2021 MINI Cooper vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra
Overview | |
MSRP$19,650 | MSRP$22,400 |
Average price$17,672 | Average price$23,362 |
Listings917 | Listings150 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews5.0 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2021 Hyundai Elantra Reviews SummaryCompact cars are no longer compact. Cheap cars are no longer cheap. And it is no longer necessary to buy a luxury vehicle for performance, technology, and sophistication. The redesigned 2021 Hyundai Elantra proves it. | |
2021 MINI Cooper Reviews SummaryThe MINI Cooper is a funky little car with a big attitude that screams nostalgia. The BMW-owned automaker marches to the beat of its own drum, and while the MINI Cooper isn’t the most practical or best equipped car in its class, its unique styling and classic fun-loving attitude will be just what the doctor ordered for many buyers. The Cooper is available in body styles that include the two-door Mini Cooper Hardtop, a four-door hardtop, and a convertible. Other variants of the Cooper go by different names, such as the larger MINI Countryman crossover and the Clubman wagon. Updates for the 2021 model year includes several new features and the re-addition of a manual transmission option. Two new special editions are also available: MINI Sidewalk and John Cooper Works GP. The MINI Cooper's odd place in the market pits it against several competitors from various classes. New car buyers may cross-shop the Mazda MX-5 Miata, BMW 2 Series, Kia Soul, Kia Seltos, Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR86, Hyundai Kona, or Mazda MX-30 when making a buying decision on the MINI. Prior to their discontinuation, the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit were solid Mini competitors as well. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 147 hp I4 | Engine1.5L 134 hp I3 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity4 |
Horsepower147 hp @ 6200 rpm | Horsepower134 hp @ 4400 rpm |
MPG City31 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway41 | MPG Highway37 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 147 hp I4 | Engine Name1.5L 134 hp I3 |
Torque132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | Torque162 lb-ft @ 1250 rpm |
Horsepower147 hp @ 6200 rpm | Horsepower134 hp @ 4400 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City31 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway41 | MPG Highway37 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity4 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall4 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space14.2 cu ft | Cargo Space8.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight2725 lbs | Curb Weight2707 lbs |
Height55.7 in | Height55.7 in |
Length184.1 in | Length151.1 in |
Width71.9 in | Width76.1 in |
Wheelbase107.1 in | Wheelbase98.2 in |
Maximum Payload1133 lbs | Maximum Payload818 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors2 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $19,650 | $22,400 |
Average price | $17,672 | $23,362 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.8 out of 10Read full review | 5.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | Compact cars are no longer compact. Cheap cars are no longer cheap. And it is no longer necessary to buy a luxury vehicle for performance, technology, and sophistication. The redesigned 2021 Hyundai Elantra proves it. | The MINI Cooper is a funky little car with a big attitude that screams nostalgia. The BMW-owned automaker marches to the beat of its own drum, and while the MINI Cooper isn’t the most practical or best equipped car in its class, its unique styling and classic fun-loving attitude will be just what the doctor ordered for many buyers. The Cooper is available in body styles that include the two-door Mini Cooper Hardtop, a four-door hardtop, and a convertible. Other variants of the Cooper go by different names, such as the larger MINI Countryman crossover and the Clubman wagon. Updates for the 2021 model year includes several new features and the re-addition of a manual transmission option. Two new special editions are also available: MINI Sidewalk and John Cooper Works GP. The MINI Cooper's odd place in the market pits it against several competitors from various classes. New car buyers may cross-shop the Mazda MX-5 Miata, BMW 2 Series, Kia Soul, Kia Seltos, Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR86, Hyundai Kona, or Mazda MX-30 when making a buying decision on the MINI. Prior to their discontinuation, the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit were solid Mini competitors as well. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 147 hp I4 | 1.5L 134 hp I3 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 4 |
Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | 134 hp @ 4400 rpm |
MPG City | 31 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 41 | 37 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 147 hp I4 | 1.5L 134 hp I3 |
Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | 162 lb-ft @ 1250 rpm |
Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | 134 hp @ 4400 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 31 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 41 | 37 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 4 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | |
Side Crash Overall | 4 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 14.2 cu ft | 8.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 2725 lbs | 2707 lbs |
Height | 55.7 in | 55.7 in |
Length | 184.1 in | 151.1 in |
Width | 71.9 in | 76.1 in |
Wheelbase | 107.1 in | 98.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 1133 lbs | 818 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 2 |
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra stood out in the compact sedan category with its bold and distinctive design, characterized by sharp creases and dramatic angles. This styling was a result of Hyundai's Sensuous Sportiness design language, which included unique features like the Z-shaped dent in the car’s doors, intended to break conventional design rules and give the Elantra a unique character. The Elantra's appearance improved with higher trim levels, offering options like the SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited, with a hybrid powertrain available for the SEL and Limited trims. Inside, the Elantra featured a driver-focused dashboard and center console, with the Limited and Hybrid Limited trims offering a modern and upscale look with light gray interiors that contrasted with the otherwise black cabin.
