2019 MINI Cooper vs 2019 Hyundai Elantra

The 2019 MINI Cooper retained the charm that made its predecessors iconic, but it had grown in size and sophistication. The latest model featured larger headlights and taillights, a longer front overhang, and a more complex design that some felt lacked the simple elegance of earlier versions. Inside, the classic pie-plate-size speedometer was replaced by a rectangular infotainment screen within a round housing, surrounded by mood lighting. While the toggle switches and motorcycle-style gauges remained, the addition of a head-up display and other tech features added complexity. The Knight’s Edition, limited to 150 units, stood out with unique Melting Silver paint for the roof and mirror caps, gloss black MINI badges, and matching interior trim.

In contrast, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant redesign, featuring new styling forward of the windshield, redesigned wheels, and a new trunk lid, taillights, and rear bumper. The result was a more geometric and less appealing look compared to the previous model. Inside, subtle changes improved the cabin, with new air vents, a carbon-texture finish on some plastic housings, and revised controls on the dashboard. The interior quality was high, with robust and solid-feeling components, although some materials felt inexpensive. The Elantra offered a range of trims, with the Limited trim providing a host of advanced features and a base price of $23,485, rising to $26,690 with the Ultimate Package.

The 2019 MINI Cooper John Cooper Works (JCW) was the pinnacle of performance for the MINI lineup. It featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 236 pound-feet of torque at 1,250 rpm. With a base curb weight of 2,845 pounds, it could accelerate to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds with the optional 6-speed automatic transmission, or 6.1 seconds with the 6-speed manual. The JCW Pro Exhaust Valve added a thrilling auditory experience, especially in Sport mode. However, the Pirelli Cinturato P7 all-season tires squealed more than expected in sharp corners, and torque steer was noticeable on uneven pavement. The bigger brakes were generally effective but occasionally faltered during aggressive driving.

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra, equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 147 horsepower, relied on a 6-speed automatic transmission to power the front wheels. While acceleration was acceptable, the driving dynamics were uninspiring. The Elantra offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, but Smart mode was not particularly perceptive, and Sport mode added unwelcome weight to the steering. The EPA estimated 32 mpg in combined driving, and the car achieved 29.3 mpg on a testing loop, with a week-long average of 32.4 mpg. Handling was decent, but the ride quality was busy due to the inexpensive torsion-beam rear-axle suspension.

The 2019 MINI Cooper, even in its 2-door hardtop form, was surprisingly practical. The back seat could accommodate passengers if the front seats were adjusted, and the 8.7-cubic-foot trunk could hold a full-size suitcase and a backpack. However, it was best used as a 2-seater with a spacious 34-cubic-foot trunk. The front seats offered a range of adjustments, with significant side bolsters and manual thigh-support extensions. Controls prioritized style over function, with chrome toggle switches, unconventional door release handles, and a wireless device charger that consumed the limited storage space in the center armrest console.

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra provided good front-seat comfort, with height-adjustable seats in all trims, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The backseat, while supportive, lacked air conditioning vents and USB ports, and the hard plastic front seatbacks were unkind to taller passengers. Interior storage was decent, with a sizable center-console storage bin, a large glove box, and a tray for smartphones. The Limited trim included a wireless charging pad and a hands-free trunk release, offering 14.4 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2019 MINI Cooper's top-level infotainment system, based on BMW iDrive technology, featured an 8.8-inch display screen, navigation, and MINI Connected Services. It offered voice control, a touchscreen, and physical controls, but the physical controls were difficult to access. The voice controls worked reasonably well, and the touchscreen was welcome, though some virtual buttons were too small. The system sometimes behaved unexpectedly, changing screens without input. Wireless charging and Apple CarPlay were available, but Android Auto was not. The Harman Kardon audio system provided impressive sound quality, and the head-up display showed various information on a plastic panel.

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra, except for the base SE, came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The Limited trim included an Infinity premium sound system, and the Ultimate Package added an 8-inch display screen, navigation, and SiriusXM Data Services. The Elantra's infotainment system was easy to use, with the right number of knobs and buttons to limit screen interaction. The Limited's Infinity audio system delivered impressive sound quality, and the Blue Link services offered a free 3-year trial subscription with a range of safety and convenience functions.

The 2019 MINI Cooper offered a limited set of safety systems, including eight airbags, a reversing camera, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, and a speed-limit information system. Adaptive cruise control was available with the Driver Assistance Package, but the car lacked a blind-spot-monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The IIHS rated the MINI Cooper as a Top Safety Pick in 2018, but it lost that rating in 2019. The NHTSA gave it a 4-star overall rating, with a 3-star rating for rear seat occupant protection in a side-impact collision.

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra, starting with the SEL trim, included forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, a blind-spot-monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver-monitoring system. The Limited trim added adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, automatic high-beam headlights, and a Safe Exit system. The IIHS gave the Elantra top marks across the board, except for an Acceptable rating for the LATCH child-seat anchors. The NHTSA gave the Elantra a 4-star overall rating, with 4-star frontal-impact and side-impact protection ratings for rear-seat occupants.