2021 MINI Cooper vs 2021 Honda Accord

The 2021 MINI Cooper's styling was iconic, a design language recognized almost universally alongside the Jeep Wrangler. Its distinctive rounded shape, compact dimensions, and a myriad of color choices allowed it to stand out in the crowded subcompact car segment. MINI offered customization options for the exterior, including various top graphics such as the Union Jack flag and Easter eggs like the Union Jack taillights. Although the MINI Cooper had grown in size compared to the original, the automaker provided wheel and trim upgrades tailored to specific models.

Internally, the uniqueness of the MINI Cooper continued with a design language emphasizing circles. This included the seats, dash, and center stack. The infotainment touchscreen was mounted within a circular light ring, and the circular air vents added to the cohesiveness of the design. Despite the high-quality materials throughout, the cabin felt cramped, especially in the rear seats which were better suited for storage than passengers. Even small children might have found the back seat lacking the needed space.

Turning to the 2021 Honda Accord, its refreshed styling for the year remained competitive in its segment, where it contested with rivals like the Mazda6, Subaru Legacy, Kia K5, and Hyundai Sonata. Honda redesigned the Accord's grille, creating a flatter yet more sculpted face that improved the concealment of the Honda Sensing safety system’s radar unit.

All Accords, except the base model, featured LED headlights and lowlights, enhancing night visibility. The redesigned fog light openings contributed to its sophisticated appearance. Wheel sizes varied, with the base model having 17-inch wheels, while the other models sported 19-inch wheels, each trim boasting unique designs.

New for 2021, the Sonic Gray Pearl paint option was available for the Sport, Sport Special Edition, and Touring trims, offering a distinctive touch in sunlight. Interior material quality was another standout feature; even the cloth seats in the base trims looked upscale. Upper trims like the Sport SE came with leather-trimmed seats and premium features like heated front seats and power-adjustable seats.

The Accord's design provided ample room in both the front and rear, making it comfortable for adults. Convenience features such as dual-zone automatic climate control and push-button start were standard, while high trims offered luxurious touches like seating memory and heated mirrors.

The 2021 MINI Cooper came with four powertrain options. The base model featured a 134-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, while the Cooper S had a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 189 horsepower. The John Cooper Works (JCW) variant boasted a 228-hp turbo-four, and the high-performance John Cooper Works GP model delivered a whopping 301 horsepower. All models operated with front-wheel drive, with the Cooper and Cooper S offering a six-speed manual transmission as standard and an available seven-speed automatic. The JCW GP came equipped with an eight-speed automatic.

Regardless of the engine, the MINI Cooper felt spritely and energetic, albeit more so with the turbocharged four-cylinder engines, particularly noticeable at highway speeds. The JCW GP was a standout performer, offering exceptional acceleration. However, the ride was somewhat stiff, with road imperfections translating directly into the cabin. Despite this, the car's agility and responsiveness in corners made it a fun-to-drive vehicle.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the MINI Cooper Convertible was the most efficient, delivering 28 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined. The Cooper S Convertible, however, fared worse with 23 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined.

Conversely, the 2021 Honda Accord offered two engine options. A 192-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine was standard on the LX, Sport, Sport SE, and EX-L trims, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This engine produced 192 pound-feet of torque, and Honda improved its Idle Stop performance for quicker starts.

For those seeking more power, the Accord Sport 2.0T and Touring trims featured a 252-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering 273 pound-feet of torque. Both engines utilized regular unleaded fuel and offered front-wheel drive, as all-wheel drive was unavailable.

Fuel economy varied significantly between the engines. The 1.5-liter engine achieved an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, and 33 mpg combined. The more potent 2.0-liter engine managed 22 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined, though it often outperformed these estimates in real-world testing.

Driving the Accord, especially with the 2.0-liter engine, was enjoyable, though not overly thrilling. The smaller engine was sufficient for daily driving. Paddle shifters on the Sport and Sport SE trims enhanced driving responsiveness. Honda also updated the braking system for 2021, ensuring smoother engagement, particularly at low speeds.

The 2021 MINI Cooper offered a front cabin that was comfortable, despite its compact dimensions. The front seats provided good head and legroom for average adults, although taller drivers might have found the dashboard layout awkward for knee placement. The rear seats, however, were best suited for storage rather than passengers due to the limited space.

Cargo-wise, the MINI Cooper Hatchback presented a decent amount of space, which could be amplified by folding down the rear seats. Convertible models, on the other hand, had minimal usable space in the back, with a small cargo hold under the folding top compartment.

In comparison, the 2021 Honda Accord excelled in interior space and design, with seating for five and ample head, hip, and legroom in both front and rear seats. Convenience features such as dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, and multiple power outlets were standard across trims. Higher trims offered upscale amenities like leather-wrapped steering wheels, shift knobs, seat memory, and ventilated seats.

The rear seats of the Accord featured a 60/40 split configuration, allowing for expanded cargo capacity from the already spacious 16.7 cubic feet trunk. The interior layout ensured that essential controls were within easy reach, improving overall usability. The small-item storage in the Accord, while not exceptional, was functional, especially with features like the wireless phone charger in higher trims.

The 2021 MINI Cooper was less generous with standard tech features. It came with a 6.5-inch base screen with an option for an 8.8-inch unit, which included SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and more. The Harman Kardon sound system, automatic climate controls, and LED headlights were also optional.

MINI retained more physical controls than some other automakers, adding to the user-friendly experience. However, the lack of Android Auto integration was a notable drawback, forcing Android users to rely on Bluetooth connectivity. MINI’s use of BMW’s iDrive software meant a physical controller in the center console, although its placement was somewhat awkward due to the tight space between the front seats.

The 2021 Honda Accord, however, did not require compromise on technology. All models featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with physical volume and tuning knobs. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, hands-free text messaging, and two USB ports. Higher trims added satellite radio, HD radio, wireless phone charging, a 10-speaker premium audio system, additional USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot.

The Accord Touring 2.0T stood out with a head-up display and HomeLink Remote, displaying critical information like cruise control, compass, tachometer, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and turn-by-turn directions.

The 2021 MINI Cooper lacked a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It achieved top “Good” ratings in crash tests but had inconsistent headlight ratings, ranging from “Acceptable” to “Poor.” The car’s front crash prevention systems were rated “Advanced,” while the LATCH system earned a “Marginal” rating for ease of use. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) did not rate the 2021 model.

Standard safety features in the MINI included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and rear parking sensors. Additional safety features like front parking sensors, a parking assistance system, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning were optional.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Accord excelled in safety, with the IIHS awarding it the Top Safety Pick+ rating. The standard front crash prevention system received the top Superior rating for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian crash avoidance. The NHTSA gave the Accord a five-star overall safety rating, with top scores in all crash test scenarios.

The Accord came with extensive standard safety features, including vehicle stability assist, traction control, brake assist, a rearview camera, LED daytime running lights, automatic high beams, and Honda Sensing which included lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition. Higher trims added rear-seat reminder, low-speed braking control, and blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, with body-colored parking sensors on the EX-L and Touring trims.