2021 MINI Cooper vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

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.