134 hp @ 4400 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 | 13.1 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 2625 lbs | 2910 lbs |
Height | 55.7 in | 56.5 in |
Length | 151.1 in | 182.3 in |
Width | 76.1 in | 70.1 in |
Wheelbase | 98.2 in | 106.3 in |
Maximum Payload | 680 lbs | 825 lbs |
Number of doors | 2 | 4 |
The 2020 MINI Cooper was a standout 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 car enthusiasts. Despite its unique styling, the Cooper managed to avoid being wasteful or gaudy, exuding a sense of charm that invited admiration. 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 main 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 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its 12th-generation form, was considered one of the most attractive Corollas in recent history. The SE and XSE trims featured sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, and 18-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its appeal. However, some design elements, like the hood shut line and over-styled rear bumper, were seen as less favorable. The Corolla offered a range of trims, including the sporty SE and XSE, which came with a more powerful engine and sportier styling. The interior of the Corolla XSE was a significant improvement over previous models, featuring soft leatherette materials and a clean, minimalist design. Despite some limitations in practical storage, the Corolla's cabin provided a sense of substance and comfort.
The 2020 MINI Cooper was renowned for its nimble quickness and ability to carve corners with ease. The Cooper SE, with its electric motor producing 181 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, excelled in performance. 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, though some drivers preferred a less aggressive setting. Despite a weight penalty due to the battery, the SE maintained a low center of gravity, enhancing its handling. Gas-powered Coopers offered a choice between a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an eight-speed automatic, while the SE used a single-speed gearbox.
The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE were equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. The Dynamic Shift CVT, paired with paddle shifters and a Sport driving mode, provided a smooth driving experience. The Corolla's TNGA platform contributed to its enjoyable driving dynamics, with electric steering and a well-tuned suspension. The SE and XSE trims featured 18-inch wheels and all-season tires, enhancing their sporty appeal. While not a sport sedan, the Corolla XSE offered competent handling and a satisfying driving experience. The EPA estimated the Corolla XSE's fuel economy at 34 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing yielded slightly lower results.
The 2020 MINI Cooper hatchback was not ideal for carpooling or long 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 even less space, with only 5.7 cubic feet. Despite these limitations, the Cooper's interior was thoughtfully designed, featuring two-zone automatic air conditioning and high-quality materials. The chrome toggle switches and ergonomic steering wheel added to the car's appeal.
The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered several interior upgrades, including SofTex leatherette seats with striped fabric inserts and an eight-way power driver's seat. The front seats provided comfort and a commanding driving position, while the rear seats offered good support but limited headroom and legroom. The Corolla sedan's trunk had 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, with the hatchback version offering more. Despite some limitations, the Corolla's interior was well-designed and comfortable.
The 2020 MINI Cooper SE featured an "eDrive" driver-information display, which moved with the steering wheel adjustments. The display provided information on speed, time, mileage, and remaining charge, with a focus on the vehicle's range. 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, wireless charging, and a head-up display.
The 2021 Toyota Corolla came standard with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Corolla SE featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while the XSE included Service Connect and Remote Connect. The SE and XSE offered a nine-speaker JBL premium sound system, with dynamic voice recognition and navigation exclusive to the XSE. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy access.
The 2020 MINI Cooper SE lacked advanced safety features, with only front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera included. Forward-collision warning was standard, but automatic emergency braking was unavailable. The IIHS rated the MINI Cooper highly, with "Good" scores in all crash tests, though the NHTSA had not rated it.
The 2021 Toyota Corolla featured the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and more. The Corolla also added rear side-impact airbags and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic warning. The IIHS awarded the 2020 Corolla a "Top Safety Pick" rating, and the NHTSA gave it a 5-star overall rating. The 2021 model required re-testing due to the addition of new airbags.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 MINI Cooper is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Toyota Corolla scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Toyota Corolla is the recommended choice, offering a better balance of safety, technology, and overall value.
Choose the 2021 Toyota Corolla if:
- You value a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features.
- You desire a comfortable and well-equipped interior with modern technology.
- You appreciate a reliable and fuel-efficient compact car with sporty styling.
Choose the 2020 MINI Cooper if:
- You prioritize a unique and charming design with a premium feel.
- You seek a nimble and agile driving experience, especially in urban settings.
- You prefer an electric vehicle with a distinctive style and features.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 MINI Cooper is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Toyota Corolla scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Toyota Corolla is the recommended choice, offering a better balance of safety, technology, and overall value.
Choose the 2021 Toyota Corolla if:
Shop Now- You value a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features.
- You desire a comfortable and well-equipped interior with modern technology.
- You appreciate a reliable and fuel-efficient compact car with sporty styling.
Choose the 2020 MINI Cooper if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a unique and charming design with a premium feel.
- You seek a nimble and agile driving experience, especially in urban settings.
- You prefer an electric vehicle with a distinctive style and features.

By: CarGurus + AI
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