2021 Volkswagen Jetta 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 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, exuding a charm that invited admiration. 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 much of the Cooper S's design, with slight modifications to accommodate its battery, such as a higher ride height and unique EV-exclusive wheels. Inside, the MINI Cooper's circular design elements, including the speakers, air vents, and infotainment system, contributed to a premium feel unmatched in its size category.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta presented a more upscale presence with its slightly longer and wider dimensions compared to its predecessor. Its design was inspired by the VW Arteon sport sedan, featuring a wide, angular grille that added drama to its appearance. While some might have found the grille a bit much for a compact sedan, the Jetta's interior continued the angular design language, creating a cohesive look. The cabin was spacious and functional, with comfortable seats suitable for long drives. The Jetta's trim levels—Comfortline, Highline, and Execline—offered various features, with the base Comfortline trim surprisingly well-equipped. The Highline added leatherette seating, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced safety features, while the Execline included luxury touches like a digital instrument cluster and a premium audio system.

The 2020 MINI Cooper was renowned for its nimble quickness and ability to carve corners with ease. The Cooper SE, with its electric motor producing 181 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, offered performance just shy of the Cooper S's 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, which generated 189 hp and 207 lb-ft. The SE's immediate torque delivery made it feel quick off the line, and its regenerative braking system allowed for one-pedal driving. Despite the SE's additional weight due to its battery, its low centre of gravity and direct steering maintained the classic MINI driving experience. The SE used a single-speed gearbox, while gas-powered Coopers offered a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta featured a 1.4-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Despite having slightly less power than its predecessor, the engine felt more responsive, aided by an 8-speed automatic transmission that managed power efficiently. The Jetta's steering was well-weighted and precise, offering a blend of smooth and sporty handling. The ride was surprisingly soft over rough roads, providing a refined driving experience. The Jetta's fuel efficiency was impressive, with minimal difference between the manual and automatic transmissions, achieving 6.9 L/100 km and 7.1 L/100 km combined, respectively.

The 2020 MINI Cooper, while not ideal for carpooling or long road trips, offered good front-seat space and a sense of openness due to its large windows. The backseat was small, best suited 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, with a maximum of 730 litres when the rear seats were folded. Despite its compact size, the Cooper featured thoughtful design elements, such as two-zone automatic air conditioning and ergonomic controls.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta provided comfortable front seats and adequate rear-seat legroom and headroom. Its trunk offered 399 litres of space, average for its class. The interior layout was practical, with a touchscreen positioned for easy access and a larger centre tray for storage. The Jetta combined touchscreen functions with real buttons and dials, prioritizing functionality. This practical approach made the Jetta a strong contender for those seeking a functional and spacious compact sedan.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE featured an "eDrive" driver-information display that moved with the steering wheel adjustments. The display provided information on speed, energy consumption, and remaining range, with a 177-kilometre range according to Natural Resources Canada. The 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 added a wireless charging pad and a head-up display.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta offered a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. The Execline trim featured Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a customizable digital display that could project navigation information. This feature allowed drivers to personalize their driving experience, enhancing the Jetta's appeal.

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

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta came equipped with a comprehensive array of safety features, including front and side airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Highline trim added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, while the Execline included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Jetta received a Good rating in all IIHS crash tests but did not earn a Top Safety Pick due to its headlights. The NHTSA awarded the Jetta a five-star safety rating.