2022 MINI Cooper vs 2021 Lexus IS

The 2021 Lexus IS made a bold statement with its athletic proportions and great stance. Its design captured motion even while standing still, exuding elegance with a fast roofline and a compact, sporty cabin. The new spindle grille with diamond mesh and narrow headlights added to its assertive look. Inside, the dash was tastefully simple, with a retro hi-fi feel in the center stack. The interior matched the exterior with bold, assertive choices and modern aesthetics, though the analog clock felt outdated.

The 2022 MINI Cooper, refreshed for the model year, retained its iconic personality with restyled bumpers, a new grille, and standard LED headlights. The Union Jack taillights and new paint colors like Island Blue and Zesty Yellow added flair. The interior featured a new steering wheel and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Despite the updates, the MINI Convertible's proportions remained awkward, and the new grille drew attention to its overbite. Inside, it combined retro charm with modern technology, offering a unique open-air experience with the top down.

The 2021 Lexus IS offered a range of engines, starting with the IS 300 RWD's 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The IS 300 AWD had a 3.5-liter V6 with 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the IS 350 models boasted a 311 hp and 280 lb-ft V6. RWD models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, while AWD models had a six-speed automatic. The IS 350 RWD accelerated from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD achieving 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, and the IS 350 AWD rated at 19/26/22 mpg.

The 2022 MINI Cooper came with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine producing 134 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, taking over eight seconds to reach 60 mph. The Cooper S had a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft, achieving 0-60 mph in under seven seconds. The JCW models offered 235 hp and 228 lb-ft, reaching 60 mph in just over six seconds. Both engines had a choice of a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Cooper S manual achieved 27.1 mpg in testing. The MINI Convertible's handling was less sporty than expected, with a sticky off-center steering response and gooey brake pedal feel.

The 2021 Lexus IS provided a driver-centered experience with a comfortable, supportive seat and easily adjustable driver position. The F Sport trim's bolstered seat included heating and ventilation. The IS used NuLuxe synthetic upholstery, which was eco-friendly and easy to clean. Storage space was ample, with various compartments and a 10.8 cubic feet trunk. The second row was comfortable for two but cramped for three.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible prioritized form over function, with comfortable front seats but essentially useless 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 precious space. The MINI Convertible's rear seats were better suited for extra luggage room, and other MINI models offered more passenger and cargo space.

The 2021 Lexus IS featured a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Lexus Enform services included Safety Connect, Service Connect, WiFi, and Remote, with various trial periods. The Navigation Package offered Dynamic Navigation and Destination Assist for three years. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system was a recommended option for audiophiles.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced the MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, LED lighting, and customizable widgets. It offered Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, SiriusXM, and BMW-based connected services. Navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Harman Kardon sound system were available. The digital instrument cluster and head-up display were standard, with the latter remaining visible with polarized sunglasses. The Harman Kardon system impressed with its sound quality.

The 2021 Lexus IS had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA but was expected to perform well based on the previous generation. It came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and more. The IS also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a backup camera.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible benefited from its increased size for better collision protection, though it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. It included standard Driving Assistant technology with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but blind-spot monitoring and a digital rearview mirror were not available.