2020 Acura TLX vs 2020 MINI Cooper

The 2020 MINI Cooper was a standout on the road, with its distinctive design that was unmistakably MINI. Its wide-eyed LED-ringed headlights and grinning front grille exuded charm, while vibrant colour options and Union Jack taillights added to its appeal. Despite its unique styling, the Cooper managed to avoid being wasteful or gaudy, maintaining a balance of charm and sophistication. Over the years, the MINI Cooper evolved from its original two-door hardtop to include a convertible variant and a four-door body style. The introduction of the all-electric SE trim marked a significant step, offering similar performance and refinement to the Cooper S, but with an electric motor and battery. The SE's design closely mirrored that of the Cooper S, with the main difference being its slightly higher stance to accommodate the battery cells. Inside, the MINI Cooper's design was dominated by circular elements, from the speakers to the infotainment system, providing a premium feel unmatched in its size category.

In contrast, the 2020 Acura TLX underwent a design transformation a few years prior, resulting in a handsome, albeit somewhat anonymous, midsize sedan. The A-Spec option package enhanced its styling with sporty visual upgrades, including 19-inch wheels and revised bumper designs. The TLX was available at a starting MSRP of $37,490, with the SH-AWD powertrain and Technology Package recommended for added comfort and safety features. The A-Spec package further elevated its appearance, making it an attractive option for those seeking a stylish sedan under $50,000. The TLX's design changes and available packages made it a compelling choice for drivers looking for a blend of style and performance.

The 2020 MINI Cooper continued its legacy of nimble performance, with the Cooper S and John Cooper Works (JCW) trims offering impressive agility. The Cooper SE, with its 181-horsepower electric motor and 199 pound-feet of torque, delivered quick acceleration thanks to the immediacy of electric torque. Although the SE weighed 135 kilograms more than the Cooper S due to its battery, its low centre of gravity and direct steering maintained the classic MINI driving experience. The SE's regenerative braking system allowed for one-pedal driving, though some drivers preferred a less aggressive setting. Gas-powered Coopers featured either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the SE used a single-speed gearbox.

The 2020 Acura TLX offered two powertrain options: a 206-horsepower, 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission for front-wheel-drive models, and a 290-horsepower, 3.5-litre V6 engine with a nine-speed automatic for SH-AWD models. The V6 provided a steady build-up of power, transforming the TLX into a thrilling ride in Sport or Sport+ mode. The SH-AWD system enhanced driving dynamics by distributing up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel, allowing the TLX to pivot and lunge out of corners. The automatic transmission was well-behaved, and the TLX's sophisticated dampers contributed to a solid road feel. Despite its performance capabilities, the TLX remained comfortable and quiet for daily driving, with a fuel consumption of 10.2 litres per 100 kilometres on the testing loop.

The 2020 MINI Cooper hatchback was not designed for carpooling or long road trips, with limited rear-seat space best suited for children. The two-door Cooper offered 246 litres of cargo space, while the four-door version provided a more competitive 371 litres. The convertible variant had only 161 litres of cargo space. Despite the SE trim's electric components, interior space remained unchanged, with a maximum of 730 litres available with the rear seats folded. The MINI Cooper's interior featured thoughtful design elements, such as two-zone automatic air conditioning and chrome toggle switches, contributing to its premium feel.

The 2020 Acura TLX prioritized passenger comfort and quality, with supple leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and ample room for both front and rear occupants. Keyless entry was standard, with optional features like a heated steering wheel and rain-sensing wipers. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed generous legroom and available heated cushions. While storage space was frequent, the trunk measured only 405 litres, more akin to a compact car than a midsize sedan.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE featured an "eDrive" driver-information display that moved with steering-wheel adjustments, displaying critical information such as speed, energy consumption, and remaining range. The SE's 32.6-kilowatt-hour battery allowed for a range of 177 kilometres, appealing to urban drivers. The 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Bluetooth, navigation, and Apple CarPlay, with an 8.8-inch screen standard on the SE Premier+. The Premier+ also offered a wireless charging pad and a head-up display.

The 2020 Acura TLX's dual-screen infotainment system was a source of frustration, with a non-touchscreen top display and a touchscreen bottom display. The layout caused distraction and confusion, with climate controls split between the touchscreen and physical buttons. Despite these issues, the Acura/ELS premium audio system delivered good sound quality, and the car included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. An optional navigation system was available, along with a smartphone charger.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE lacked advanced safety features, with only front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera included in the Premier+ package. Forward-collision warning was standard, but automatic emergency braking was unavailable. The IIHS awarded the MINI Cooper top marks, with "Good" scores in all crash tests, though the NHTSA had not rated it.

The 2020 Acura TLX, despite its aging architecture, earned 5-star ratings from the NHTSA in all tests, including rollover. However, it did not qualify for a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS due to an "Acceptable" rating in the small overlap frontal-impact test. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and road-departure mitigation. The TLX's safety technologies, while effective, lacked the refinement of more modern systems.