2021 MINI Cooper vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

Few cars carried styling as iconic as the 2021 MINI Cooper. Its rounded shape, compact dimensions, and wide variety of color choices set it apart in the subcompact car space. Customization options for the exterior and top, along with graphics like the Union Jack flag, added to its unique appeal. The MINI Cooper's interior continued this design language with circular shapes, a funky infotainment touchscreen, and high-quality materials. However, the lack of space, especially in the back seats, was a notable drawback.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat, on the other hand, maintained a more understated look with its 2020 facelift. It bore a strong resemblance to the smaller Jetta sedan, featuring a smooth, aerodynamic shape with a drag coefficient of 0.28. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, with wheel sizes varying by trim. The interior followed a clean, functional design with well-placed analog controls and good visibility. However, the flat-bottomed steering wheel seemed out of place in such an un-sporty car.

The 2021 MINI Cooper offered four powertrain options. The base model had a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower. The Cooper S featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 189 hp, the John Cooper Works (JCW) had a 228-hp turbo-four, and the John Cooper Works GP boasted a 301-hp turbo-four. All models were front-wheel drive, with a six-speed manual standard for the Cooper and Cooper S, and an eight-speed automatic for the JCW GP. The MINI felt spritely and energetic, especially with the turbocharged four-cylinder engines. However, the ride was somewhat stiff, and the car could feel twitchy at higher speeds. Fuel economy varied, with the most efficient model being the Convertible at 28/37/31 mpg city/highway/combined.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat had a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The power delivery felt uneven at times, but switching to Sport mode or manually selecting gears improved the experience. The Passat didn't stand out in terms of driving dynamics, offering a plain midsize sedan experience. Ride quality and cabin noise levels were good but not remarkable.

The 2021 MINI Cooper's interior was more suited for cargo storage than passengers, especially in the rear seat. The front seats were comfortable with decent head and legroom, but taller drivers might struggle with knee placement. Interior storage was tight, with limited space in the center console and door pockets. The Hatchback models offered decent cargo space with the back seats folded down, while the Convertible had very little usable space in the back.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat boasted 39.1 inches of rear legroom, slightly less than some competitors but still roomy. However, this came at the expense of front legroom, which was below average for the segment. The driving position was uncomfortable, with limited front legroom and lack of thigh support. The Passat had 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space, more than some rivals but less than others. In-cabin storage was limited, but the layout of controls was excellent, with big buttons and knobs within easy reach.

The 2021 MINI Cooper wasn't generous with standard features. The base screen was a 6.5-inch unit, with an optional 8.8-inch unit that included SiriusXM satellite radio and Apple CarPlay. Optional features included a Harman Kardon sound system and automatic climate controls. MINI included more physical controls, improving usability, but did not offer Android Auto, leaving many users reliant on Bluetooth.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured the MIB2 infotainment system with a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. R-Line models added HD Radio, navigation, and an eight-speaker Fender audio system. The touchscreen was small but functional, with basic functions handled by dashboard knobs and steering-wheel controls. The Passat lacked flashy features like the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and newer MIB3 system, but offered a straightforward tech experience.

The 2021 MINI Cooper missed out on a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, scoring top "Good" ratings in crash tests but "Acceptable" or "Poor" ratings for headlights. The standard front crash prevention systems earned "Advanced" scores, and the LATCH system was rated "Marginal." The NHTSA had not rated the 2021 model. Standard driver-assistance features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and rear parking sensors, with other features available as options.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests, but the standard headlights earned a "Marginal" rating. The NHTSA had not published ratings for the 2021 model. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. The Passat also featured VW’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.