2022 MINI Cooper vs 2021 Chrysler 300

The 2021 Chrysler 300 retained its classic design, reminiscent of an era gone by, with its three-box silhouette that had remained largely unchanged since its 2014 facelift. The car's appearance was straightforward yet elegant, with a no-nonsense grille and bi-xenon halogen projector lamps, which could be upgraded to adaptive HID lamps on higher trims. The Chrysler 300's wheels ranged from 17-inch silver alloys to 20-inch Black Noise wheels, depending on the trim. Inside, the Chrysler 300 offered a luxurious feel with cloth upholstery on the base model and Nappa leather on higher trims, providing a comfortable and upscale experience.

In contrast, the 2022 MINI Cooper was a modern take on a classic design, maintaining the brand's iconic look while incorporating contemporary elements. The MINI Cooper's refreshed styling included restyled bumpers, a new grille, and standard LED headlights, along with new paint colors and wheel designs. The interior featured a blend of retro and modern technology, with a new steering wheel and an updated infotainment system. Despite its charming appearance, the MINI Cooper's design prioritized form over function, resulting in limited rear seat space and a small trunk, making it less practical for everyday use.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 was not designed for speed but offered respectable performance with its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, producing 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the 300 Touring and Touring L trims, and 300 hp and 264 lb-ft in the 300S. The 300S also had an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 363 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque, making it the only V8 in its class. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters available on the 300S. The Chrysler 300 provided a comfortable and quiet ride, with the V8 offering a more exhilarating experience.

The 2022 MINI Cooper, on the other hand, offered a more spirited driving experience with its turbocharged engines. The base model featured a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the Cooper S had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque. The MINI Convertible could accelerate to 60 mph in less than seven seconds with the Cooper S engine. The car offered a choice between a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard. Despite its sporty nature, the MINI Cooper's steering and brake response were less precise, affecting overall driving satisfaction.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 excelled in providing ample interior space, with 41.8 inches of front legroom and 40.1 inches in the rear, surpassing many entry-luxury competitors. It offered 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it feel spacious and comfortable. The trunk provided 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, accommodating several large suitcases, making it practical for long trips.

In contrast, the 2022 MINI Cooper prioritized style over practicality, with comfortable front seats but nearly unusable rear seats. The trunk offered just 5.2 cubic feet of space, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid, suitable for a single suitcase and a few small items. The cabin lacked storage space, and the infotainment controls were awkwardly placed, limiting functionality. However, MINI offered other models with more space for those needing practicality.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 featured a user-friendly Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The system was intuitive, with easy-to-use controls and steering wheel-mounted buttons. An optional Popular Equipment Group added premium audio, navigation, and a sunroof, enhancing the car's tech offerings.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, featuring LED lighting and customizable graphics. It offered Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, and optional navigation and premium sound. The system was based on BMW's iDrive technology, with a digital instrument cluster and an available head-up display. Despite its convertible nature, the screens remained visible in most lighting conditions.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received mixed safety ratings, with top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but "Marginal" in small overlap tests and "Poor" for headlights. It earned a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with a five-star rating for side crash tests. The car offered a range of safety features, but advanced options were only available on higher trims.

The 2022 MINI Cooper lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it came with standard Driving Assistant technology, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but blind-spot monitoring was unavailable, posing a challenge with the convertible's visibility.