2021 MINI Cooper vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its 12th-generation form, was considered one of the most attractive Corollas in recent history. The SE and XSE trims added sporty design elements like sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, and 18-inch aluminum wheels, making it genuinely appealing, especially in Celestite Gray metallic paint. However, some design aspects, such as the hood shut line and the over-styled rear bumper, detracted from its overall look. The Corolla L, LE, and XLE trims offered a more anonymous appearance, while the Corolla Hybrid provided an affordable path to high fuel efficiency. The XSE trim, priced at $28,704 with options, featured a well-crafted interior with soft leatherette, padded door panels, and a minimalist design, though it lacked practical storage.

The 2021 MINI Cooper, with its iconic styling, stood out in the subcompact car segment. Its rounded shape, compact dimensions, and various customization options, including Union Jack graphics, made it instantly recognizable. The interior continued the unique design language with circular elements and a funky infotainment touchscreen. While the cabin was high quality, it lacked space, especially in the rear seats, which were best used for cargo. The front seats were comfortable, but taller drivers might find the dash shape problematic for knee placement. Interior storage was limited, and the cargo area in hatchback models was decent, with the back seats folding down for more space.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE featured a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a Dynamic Shift CVT, paddle shifters, and a Sport driving mode, the drivetrain offered a surprisingly engaging experience. The CVT, with its mechanical first gear and ten programmed ratios, provided a smooth and responsive drive. Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, the Corolla boasted a low center of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics. The SE and XSE trims had 18-inch aluminum wheels and more aggressive tires, enhancing their handling. While not a sport sedan, the Corolla XSE offered predictable handling and enough power to make driving enjoyable. The EPA estimated 34 mpg in combined driving, and real-world tests averaged 31.1 mpg.

The 2021 MINI Cooper offered four powertrain options. The base model had a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower, while the Cooper S featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 189 hp. The John Cooper Works (JCW) had a 228-hp turbo-four, and the JCW 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 had an eight-speed automatic. The MINI's small size made it feel spritely and energetic, with the turbocharged engines providing noticeable power differences. The JCW GP offered the best acceleration. However, the Cooper's stiff ride could be tiresome on long drives, and it felt twitchy at higher speeds. The tradeoff was agile handling and engaging driving dynamics. Fuel economy varied, with the most efficient model being the Convertible at 28/37/31 mpg.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered numerous upgrades, including SofTex leatherette seats with striped fabric inserts, front-seat heating, and an eight-way power driver's seat. This provided added comfort and a commanding driving position. The rear seats, while supportive, had tight headroom and legroom, and lacked air conditioning vents. The Corolla sedan's trunk offered 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback provided 17.8 cubic feet. However, the sedan's trunk lid lacked an interior handle for easy closing.

The 2021 MINI Cooper's interior was more suited for cargo storage than passengers, especially in the rear seats. The front seats were comfortable with decent head and legroom, but taller drivers might find the dash shape problematic. Interior storage was limited, with small center console storage and door pockets. The Cooper Hatchback offered decent cargo space, with the back seats folding down for more storage. Convertible models had a small cargo hold under the folding top compartment, with very little usable space in the back.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla added Android Auto as standard equipment, joining Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It also included a free year of Safety Connect services and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The SE and XSE trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with the XSE offering additional features like Service Connect and Remote Connect. The nine-speaker JBL premium sound system and dynamic voice recognition were available, though the radio knobs could be hard to grasp, and the JBL system lacked clarity.

The 2021 MINI Cooper's base screen was a 6.5-inch unit, with an optional 8.8-inch unit offering SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and more. 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, and the iDrive controller was difficult to use due to the tight space. Some users might prefer the touchscreen for easier interaction.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Corolla also added rear side-impact airbags and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic warning. The 2020 Corolla earned a "Top Safety Pick" from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but the 2021 model needed re-testing due to new airbags.

The 2021 MINI Cooper missed out on a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, scoring "Good" in crash tests but "Acceptable" or "Poor" for headlights. The front crash prevention systems earned "Advanced" scores, and the LATCH system was rated "Marginal." 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, parking assistance, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.