In contrast, the 2021 MINI Cooper was instantly recognizable with its iconic rounded shape and compact dimensions. The MINI offered a wide variety of exterior color choices and customization options, including graphics for the roof and unique styling cues like the Union Jack taillights. Inside, the MINI Cooper continued its unique design language with circular shapes dominating the seats, dash, and center stack. The cabin was high quality but lacked space, with the rear seats being more suitable for cargo than passengers. Despite its small size, the MINI Cooper's interior was stylish and maintained the brand's heritage.
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, including a standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and a high-performance Elantra N with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 276 horsepower. The Elantra N was particularly impressive, offering a dynamic driving experience with features like an electronic limited-slip differential and an electronically controlled suspension. The Elantra Hybrid combined a 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor, producing 139 horsepower and offering impressive fuel efficiency, although real-world mileage varied due to driving conditions. The Elantra N Line, with its turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and sport-tuned suspension, provided a fun driving experience, though not as exhilarating as the Elantra N.
The 2021 MINI Cooper offered four powertrain options, starting with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower. The Cooper S featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 189 horsepower, while the John Cooper Works (JCW) models offered more power, with the JCW GP reaching 301 horsepower. The MINI Cooper was known for its sprightly and energetic performance, with the turbocharged engines providing noticeable power, especially at highway speeds. However, the ride was stiff, and the car could feel twitchy at higher speeds. Despite this, the MINI Cooper was agile and fun to drive, making it an engaging choice for those who prioritize driving dynamics.
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was classified as a midsize car by the EPA, offering a spacious interior with height-adjustable driver’s seats and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The rear seat provided ample legroom, comparable to larger sedans, although the backrest shape and angle could be improved. The Elantra's trunk offered 14.2 cubic feet of space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. However, the lack of air conditioning vents and USB ports for rear-seat passengers was a drawback.
The 2021 MINI Cooper's interior was more suited for cargo than passengers, with the rear seat being more practical for storage. The front seats were comfortable, but taller drivers might find the dash shape problematic for knee placement. Interior storage was limited, with small center console storage and door pockets. The Cooper Hatchbacks offered decent cargo space with the back seats folded down, while the Convertible models had limited storage under the folding top compartment.
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the SE, SEL, and N Line trims, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited trim offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a digital instrumentation screen, providing a high-tech experience similar to luxury brands. The Elantra also offered a Bose premium sound system and Hyundai Digital Key, allowing smartphone-based access and control.
The 2021 MINI Cooper featured a base 6.5-inch screen, with an optional 8.8-inch unit offering SiriusXM satellite radio and Apple CarPlay. However, Android Auto was not available, limiting connectivity options for some users. The MINI's infotainment system used BMW's software, with a physical iDrive controller that could be challenging to use due to the tight interior space. Despite this, the MINI included more physical controls, making the technology easier to use while driving.
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform with multiple structural collision energy pathways. It came standard with Hyundai's SmartSense suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Additional safety features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability.
The 2021 MINI Cooper did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with mixed ratings for crash tests and headlights. The standard safety features included forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, with optional features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. The NHTSA had not rated the 2021 model.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra is 8.8 out of 10, while the 2021 MINI Cooper scores 5.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Hyundai Elantra is the recommended choice, offering a better balance of performance, technology, and safety features.
Choose the 2021 MINI Cooper if:
- You value iconic styling and customization options.
- You enjoy a sporty and agile driving experience.
- You prefer a compact car with a unique interior design.
Choose the 2021 Hyundai Elantra if:
- You prioritize advanced safety features and driver assistance systems.
- You want a spacious interior with ample rear-seat legroom.
- You seek a variety of powertrain options, including a high-performance model.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra is 8.8 out of 10, while the 2021 MINI Cooper scores 5.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Hyundai Elantra is the recommended choice, offering a better balance of performance, technology, and safety features.
Choose the 2021 MINI Cooper if:
Shop Now- You value iconic styling and customization options.
- You enjoy a sporty and agile driving experience.
- You prefer a compact car with a unique interior design.
Choose the 2021 Hyundai Elantra if:
Shop Now- You prioritize advanced safety features and driver assistance systems.
- You want a spacious interior with ample rear-seat legroom.
- You seek a variety of powertrain options, including a high-performance model.
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.