2021 Lexus ES 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, instead inviting admiration for its enthusiast-focused design. Over the years, the MINI Cooper evolved from a two-door hardtop to include a convertible and a four-door variant, with the all-electric SE trim offering a similar performance to the S trim but with an electric motor. The SE maintained the classic Cooper design, with slight modifications to accommodate the battery, such as a higher ride height and unique EV-exclusive wheels. Inside, the Cooper's circular design elements, premium materials, and a large circular housing for the infotainment system provided a refined and unmatched feel for its size.

The 2021 Lexus ES expanded its lineup with the introduction of the ES 250, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and standard AWD, alongside the ES 350 with a 3.5-litre V6 and FWD. The ES 300h hybrid offered improved fuel efficiency at a premium. Lexus made blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard on most trims, and introduced the limited-production Black Line Edition. The ES's design was characterized by its dramatic grille and artful detailing, with the F Sport trim adding sporty elements like 19-inch alloy wheels and unique styling details. The Black Line Edition featured exclusive black and white interior and exterior elements. Inside, the ES offered a striking black and white interior with quality materials, maintaining its Lexus identity despite sharing a platform with the Toyota Avalon.

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, although some drivers preferred a less aggressive setting. Despite a weight increase due to the battery, the SE maintained a low centre of gravity, enhancing its nimble handling. The SE used a single-speed gearbox, while gas-powered Coopers offered a seven-speed DCT or an eight-speed automatic in the JCW trim. Notably, the 2020 model year did not offer a manual transmission, though it was set to return in 2021.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with a fuel efficiency rating of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Black Line Edition, with its adaptive damping suspension, offered Sport+ and Custom driving modes, enhancing driving enjoyment. The ES 350's performance was unexpectedly competent, with firm ride quality and flat cornering stance, though it was not an outright sports sedan. The ES 350's driving dynamics were impressive, but it lacked the torque-vectoring AWD system found in competitors like the Acura TLX.

The 2020 MINI Cooper hatchback was not ideal for carpooling or long trips, with limited rear-seat space best suited for children. The two-door Cooper offered 246 litres of cargo space, while the four-door variant provided 371 litres. The convertible had only 161 litres, and the SE maintained the same interior space despite its electric components. The Cooper's interior featured thoughtful design elements, such as two-zone automatic air conditioning and chrome toggle switches. The materials used were of high quality, reflecting BMW's investment in the MINI brand.

The 2021 Lexus ES offered a daring yet functional interior layout, with sport-bolstered front seats featuring 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The NuLuxe synthetic leather provided comfort, and rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample legroom and rear air conditioning vents. The trunk measured 394 litres, with a hands-free power trunk available. The ES's interior design included excellent outward visibility and plentiful storage, though the wireless smartphone charger was tucked under the centre armrest.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE featured an "eDrive" driver-information display that moved with the steering wheel adjustments, displaying critical information like vehicle speed 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 on higher trims. The SE Premier+ trim offered a wireless charging pad and a head-up display, enhancing its tech offerings.

The 2021 Lexus ES faced challenges with its touchpad interface, requiring drivers to look at the screen while navigating. However, the ES's dynamic voice command technology allowed for hands-free operation. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment display was visually appealing, though not a touchscreen. All ES trims included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The ES offered a 10-speaker premium sound system, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available on higher trims.

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 rated the 2020 MINI Cooper with top marks, earning "Good" scores in all crash tests.

The 2021 Lexus ES came equipped with Lexus Safety System 2.0, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on most trims. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.