Compare the2024 MINI Cooper SEVS 2024 Dodge Charger

The MINI Cooper SE has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Charger doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The Cooper SE has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Charger doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the Cooper SE and the Charger have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors and available front parking sensors.

The Cooper SE comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Charger’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The Cooper SE’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the Charger’s (12 vs. 5 years).

MINI pays for scheduled maintenance on the Cooper SE for 3 years and 36,000 miles. MINI will pay for tire rotations, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Dodge doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Charger.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that MINI vehicles are better in initial quality than Dodge vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI above average in initial quality. With 119 more problems per 100 vehicles, Dodge is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that MINI vehicles are more reliable than Dodge vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI fourth in reliability, above the industry average. With 16 more problems per 100 vehicles, Dodge is ranked 9th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that MINI vehicles are more reliable than Dodge vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks MINI third in overall reliability. Dodge is ranked 21st.

On the EPA test cycle the Cooper SE gets better mileage than the Charger:

The Cooper SE has a standard locking charge port which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The Charger doesn’t have a locking charge port. A locking charge port prevents tampering and damage.

For better maneuverability, the Cooper SE’s turning circle is 4.9 feet tighter than the Charger Coupe’s (35.1 feet vs. 40 feet).

The MINI Cooper SE may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 2700 pounds less than the Dodge Charger.

The Cooper SE is 4 feet, 6.8 inches shorter than the Charger Daytona Scat Pack Coupe, making the Cooper SE easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Cooper SE is 11.8 inches narrower than the Charger, making the Cooper SE easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that MINI service is better than Dodge. J.D. Power ranks MINI fourth in service department satisfaction. With a 51% lower rating, Dodge is ranked 27th.

If the windows are left open on the Cooper SE the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Charger can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Cooper SE to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Charger doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Cooper SE has a standard rear wiper. The Charger doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the Cooper SE has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Charger doesn’t offer cornering lights.

To better shield the driver’s vision, the Cooper SE has a standard dual-element sun visor that can block glare from two directions simultaneously. The Charger doesn’t offer a secondary sun visor.

The Cooper SE Iconic’s Parking Assistant can parallel park by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The Charger doesn’t offer an automated parking system.