2022 MINI Cooper vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra stood out in the compact sedan market with its Sensuous Sportiness design language and Parametric surfacing. Its sharp creases and dramatic angles created a distinctive and appealing look. The Z-shaped dent in the car’s doors, a controversial design cue, was intended to give the Elantra a unique character, breaking conventional automotive design rules. The Elantra's interior featured a driver-focused dashboard and center console, with higher trim levels offering a more upscale and modern look, especially in the Limited or Hybrid Limited in Gray.

In contrast, the 2022 MINI Cooper retained its iconic design while incorporating modern updates. The refreshed model featured restyled bumpers, a new grille, standard LED headlights, and Union Jack taillights. The interior combined retro aesthetics with modern technology, offering a wide range of customization options. However, the MINI Convertible's awkward proportions and the new grille's emphasis on the car’s overbite were points of contention. Despite these design quirks, the MINI Cooper remained unmistakably a MINI, promising a fun driving experience.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, from the standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower to the high-performance Elantra N with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 276 horsepower. The Elantra SEL, priced at $25,015, featured a 2.0-liter engine paired with a CVT, delivering 31.4 mpg in combined driving. The Elantra Limited Hybrid, priced at $29,095, combined a 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor, achieving 42.2 mpg. The sporty Elantra N Line, priced at $26,245, offered a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 201 horsepower, while the Elantra N, estimated at $34,000, provided a thrilling driving experience with its powerful engine and advanced features.

The 2022 MINI Cooper, equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower, took over eight seconds to reach 60 mph. The Cooper S, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 189 horsepower, accelerated to 60 mph in less than seven seconds. The JCW models, with a tuned version of the Cooper S engine producing 235 horsepower, reached 60 mph in just over six seconds. The Cooper S test car, with a manual transmission, averaged 27.1 mpg. Despite its sporty nature, the MINI Cooper's steering response and brake pedal feel were disappointing, reducing driving satisfaction.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra, classified as a midsize car by the EPA, offered a spacious interior with a height-adjustable driver’s seat and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The rear seat provided ample legroom and foot space, though the backrest shape and angle lacked upper back support. The trunk measured 14.2 cubic feet, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat enhancing utility. However, the absence of a height-adjustable front passenger seat and hard plastic upper door panels were drawbacks.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible prioritized form over function, with comfortable front seats but essentially useless rear seats. The trunk, measuring just 5.2 cubic feet, was accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Interior storage space was limited, with the infotainment system’s controls consuming valuable real estate. While the MINI Convertible's limited space was expected, other MINI models like the Hardtop 4 Door, Clubman, and Countryman offered more practicality.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in SE, SEL, and N Line trims. The Limited trim offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a digital instrumentation screen, though it lacked wireless smartphone integration. The Limited Hybrid's voice recognition system performed inconsistently, but the new Bose premium sound system impressed with its audio quality. Hyundai Digital Key allowed for remote access and control of the vehicle.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen display. The system 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 digital instrument cluster and head-up display provided additional information, though the screens occasionally washed out in direct sunlight. The Harman Kardon sound system delivered impressive audio quality, even with the top down.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra, built on a new platform, featured SmartSense, Hyundai’s suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). This included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and more. Safety-related upgrades included cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, and Highway Drive Assist, which offered smooth and accurate performance.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible benefited from its increased size, providing better protection in collisions. However, it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. The MINI Convertible included standard Driving Assistant technology, such as forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control was available, but the absence of blind-spot monitoring and a digital rearview mirror were notable omissions.