2022 Audi A4 vs 2021 MINI Cooper

2021 MINI Cooper
2021 MINI Cooper
$22,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2022 Audi A4
2022 Audi A4
$39,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 MINI Cooper
$22,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Audi A4
$39,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 MINI Cooper is 5.0 out of 10, while the 2022 Audi A4 scores 8.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Audi A4 is the clear choice, offering superior performance, comfort, technology, and safety features.

Overview

MSRP

$22,400

MSRP

$39,900

Average price

$23,359

Average price

$26,338

Listings

128

Listings

239
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

5.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10
Pros
  • Fun to drive
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Manual transmission available
Cons
  • Poor value for money
  • Poor ergonomic design
  • Cramped back seat
Pros
  • Fun to drive
  • Impressive technology
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Cramped back seat

2021 MINI Cooper Reviews Summary

The MINI Cooper is a funky little car with a big attitude that screams nostalgia. The BMW-owned automaker marches to the beat of its own drum, and while the MINI Cooper isn’t the most practical or best equipped car in its class, its unique styling and classic fun-loving attitude will be just what the doctor ordered for many buyers.

The Cooper is available in body styles that include the two-door Mini Cooper Hardtop, a four-door hardtop, and a convertible. Other variants of the Cooper go by different names, such as the larger MINI Countryman crossover and the Clubman wagon.

Updates for the 2021 model year includes several new features and the re-addition of a manual transmission option. Two new special editions are also available: MINI Sidewalk and John Cooper Works GP.

The MINI Cooper's odd place in the market pits it against several competitors from various classes. New car buyers may cross-shop the Mazda MX-5 Miata, BMW 2 Series, Kia Soul, Kia Seltos, Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR86, Hyundai Kona, or Mazda MX-30 when making a buying decision on the MINI. Prior to their discontinuation, the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit were solid Mini competitors as well.

2022 Audi A4 Reviews Summary

We’d forgotten just how terrific the Audi A4 can be. The compact luxury sports sedan is over half a decade old now. After a week-long stint in a 2022 Audi A4 Prestige 45 TFSI, we’re reminded of the A4’s fundamental appeal. From its rock-solid structure to its modern technology, nothing about the 2022 A4 telegraphs the car’s age. The A4 remains an excellent choice in a luxury sports sedan.
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

1.5L 134 hp I3

Engine

2.0L 201 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

4

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

134 hp @ 4400 rpm

Horsepower

201 hp @ 4200 rpm

MPG City

26

MPG City

26

MPG Highway

37

MPG Highway

34
2021 MINI Cooper
2021 MINI Cooper
$22,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Audi A4
2022 Audi A4
$39,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 MINI Cooper
$22,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Audi A4
$39,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 MINI Cooper is 5.0 out of 10, while the 2022 Audi A4 scores 8.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Audi A4 is the clear choice, offering superior performance, comfort, technology, and safety features.

Overview
MSRP
$22,400
$39,900
Average price
$23,359
$26,338
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.7
4.0
Expert reviews

5.0 out of 10

Read full review

8.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Fun to drive
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Manual transmission available
Cons
  • Poor value for money
  • Poor ergonomic design
  • Cramped back seat
Pros
  • Fun to drive
  • Impressive technology
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Cramped back seat
Summary

The MINI Cooper is a funky little car with a big attitude that screams nostalgia. The BMW-owned automaker marches to the beat of its own drum, and while the MINI Cooper isn’t the most practical or best equipped car in its class, its unique styling and classic fun-loving attitude will be just what the doctor ordered for many buyers.

The Cooper is available in body styles that include the two-door Mini Cooper Hardtop, a four-door hardtop, and a convertible. Other variants of the Cooper go by different names, such as the larger MINI Countryman crossover and the Clubman wagon.

Updates for the 2021 model year includes several new features and the re-addition of a manual transmission option. Two new special editions are also available: MINI Sidewalk and John Cooper Works GP.

The MINI Cooper's odd place in the market pits it against several competitors from various classes. New car buyers may cross-shop the Mazda MX-5 Miata, BMW 2 Series, Kia Soul, Kia Seltos, Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR86, Hyundai Kona, or Mazda MX-30 when making a buying decision on the MINI. Prior to their discontinuation, the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit were solid Mini competitors as well.

