2022 MINI Cooper vs 2021 Hyundai Sonata

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata presented a bold redesign that was both striking and polarizing. Its distinctive appearance, characterized by a broad grille and tapered tail, made it unmistakably a Sonata. The N Line version further enhanced this look with functional and stylistic changes, such as a restyled front fascia with larger air intakes, gloss black side mirrors, and bold 19-inch wheels. These elements contributed to a more appealing and stealthy visual performance suggestion. Inside, the Sonata N Line featured sport front seats with premium Nappa leather bolsters, red stitching, and dark chrome accents, creating a sporty yet refined interior ambiance.

In contrast, the 2022 MINI Cooper maintained its iconic design while incorporating modern updates. The MINI Convertible, refreshed for 2022, featured restyled bumpers, a new grille, and standard LED headlights. Despite these updates, the car's proportions remained awkward, with the new grille accentuating its overbite. Inside, the MINI Convertible combined retro charm with modern technology, offering a wide range of customization options. However, the emphasis on design over function resulted in a cluttered interior. The Sidewalk Edition, with its exclusive paint and features, added a touch of uniqueness to the MINI Convertible's personality.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a launch control system. The Sonata N Line offered multiple driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom, allowing drivers to tailor the car's performance to their preferences. The car's sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and 19-inch wheels with performance tires contributed to its impressive handling and driving dynamics. Despite being front-wheel drive, the Sonata N Line effectively minimized understeer, providing a thrilling driving experience.

The 2022 MINI Cooper offered a choice between two engines: a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder with 134 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 189 horsepower in the Cooper S. The Cooper S accelerated to 60 mph in under seven seconds, providing a spirited driving experience. Both engines were available with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The MINI Convertible's driving modes, including Green, Mid, and Sport, allowed for customization of powertrain response. However, the car's steering and brake feel were less precise, detracting from the overall driving satisfaction. The JCW models offered even more power, with 235 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque, but were only available with an automatic transmission.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line offered a comfortable and spacious interior, with heated front sport seats that balanced comfort and support. The rear seats, while not as accommodating as expected, featured rear air conditioning vents and a USB port. The Sonata's trunk provided 16 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. The Smart Trunk hands-free release feature added convenience, although the lack of an interior handle for closing the trunk was a minor drawback.

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. Interior storage was limited, with the infotainment system's controls consuming valuable space. While the MINI's compact size was expected, those needing more space could opt for other MINI models like the Hardtop 4 Door, Clubman, or Countryman.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Bose premium sound system. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but lacked a WiFi hotspot. The infotainment interface had some usability issues, such as the absence of a tuning knob and inadvertent touch activation. Hyundai Digital Key was standard, allowing Android users to unlock and start the car with their smartphone.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display. The system offered Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Navigation, wireless charging, and a Harman Kardon sound system were available. The infotainment system, based on BMW's iDrive, paired with a digital instrument cluster. Despite being in a convertible, the screens remained visible except in direct sunlight. A head-up display was also available, visible even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line came with Hyundai's SmartSense suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The N Line also featured a Rear Occupant Alert system and Safe Exit Warning. While crash-test ratings for the N Line were not available, the standard Sonata rated high for occupant protection.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible gained standard Driving Assistant technology, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control was optional with an automatic transmission. However, the MINI lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which could have improved visibility with the top raised. The lane-departure warning system provided subtle feedback to the driver.