2021 MINI Cooper vs 2020 Hyundai Elantra

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra, last redesigned in 2017 and restyled in 2019, remained visually unchanged for the 2020 model year. The previous year's restyle introduced a geometric-influenced appearance, setting the stage for the dramatically angular styling of the 2021 Elantra. Available in six versions—SE, SEL, Value Edition, Eco, Limited, and Sport—the Elantra's prices ranged from $19,300 to $24,150. The Limited test vehicle, with the Ultimate Package and floor mats, brought the total to $27,630, including the $975 destination charge. The Elantra GT hatchback was also available for 2020.

A black paint job highlighted the Elantra’s angular headlight, fog light, and wheel designs, contrasting with the chrome grille, beltline, and logo detailing. The result was a stylish small car, though not universally appealing. The interior received an upscale update with silver trim on various elements, though hard and glossy plastics reminded occupants of its mainstream compact car status.

The 2021 MINI Cooper carried iconic styling, immediately recognizable like the Jeep Wrangler. Its rounded shape, compact dimensions, and wide variety of color choices set it apart in the subcompact car space. Customization options included exterior and top graphics, such as a 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 wheel and trim upgrades available depending on the model.

Inside, the MINI Cooper continued its unique design language with circular shapes dominating the seats, dash, and center stack. The infotainment touchscreen, mounted inside a circular light ring, and circular air vents added to the funky design. The cabin was generally high quality but lacked space, with the back seats best used for cargo rather than passengers. The front seats were comfortable, but the overall space was limited, making it less practical for taller drivers.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra featured a base 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a new continuously variable transmission (CVT), replacing the previous six-speed automatic. The CVT, standard with SE trim, contributed to a $1,100 price increase from the previous year. All Elantra models were front-wheel drive. The Elantra Eco had a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 128 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) and an automatic engine start/stop system, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving.

The Elantra Sport trim featured a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, and an independent rear suspension for improved ride quality. The Sport trim lost its manual gearbox for 2020, now equipped with a seven-speed DCT. The Elantra Limited test car, with its 2.0-liter engine and new CVT, provided a satisfactory driving experience, with the CVT offering simulated gear shifts for a traditional automatic feel. However, real-world fuel economy fell short, averaging 29.3 mpg compared to the expected 34 mpg.

The 2021 MINI Cooper offered four powertrain options: a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower for the base model, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 189 horsepower for the Cooper S, a 228-horsepower turbo-four for the John Cooper Works (JCW), and a 301-horsepower turbo-four for the John Cooper Works GP. 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 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The MINI Cooper felt spritely and energetic due to its small size, with the turbocharged four-cylinder engines providing noticeable power at highway speeds. The JCW GP model offered the best acceleration, feeling like a proper rocket ship. However, all Cooper models had a somewhat stiff ride, making long drives tiresome. The car felt agile and ready to change direction quickly, providing an engaging driving experience, though not the most comfortable.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra was among the roomier compact cars, offering comfortable accommodations for four adults, with a fifth person fitting for short trips. The Limited test car featured power driver’s seat adjustment, leather upholstery, and a sliding center console armrest for added comfort. All Elantras included a front passenger's seat-height adjuster and a dual-zone automatic climate control system with a Clean Air ionizer and automatic defogging system. Heated front seats were available on all but the SE and SEL trims, though rear air conditioning vents were not available. The trunk provided 14.4 cubic feet of space, nearly as much as some midsize sedans, with an interior grab handle for easy closure.

The 2021 MINI Cooper’s interior was more suited for cargo storage than passengers, with the rear seat best used for packages. 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 limited, with a small center console and door pockets. The Cooper Hatchbacks offered decent cargo space with the back seats folded down, while Convertible models had a small cargo hold under the folding top compartment, providing minimal usable space.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra came standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, and a USB port. The base SE trim had a 5-inch screen, while the SEL trim featured a 7-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Value Edition included a complimentary subscription to Blue Link Connected Car and Remote plans for three years. The Limited trim added wireless smartphone charging and a premium Infinity sound system with Clari-Fi digital music restoration technology. The Ultimate Package increased the touchscreen size to 8 inches, adding navigation, Blue Link Guidance service, and SiriusXM data services. The Sport trim offered similar upgrades, packaged differently. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted display, shortcut buttons, and volume and tuning knobs. The Infinity sound system impressed for a compact car, providing depth of sound uncommon in the class.

The 2021 MINI Cooper was less generous with standard features, offering a 6.5-inch screen as standard, with an 8.8-inch unit available, including 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, improving the technology experience and making it easier to use while driving. However, Android Auto was not available at any trim level, leaving many users reliant on Bluetooth. The infotainment system used BMW’s software, with a physical iDrive controller in the center console. The tight space between the front seats made it difficult to use, making touch control a more practical option.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra featured Hyundai Smart Sense as standard on all trim levels, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor. Starting with SEL trim, the Elantra included blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The Limited and Sport trims had full LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation. The Ultimate Package for the Limited trim added adaptive cruise control, a pedestrian detection system, and Safe Exit Assist. The Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS when equipped with full LED headlights and received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a noted concern about rear-door intrusion during the side-impact test.

The 2021 MINI Cooper did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, scoring top "Good" ratings in crash tests but "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 MINI Cooper. 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.