Mini Cooper
!
The Mini hatchback is
sporty, quirky, and full of
character, whether shop-
pers opt for the classic two-
door or the more practical
four-door version. The Cooper S uses
a four-cylinder turbo and got 30 mpg
with the six-speed manual. The non-S
has a three-cylinder engine that
does the job. Handling is nimble and
sporty, making the Mini fun to drive on curvy back roads. The ride is rather
firm, however, and road noise is noticeable. Controls take some getting used
to, and the backseat is still tiny. Options easily push the price past $30,000.
The high-performance John Cooper Works version bumps the power to 301 hp
and gets firmer suspension. There's a wagonlike Clubman with small barn-style
rear doors. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with
pedestrian detection are standard, but blind spot warning is not available.
OVERALL
SCORE
79
$23,400-$39,400
RELIABILITY
4
SATISFACTION
3
ROAD-TEST SCORE 80 MPG 30
The SUV-like Countryman
offers a so-so 1.5-liter turbo
three-cylinder and a stron-
ger, much more enjoyable
2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder.
Front- and all-wheel drive are offered.
Performance-oriented John Cooper
Works and AWD plug-in hybrid ver-
sions are also available. The roomy
Countryman features a surprisingly
comfortable backseat. The Countryman's agile handling makes it fun to drive.
The ride is on the firm side, and the cabin can get loud. The interior is solid
and well-finished, and the seats are supportive. The BMW-like iDrive system
has a learning curve but ultimately proves to be logical. For 2020, forward
collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
are standard, but blind spot warning isn't available at all. A seven-speed dual
clutch replaced the six-speed automatic transmission.
OVERALL
SCORE
69
$28,400-$41,400
RELIABILITY
2
SATISFACTION
4
ROAD-TEST SCORE 82 MPG 25
The coupelike Eclipse Cross
is an underwhelming SUV,
with mundane handling,
an unsettled ride, and
frustrating controls. Power
comes from a lackluster 1.5-liter turbo
four-cylinder engine mated to a con-
tinuously variable transmission. The
Eclipse Cross moves decently around
town but runs out of steam merging
onto highways, and its 24 mpg overall
isn't impressive. Front- and all-wheel drive are available. The touchpad used
to interact with the infotainment system is distracting to use. The driver's seat
is short on support. However, it's easy to get in and out, and rear-seat room is
generous. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with
pedestrian detection are standard on all except the bottom two trims.
OVERALL
SCORE
52
$22,995-$28,745
RELIABILITY
3
SATISFACTION
2
ROAD-TEST SCORE 57 MPG 24
Mitsubishi Mirage
Its rock-bottom sticker price
and thrifty fuel economy of
37 mpg overall conjure an
image of a practical and
economical runabout. But
that mirage quickly dissipates when
driving this tiny, tinny car. Since its
introduction in 2014, minor updates
brought a sedan body style, a hint
more power, and Android Auto and
Apple CarPlay compatibility, along with supposedly upgraded brakes. Yet
those enhancements don't mask the weak, vibrating three-cylinder engine that
delivers sluggish acceleration and a raspy chorus of lament, or the car's clumsy
handling. Though it's relatively roomy, the depressing cabin feels drab, cheap,
and insubstantial. In the end, there is no compelling reason to buy a Mirage,
and, for the same price, there are many much better used cars available.
OVERALL
SCORE
31
$13,995-$17,745
RELIABILITY
3
SATISFACTION
2
ROAD-TEST SCORE 29 MPG 37
Mitsubishi Outlander
Outdated and outclassed,
the Outlander struggles to
compete. Its high point is
a tiny third-row seat that's
standard on most versions.
Though absorbent, the Outlander's
ride feels too buoyant and not tied
down —despite Mitsubishi's recent
improvement efforts. Handling is
clumsy, with slow steering response
and lots of body lean in corners. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder is mated to a
CVT that amplifies the engine's howl when drivers ask for power. Acceleration
is leisurely at 10 seconds from 0 to 60 mph, and its 24 mpg overall is lackluster.
Top-tier GT trims get a 3.0-liter V6 and six-speed automatic. Forward collision
warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning are
standard on most trims. The plug-in hybrid can do a claimed 22 miles on
electric power before switching to hybrid mode. It has no third row.
OVERALL
SCORE
54
$24,895-$41,695
RELIABILITY
3
SATISFACTION
2
ROAD-TEST SCORE 59 MPG 24
Mitsubishi
Outlander Sport
Freshened for 2020, this
shortened version of the
Outlander has less rear-
seat room and cargo space.
Despite the name, when
it comes to driving it's not exactly a
sporty SUV. Handling is mundane,
and acceleration is just adequate. In
addition to the 2.0-liter engine, a more
powerful 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is available. The Sport's choppy ride and
very noisy cabin further detract from the driving experience. Still, it has a com-
manding seating position, as well as passenger and cargo versatility. Top-trim
all-wheel-drive versions can get expensive enough that the Outlander Sport
starts to compete with better SUVs. Updates for 2020 include Apple CarPlay
and Android Auto compatibility, and added advanced safety equipment.
OVERALL
SCORE
NA
$22,595-$26,995
RELIABILITY
3
SATISFACTION
2
ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPG NA
Nissan Altima!
The Altima is a rather
unremarkable midsized
sedan. That said, it's a
competitive car that
gets the job done. It
delivers on room, fuel economy,
and user-friendliness. But the driving
experience is bland, falling short on
handling agility, and the seemingly
pliant ride isn't adept at absorbing all
types of bumps. The standard 2.5-liter engine provides decent acceleration,
and the car gets a commendable 31 mpg overall. All-wheel drive is available.
There's also a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo engine. The car is relatively quiet.
The cabin is roomy, if a bit too low for easy access. Controls are very easy to
use, and both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are compatible. To its credit,
standard safety systems include automatic emergency braking.
OVERALL
SCORE
84
$24,100-$35,180
RELIABILITY
5
SATISFACTION
3
ROAD-TEST SCORE 81 MPG 31
Nissan Armada
This less expensive version
of the Infiniti QX80 is
powered by a slick and
robust 390-hp, 5.6-liter V8.
We got a paltry 14 mpg
overall, however. Though the soft
suspension absorbs bumps well, the
body jostles frequently. Handling is
clumsy, with slow steering and pro-
nounced body roll, but it's ultimately
secure. Inside, the spacious cabin has a premium feel, particularly in Platinum
trim. Controls are a bit dated and cluttered, and it's a far reach to some
buttons and knobs. Seven- and eight-passenger seating configurations are
available, and the third row can power fold and unfold. Available in rear-wheel
or full-time four-wheel drive, the Armada can tow a generous 8,500-pound
load. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking are standard.
OVERALL
SCORE
63
$47,100-$63,530
RELIABILITY
3
SATISFACTION
3
ROAD-TEST SCORE 69 MPG 14
0
!
RECOMMENDED
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WORSE BETTER
Mini Cooper Countryman
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
APRIL 2020 CR.ORG 73