2020 MINI Cooper vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

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 added to its charm, while vibrant colour options and Union Jack taillights made it a crowd favourite. Despite its unique styling, the Cooper managed to avoid being gaudy, instead exuding a charm that invited admiration. The interior was dominated by circular design elements, from the speakers to the air vents, and the premium feel was unmatched in cars of its size.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra, with its Sensuous Sportiness design language, was equally distinctive. Its sharp creases and dramatic angles gave it a unique character, further accentuated by the Z-shaped dent in the doors. The Elantra's design was bold and controversial, yet it worked to its advantage. Inside, the Elantra offered a driver-focused dashboard and centre console, with higher trims providing a more upscale look. The Ultimate trim, in particular, impressed with its modern and Scandinavian-inspired interior, offering a stark contrast to the otherwise black cabin.

The 2020 MINI Cooper was renowned for its nimble quickness and ability to carve corners with ease. The Cooper SE, with its 181 horsepower electric motor and 199 pound-feet of torque, offered a performance that was nearly on par with the gas-powered Cooper S. The SE's regenerative braking system allowed for one-pedal driving, although some drivers preferred a less aggressive setting. Despite the added weight of the battery, the SE maintained a low centre of gravity, ensuring a classic MINI driving experience.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, from the standard 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower to the high-performance Elantra N with 276 horsepower. The Elantra Hybrid, with its 1.6-litre Atkinson-cycle engine and electric motor, provided a satisfying drive with instant torque and a six-speed DCT. The Elantra N Line, with its turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, offered a sporty drive, while the Elantra N delivered a thrilling performance with its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine and advanced features like the N Corner Carving Differential.

The 2020 MINI Cooper was not the most spacious vehicle, with limited rear-seat and cargo space. The two-door Cooper offered 246 litres of cargo space, while the four-door version provided a more competitive 371 litres. Despite the limited space, the Cooper was thoughtfully designed, with features like two-zone automatic air conditioning and ergonomic controls. The materials used were top-notch, reflecting BMW's investment in the MINI brand.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra, classified as a midsize car, offered ample interior space. The driver's seat was height-adjustable, and the rear seat provided best-in-class legroom. However, the lack of air conditioning vents and USB ports for rear passengers was a drawback. The trunk offered 402 litres of space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. Despite some cost-cutting measures, the Elantra's interior was functional and spacious.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE featured an "eDrive" driver-information display and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the display was informative, the viewing angle could be an issue. The SE Premier+ trim offered an 8.8-inch screen, wireless charging, and a head-up display. However, the lack of Android Auto was a notable omission.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a digital instrumentation screen. The Ultimate trim included a dynamic voice recognition system and a Bose premium audio system, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2020 MINI Cooper lacked advanced safety features, with only forward-collision warning as standard. The IIHS rated it highly, but the absence of automatic emergency braking was a concern.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra, built on a new platform, offered a comprehensive suite of safety features under the SmartSense banner. These included forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention warning system. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and Highway Drive Assist, making the Elantra a safer choice.