2020 Toyota Corolla vs 2020 MINI Cooper

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, despite its modern redesign, was not considered particularly attractive, with its aggressive styling likened to "malevolent aliens." However, when equipped with the SE or XSE trim and the Celestite paint colour, the Corolla presented a more appealing aesthetic. The interior quality saw significant improvements, with soft-touch surfaces replacing the previously cheap plastics, although the transmission shifter reminded drivers of its economy car status. The Corolla's pricing started at $18,990, with the XSE trim reaching $28,490, offering various trims for different preferences, including a hybrid option for fuel efficiency.

The 2020 MINI Cooper stood out with its unique styling, featuring wide-eyed LED headlights, a grinning front grille, and vibrant colour options. The Union Jack taillights added to its charm, making it an enthusiast's choice without being wasteful. The MINI Cooper evolved from a two-door hardtop to include a convertible and a four-door variant, with the SE trim introducing an all-electric option. The SE maintained the Cooper's design elements, with a slightly higher stance to accommodate the battery, and offered a premium feel with its circular-themed interior design, providing unmatched refinement for its size.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla offered a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower for the L, LE, and XLE trims, paired with a CVT and 16-inch wheels. The SE and XSE trims featured a more powerful 169-horsepower, 2.0-litre engine, a sophisticated CVT with paddle shifters, and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The Corolla XSE provided a sporty driving experience with a smooth ride, thanks to its independent rear suspension, but lacked power for rapid acceleration. Fuel efficiency was rated at 7.7 L/100 km in the city and 6.1 on the highway, with an average of 7.9 L/100 km during testing.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE excelled in performance with its 181-horsepower electric motor and 199 pound-feet of torque, closely matching the Cooper S's 189 hp and 207 lb-ft. The SE's immediate torque delivery made it feel quick, and its regenerative braking system offered one-pedal driving. Despite a weight penalty due to the battery, the SE maintained a low centre of gravity, providing a planted feel in corners. The SE used a single-speed gearbox, while gas-powered Coopers offered dual-clutch or automatic transmissions. The SE's range was limited to 177 kilometres, appealing to urban drivers.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, smaller than a Camry, accommodated a family of four for various trips, though rear-seat passengers found it uncomfortable due to the lack of rear air-conditioning vents and USB ports. The front seats were comfortable, with the driver's seat offering 8-way power adjustment. The back seat provided decent legroom but limited headroom for taller passengers. Storage space was limited, with small cupholders and a 371-litre trunk capacity, sufficient for a few suitcases and bags.

The 2020 MINI Cooper, not ideal for carpooling or long trips, offered good front-seat space and a large greenhouse for an open feel. The backseat was small, suitable for children, and cargo space was limited to 246 litres in the two-door model, expandable to 730 litres with the rear seats folded. The SE trim maintained interior space despite the battery, and the car featured two-zone automatic air conditioning and high-quality materials, with fun chrome toggle switches and ergonomic design.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla featured the Entune 3.0 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, but not Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen, stereo knobs, and voice recognition. Higher trims offered an 8-inch display and additional USB ports. The Entune 3.0 Plus added advanced features like HD Radio and SiriusXM trials, but iPhone users found the standard setup sufficient.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE included an "eDrive" display connected to the steering wheel, showing speed, energy consumption, and range. The 6.5-inch touchscreen housed in a circular dash display offered Bluetooth, navigation, and Apple CarPlay, with an 8.8-inch screen available on higher trims. The Premier+ package added a wireless charging pad and head-up display, enhancing the tech experience.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like low-light pedestrian detection, cyclist detection, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. The system was generally refined, though the lane-departure alert was irritating. The Corolla received a 5-star NHTSA rating and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE lacked advanced safety features, with only front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera. Forward-collision warning was standard, but automatic emergency braking was unavailable. The IIHS rated the MINI Cooper with top marks, but the NHTSA had not rated it.