2021 Honda Civic 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 gaudy, maintaining a balance of charm and sophistication. The interior was dominated by circular design elements, from the speakers to the infotainment system, providing a premium feel that was unmatched in its size category. The SE trim, with its electric motor, retained much of the Cooper's iconic design, sitting slightly higher to accommodate the battery, and offered unique paint schemes and EV-exclusive wheels.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Civic continued its legacy of setting benchmarks in the compact car segment. The 10th-generation Civic, available in sedan, hatchback, and Type R formats, was known for its polarizing design that had become familiar over the years. The Touring trim, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, offered a striking appearance, though opinions on its styling varied. Inside, the Civic's cabin featured quality materials and thoughtful detailing, though the infotainment screen size and some design elements showed their age. Despite this, the Civic remained a trendsetter, offering a spacious interior comparable to older midsize cars, with a focus on practicality and comfort.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE excelled in performance with its 181-horsepower electric motor and 199 pound-feet of torque, powered by a 32.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack. While slightly less powerful than the Cooper S's 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, the SE's immediate torque delivery made it feel just as quick. The SE's regenerative braking system allowed for one-pedal driving, though some drivers preferred a less aggressive setting. Despite a weight increase due to the battery, the SE maintained a low centre of gravity, ensuring nimble handling and a classic MINI driving experience. The SE used a single-speed gearbox, while gas-powered Coopers offered dual-clutch or eight-speed automatic transmissions.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a choice between a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine producing 174 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The turbo engine, standard in the Touring trim, provided ample power and was complemented by a sophisticated suspension and precise steering. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was a drawback, with a sloppy gear lever and droning noise. Despite this, the Civic's fuel economy was impressive, averaging 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres, bettering the estimated 7.1 L/100 km. The Civic was available only with front-wheel drive, unlike some competitors offering all-wheel drive.

The 2020 MINI Cooper, while not ideal for large families or extensive cargo needs, offered good front-seat space and a sense of openness due to its large windows. The backseat was small, suitable for children, and cargo space was limited, with 246 litres in the two-door model and 371 litres in the four-door. The SE trim maintained the same interior space despite the addition of the battery. The MINI's interior was thoughtfully designed, with luxury features like two-zone automatic air conditioning and high-quality materials, reflecting BMW's investment in the brand.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan, though low to the ground, provided a spacious interior comparable to older midsize cars. The front seats offered good adjustability, though the passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats were comfortable for adults, with excellent thigh support, though rear air vents were absent. The centre console was highly practical, offering ample storage space. The Civic's trunk was generous, with 428 litres of space, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system. Overall, the Civic prioritized practicality and comfort, making it a strong contender in its class.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE featured an "eDrive" driver-information display, which moved with the steering wheel adjustments, displaying critical information like speed, energy consumption, and remaining range. The SE's 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Bluetooth, navigation, and Apple CarPlay, with an 8.8-inch screen available in higher trims. The Premier+ trim added features like a wireless charging pad and a head-up display, enhancing the tech experience.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was somewhat dated, with a standard 5-inch LCD screen offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The Touring trim upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker audio system, and navigation with voice recognition. While the premium sound system was a nice addition, the voice recognition system was unsophisticated, and many drivers preferred using smartphone integration for navigation and voice commands.

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 MINI Cooper received top safety ratings from the IIHS, earning "Good" scores in all crash tests, though it was unrated by the NHTSA.

The 2021 Honda Civic came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. LaneWatch, available from the EX trim, provided a live video feed of the right lane, though it had limitations. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.