2022 MINI Cooper vs 2021 Honda Accord

The 2021 Honda Accord received a mid-generation refresh to stay competitive in a crowded market. It featured a wider, restyled grille, giving it a more sculpted face. The Honda Sensing safety system’s radar unit was better disguised, enhancing the vehicle's appearance. LED headlights and lowlights were standard on all trims except the base model, improving nighttime visibility. The Accord also introduced new alloy wheel designs and a Sonic Gray Pearl paint option for select trims. Inside, the Accord offered a mix of cloth and leather-trimmed seats, with higher trims featuring more luxurious materials. A power moonroof was available on certain trims, though it reduced headroom slightly.

The 2022 MINI Cooper, refreshed for the model year, retained its iconic design while incorporating modern touches. It featured restyled bumpers, a new grille, and standard LED headlights, along with Union Jack taillights. New wheel designs and paint colors, including Island Blue, Rooftop Grey, and Zesty Yellow, were added. The Piano Black Exterior treatment extended to various exterior elements. Inside, the MINI Convertible maintained its retro charm with modern technology, including a new steering wheel and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The convertible top could be lowered in 18 seconds, offering a unique open-air experience.

The 2021 Honda Accord offered two engine choices. The base engine was a 192-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder, delivering 192 pound-feet of torque and paired with a CVT. The more powerful option was a 2.0-liter turbo-four producing 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 1.5-liter engine achieved an EPA-estimated 30 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined, while the 2.0-liter engine managed 22 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. The Accord was front-wheel drive only, with paddle shifters available on Sport and Sport SE trims. The braking system was upgraded for smoother engagement.

The 2022 MINI Cooper offered a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, taking over eight seconds to reach 60 mph. The Cooper S variant featured a 2.0-liter turbo-four with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in under seven seconds. Both engines were available with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the MINI was front-wheel drive. The JCW models had a tuned version of the Cooper S engine, producing 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in just over six seconds. The MINI Convertible offered Green, Mid, and Sport driving modes, with adaptive-damping suspension available.

The 2021 Honda Accord was designed for daily drivability, offering seating for five with ample head-, hip-, and legroom. Standard features included dual-zone automatic climate control, power windows, push-button start, and front and rear 12-volt power outlets. Higher trims added leather-wrapped steering wheels, heated seats, and two-position seating memory. The rear seats featured a 60/40 split and center armrest, folding down to expand the 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space. The cabin was well-designed, with essential controls within easy reach and decent small-item storage.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible prioritized form over function, 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. Cabin storage was limited, with infotainment controls consuming valuable space. The MINI Convertible was best suited for those who didn't need rear passenger room or a large cargo area, with other MINI models offering more practicality.

The 2021 Honda Accord featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with physical volume and tuning knobs. Standard tech included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, hands-free text messaging, and two USB ports. Higher trims added satellite radio, HD radio, a wireless phone charger, a 10-speaker premium audio system, additional USB ports, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi hotspot, and Near Field Communication. The Accord Touring 2.0T included a head-up display and HomeLink Remote.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, LED lighting, and customizable widgets. It offered Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, SiriusXM satellite radio, and BMW-based connected services. Navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system were available. The system paired with a digital instrument cluster and an optional head-up display. The Harman Kardon sound system provided impressive sound quality, overcoming ambient noise even at highway speeds.

The 2021 Honda Accord came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including vehicle stability assist, traction control, brake assist, a rearview camera, LED daytime running lights, and automatic high beams. The Honda Sensing suite included lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and automatic high beams. Higher trims added rear-seat reminder, low-speed braking control, and blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert. The Accord received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible benefited from its increased size for better collision protection. It came with standard Driving Assistant technology, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was available with automatic transmission models. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Neither NHTSA nor IIHS had published crash-test ratings for the latest MINI Convertible.