2021 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2021 MINI Cooper

The 2021 MINI Cooper was renowned for its iconic styling, which made it instantly recognizable alongside vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler. Its rounded shape, compact dimensions, and a wide array of color choices set it apart in the subcompact car market. MINI offered numerous customization options, including exterior and top graphics, such as the Union Jack flag, and hidden Easter eggs like Union Jack taillights. Despite its small size, the MINI Cooper was larger than the original Mini, with available wheel and trim upgrades. Inside, the MINI Cooper continued its unique design language with circular elements throughout the cabin, including the infotainment touchscreen and air vents. While the interior was generally high quality, space was limited, especially in the back seats, which were more suitable for packages than passengers.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid was a midsize sedan that offered a spacious and upscale interior. It came in standard, EX, EX-L, and Touring trim levels, with prices ranging from $26,370 to $36,240. The Accord Hybrid was praised for its stylish design, with minor front styling changes for 2021, including a new grille, revised bumper, and new headlights. The Touring trim featured new 19-inch aluminum wheels and a new paint color, Sonic Gray Pearl. The interior was roomy, with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a large back seat. The Accord Hybrid's cabin featured high-quality materials, including simulated matte-finish wood trim and polished metallic accents. The car's controls were logically arranged, and the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display included both a volume knob and a tuning knob. The Accord Hybrid's interior was both spacious and functional, with generous storage options and a large 16.7 cubic-foot trunk.

The 2021 MINI Cooper offered four powertrain options, each providing a unique driving experience. The base model featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower, while the Cooper S upgraded to a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 189 hp. The John Cooper Works (JCW) model boasted a 228-hp turbo-four, and the John Cooper Works GP delivered an impressive 301-hp turbo-four. All models came with front-wheel drive, and transmission options included a six-speed manual for the Cooper and Cooper S, a seven-speed automatic, and an eight-speed automatic for the JCW GP. The MINI Cooper was known for its sprightly and energetic feel, with the turbocharged four-cylinder engines providing noticeable power, especially at highway speeds. However, the ride was somewhat stiff, and road imperfections were more pronounced. The MINI Cooper's agility and cornering capabilities made it a fun car to drive, but it wasn't the most comfortable for long journeys. Fuel economy varied, with the most efficient model being the Convertible, achieving 28/37/31 mpg city/highway/combined.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a sophisticated two-motor hybrid system, combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a generator/starter motor and a separate electric drive motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. This setup produced a combined 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque, providing quick acceleration from a standstill. The Accord Hybrid could accelerate to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and achieved 48 mpg in combined driving for most trim levels, with the Touring trim earning a 43-mpg rating due to its larger wheels. The powertrain control module determined the appropriate operational mode, including EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive, while drivers could select EV Mode, Econ Mode, and Sport mode. Honda refined the powertrain for 2021, improving throttle response and sound. The Accord Hybrid Touring offered excellent handling with its 19-inch wheels and 235/40 tires, and the brake-by-wire regenerative braking system provided a responsive feel. The Accord Hybrid was praised for its fun-to-drive nature, although it required careful navigation over speed humps.

The 2021 MINI Cooper's interior was a testament to its heritage, with the rear seat more suitable for cargo storage than passengers. The front seats were comfortable, offering decent head and legroom for average adults, though taller drivers might find knee placement challenging due to the dash shape. Interior storage was limited, with a small center console and door pockets. The Cooper Hatchbacks provided decent cargo space, with foldable back seats for additional storage. Convertible models had a small cargo hold under the folding top compartment, with minimal usable space in the back.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid impressed with its spacious interior, competing as a midsize sedan but offering full-size sedan space. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and large back seat provided ample room, with heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats in the Touring trim. Interior storage was generous, with a spacious center console bin, a covered compartment with hidden storage, and large door panel bins. The Accord Hybrid's trunk was enormous, measuring 16.7 cubic feet, larger than any competitor in the segment. The trunk's depth allowed for full-size suitcases to be stored on their sides, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats expanded the car's utility.

The 2021 MINI Cooper was not the most generous in terms of standard features. The base model came with a 6.5-inch screen, while an 8.8-inch unit was available, offering SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and more. Optional features included a Harman Kardon sound system, automatic climate controls, and LED headlights. MINI included more physical controls than some automakers, enhancing the technology experience. However, Android Auto was not available, leaving many users reliant on Bluetooth. The infotainment system used BMW's software, featuring a physical iDrive controller, though its placement made it challenging to use.

For 2021, the Honda Accord Hybrid made its 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. EX trim and higher offered wireless connectivity for these platforms, improved USB port access, and quick-charge USB ports for rear-seat passengers. Wireless smartphone charging was standard with EX trim and higher. The EX-L trim featured a premium sound system, while the Touring trim included navigation, HondaLink subscription services, and a WiFi hotspot. The system required specific prompts for voice commands, and the navigation system had limitations, such as difficulty locating nearby hospitals.

The 2021 MINI Cooper did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, though it scored "Good" ratings in crash tests. Headlight ratings were either "Acceptable" or "Poor," and the standard front crash prevention systems earned "Advanced" scores. The LATCH system received a "Marginal" rating for ease of use. The NHTSA had not rated the 2021 model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and rear parking sensors, with optional features like front parking sensors, a parking assistance system, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.

In 2020, the Honda Accord did not achieve a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS due to headlight issues. For 2021, Honda redesigned the LED headlights and made them standard across all trims, aiming for the Top Safety Pick+ rating. The Accord Hybrid included a standard rear-seat reminder and rear seatbelt reminder system, with the Touring model gaining low-speed braking control. The Honda Sensing suite of advanced driving assistance systems received refinements for smoother operation. However, some features, like lane departure warning and low-speed automatic braking, required further improvement.