2021 Lexus IS 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, eventually introducing the all-electric SE trim. The SE maintained the classic Cooper S design, with slight modifications to accommodate its battery, such as a higher ride height and unique EV-exclusive wheels. Inside, the Cooper's circular-themed design, premium materials, and unmatched refinement for its size created a charming and inviting cabin.

The 2021 Lexus IS made a bold statement with its athletic proportions and elegant design. Its stance and fast roofline gave it a dynamic appearance, while the spindle grille and narrow headlights added an assertive touch. The IS's design captured motion even when stationary, and its elegant proportions were evident in the distance between the front axle and dashboard. Inside, the IS featured a tastefully simple dash with a retro hi-fi feel, bold lines, and high build quality. However, the analog clock felt outdated in the context of the modern interior. Overall, the IS combined elegance and sportiness, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a luxury sports sedan.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE excelled in performance, continuing the brand's legacy of nimble quickness and corner-carving prowess. The SE's electric motor delivered 181 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, powered by a 32.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack. While slightly below the Cooper S's 189 hp and 207 lb-ft from its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, the SE's immediate torque delivery made it feel just as quick. The SE also featured regenerative braking, offering an aggressive default setting for one-pedal driving. Despite a weight penalty due to the battery, the SE maintained a low centre of gravity, ensuring a planted feel in corners. Gas-powered Coopers offered a choice of a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or an eight-speed automatic in the JCW trim, while the SE used a single-speed gearbox.

The 2021 Lexus IS brought its A-game to the luxury sports sedan category, with a focus on the "Lexus Driving Signature" for linear operation. The IS 300 RWD featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the AWD version had a 3.5-litre V6 producing 260 hp and 236 lb-ft. The IS 350, available only with AWD in Canada, offered 311 hp and 280 lb-ft. RWD models had an eight-speed automatic transmission, while AWD models used a six-speed automatic. The IS's top speed was 230 km/h, with 0-60 mph times ranging from 6.9 seconds for the IS 300 RWD to 5.6 seconds for the IS 350 RWD. The IS's suspension and steering provided a crisp, balanced driving experience, while fuel efficiency varied based on the powertrain.

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 version increased it to 371 litres. The convertible had only 161 litres, and folding the rear seats in the SE provided a maximum of 730 litres. Despite limited space, the Cooper's interior was thoughtfully designed, with two-zone automatic air conditioning and efficient heating. The chrome toggle switches, ergonomic steering wheel, and high-quality materials reflected BMW's investment in the MINI brand.

The 2021 Lexus IS focused on driver-centred form and function, with an easily adjustable driver position and comfortable, supportive seats. The F Sport trim's bolstered seat was standard in IS 350 models, offering heating and ventilation. The IS used NuLuxe synthetic upholstery, which was eco-friendly and easy to clean. Storage space was ample, with various compartments and a decent glovebox. The rear seats were comfortable for two but cramped for three, with legroom requiring negotiation. Trunk space was adequate at 305.8 litres, with a deep configuration and a temporary spare stored beneath the load floor.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE featured an "eDrive" driver-information display connected to the steering wheel, displaying speed, energy consumption, and remaining range. The SE's 32.6-kilowatt-hour battery offered a range of 177 kilometres, appealing to urban drivers. The 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display 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 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alongside Bluetooth connectivity. Lexus Enform services included Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote, with various trial periods. The IS offered a Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system in the Ultra Luxury package, providing superb sound quality. The subscription model for technology had potential pitfalls, with navigation features included only for the first three years.

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 "Good" scores in all crash tests, while the NHTSA had not rated it.

The 2021 Lexus IS received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. The IS came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and more. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, a backup camera, LED lighting, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect with a three-year trial.