2021 Subaru WRX vs 2021 MINI Cooper

The 2021 MINI Cooper carried an iconic styling that was immediately recognizable, much like the Jeep Wrangler. Its rounded shape, compact dimensions, and a wide variety of color choices set it apart in the subcompact car market. MINI offered several customization options for the exterior, including graphics for the roof 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 depending on the model. Inside, the MINI Cooper continued its unique design language with plenty of circles and rounded shapes, including a funky infotainment touchscreen mounted inside a circular light ring. The cabin was generally high quality but lacked space, making the back seats more suitable for packages than passengers.

The 2021 Subaru WRX had a more adolescent aesthetic, often compared to a rebellious teenager within the Subaru family. Unlike the racier WRX STI, the standard WRX looked relatively tame, lacking the race-ready rear wing. Its wedge-like front end and short trunk lid gave it an appearance of speed, even when stationary. Aerodynamic bodywork and a functional hood scoop added to its sporty look. Inside, the WRX resembled other Subaru compact cars from the past decade, with a function-first cockpit that sacrificed fit and finish. Hard plastics contributed to its immature reputation, especially compared to the refined cabins of competitors like the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si. The WRX came in Base, Premium, and Limited trims, with the Limited offering leather upholstery, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and adaptive steering-responsive LED headlights.

The 2021 MINI Cooper offered four powertrain options. The base model featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower. The Cooper S had a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 189 hp, the John Cooper Works (JCW) had a 228-hp turbo-four, and the John Cooper Works GP boasted a 301-hp turbo-four. All models were front-wheel drive, with a six-speed manual standard for the Cooper and Cooper S, and a seven-speed automatic available. The JCW GP came with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The MINI felt spritely and energetic due to its small size, with the turbocharged four-cylinder engines providing noticeably stronger performance, especially at highway speeds. The JCW GP model offered the best acceleration. However, all Cooper models had a somewhat stiff ride, making long drives tiresome. The most efficient MINI Cooper was the Convertible, delivering 28/37/31 mpg city/highway/combined.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Despite being the most powerful among its rivals, the WRX required precise rev management to maximize performance. The CVT, though not ideal for driving enthusiasts, kept the revs in the powerband effectively. The manual transmission was less satisfying due to a vague clutch. The WRX featured Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring, enhancing cornering precision. The steering was well-weighted, making winding roads enjoyable. However, the WRX had a stiff ride compared to the Civic Si and GTI, which offered a better blend of sport and comfort.

The 2021 MINI Cooper's interior continued its heritage with a 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 struggle with knee placement due to the dash shape. Interior storage was tight, with a small center console and limited door pockets. Cooper Hatchbacks provided decent cargo space, with back seats that folded down for more storage. Convertible models had a small cargo hold under the folding top compartment, with minimal usable space in the back.

The 2021 Subaru WRX had a conventional sedan layout with a trunk offering up to 12 cubic feet of cargo space. This was more than the Civic Si coupe but less than the sedan and far behind the VW GTI's cargo capacity. The WRX's age showed in its interior packaging, with door bottle-holders unable to accommodate mid-to-large water bottles. The center console cupholders could hold bottles but might obstruct shifting with the manual transmission. The WRX provided a comfortable driving position with good visibility. The rear seats were spacious enough to accommodate four adults comfortably, highlighting the advantages of a sedan layout.

The 2021 MINI Cooper was not generous with standard features. The base screen was a 6.5-inch unit, with an optional 8.8-inch unit offering SiriusXM satellite radio and Apple CarPlay. Optional features included a Harman Kardon sound system, automatic climate controls, and LED headlights. MINI included more physical controls, improving the technology experience. However, Android Auto was not available, leaving many users reliant on Bluetooth. The infotainment system used BMW's software, with a physical iDrive controller that was difficult to reach and use due to the tight space.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a sensible layout and easy-to-use controls despite dated graphics. The Limited trim offered an option package with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, providing solid sound quality. Although the WRX's tech was not cutting-edge, it was functional and user-friendly.

The 2021 MINI Cooper missed out on a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS. It scored top "Good" ratings in crash tests but had "Acceptable" or "Poor" ratings for headlights. The standard front crash prevention systems earned "Advanced" scores, and the LATCH system received a "Marginal" rating for ease of use. The NHTSA had not yet rated the 2021 model. Standard driver-assistance features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included front parking sensors, a parking assistance system, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.

The 2021 Subaru WRX did not come standard with the latest safety features. Subaru's EyeSight system, with adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning, was available on the Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. Adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking were optional on the Limited trim. All WRX trims came standard with a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.