We’d forgotten just how terrific the Audi A4 can be. The compact luxury sports sedan is over half a decade old now. After a week-long stint in a 2022 Audi A4 Prestige 45 TFSI, we’re reminded of the A4’s fundamental appeal. From its rock-solid structure to its modern technology, nothing about the 2022 A4 telegraphs the car’s age. The A4 remains an excellent choice in a luxury sports sedan.
Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
1.5L 134 hp I3
2.0L 201 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
4
5
Horsepower
134 hp @ 4400 rpm
201 hp @ 4200 rpm
MPG City
26
26
MPG Highway
37
34
Look and feel
2021 MINI Cooper
5/10
2022 Audi A4
9/10

The 2021 MINI Cooper carried an iconic styling that was immediately recognizable, much like the Jeep Wrangler. Its rounded shape, compact dimensions, and a wide variety of color choices set it apart in the subcompact car space. MINI offered several customization options for the exterior, including graphics for the roof and hidden Easter eggs like Union Jack taillights. Despite its small size, the MINI Cooper was larger than the original Mini, with wheel and trim upgrades available depending on the model. Inside, the MINI Cooper continued its unique design language with plenty of circles and rounded shapes, including a funky infotainment touchscreen mounted inside a circular light ring. The cabin was generally high quality but lacked space, making the back seats more suitable for packages than passengers.

The 2022 Audi A4, available in sedan, Allroad, and S4 performance-tuned models, offered a clean and conservative appearance. Our test car, a Prestige 45 TFSI, featured Tango Red paint, the Black Optic Plus package, 19-inch wheels, and ventilated front seats, with an MSRP of $55,890. The A4's simple design was a perfect canvas for its striking color and detailing. Inside, the A4 maintained aesthetic restraint with high-quality materials, a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit, and ambient lighting. The dashboard integrated air vents seamlessly, and controls were clearly labeled. However, the tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system seemed like an afterthought rather than an integrated part of the design.

Performance
2021 MINI Cooper
7/10
2022 Audi A4
9/10

The 2021 MINI Cooper offered four powertrain options. The base model had a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower. The Cooper S featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 189 hp, the John Cooper Works (JCW) had a 228-hp turbo-four, and the John Cooper Works GP boasted a 301-hp turbo-four. All models were front-wheel drive, with a six-speed manual standard for the Cooper and Cooper S, and a seven-speed automatic available. The JCW GP came with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The MINI felt spritely and energetic, especially with the turbocharged four-cylinder engines, though the ride was somewhat stiff and could become tiresome on long drives. The most efficient model, the Convertible, delivered 28/37/31 mpg city/highway/combined, while the Cooper S Convertible returned 23/32/26 mpg.

The 2022 Audi A4 40 TFSI featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro Ultra all-wheel-drive (AWD). It achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 29 mpg combined and accelerated to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. The A4 45 TFSI, with 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, had a lowered sport suspension and accelerated to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, with an EPA rating of 27 mpg combined. Both engines required premium gas and offered multiple driving modes. The A4 45 TFSI averaged 24.8 mpg during testing. The Quattro Ultra AWD system powered the front wheels unless needed, providing a solid driving experience. The A4's engine was refined, and the steering wheel paddle shifters enhanced engagement. The car's brakes and tire grip were outstanding, and it remained quiet and comfortable even at high speeds.

Form and function
2021 MINI Cooper
4/10
2022 Audi A4
7/10

The 2021 MINI Cooper's interior continued its heritage with a rear seat more suitable for cargo storage than passengers. The front seats were comfortable with decent head and legroom, though taller drivers might struggle with knee placement. Interior storage was tight, with a small center console and door pockets. The Hatchback models offered decent cargo space with foldable back seats, while Convertible models had limited usable space.

The 2022 Audi A4, sitting low to the ground, was harder to enter and exit, with small door openings and a snug cabin. However, the front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with soft leather, power adjustment, and a thigh-support cushion. The A4 featured a three-zone automatic climate control system, separate from the infotainment screen, and an intuitive layout. The back seat, though not spacious, was comfortable for shorter trips. Interior storage was limited, with the center console bin housing the wireless charging pad and Audi Phone Box signal booster. The A4's 13 cubic-foot trunk was well-finished with enclosed hinges and storage nets, providing ample space for luggage.

Technology
2021 MINI Cooper
5/10
2022 Audi A4
9/10

The 2021 MINI Cooper was not generous with standard features. The base screen was a 6.5-inch unit, with an optional 8.8-inch unit offering SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and more. Optional features included a Harman Kardon sound system, automatic climate controls, and LED headlights. MINI included more physical controls, improving the technology experience, but did not offer Android Auto, leaving many users reliant on Bluetooth. The infotainment system used BMW's software with a physical iDrive controller, though the tight space made it difficult to use.

The 2022 Audi A4 featured the next-generation MIB3 version of Audi Multi-Media Interface (MMI) with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. The screen supported common smartphone functions and offered acoustic feedback. Features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Audi Connect services. The test car had a navigation system, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI was easy to configure and use, with a Home button for quick access to the main menu. The voice recognition technology was accurate but slow. The climate controls were separate from the touchscreen, and the lack of physical controls was not an issue due to the intuitive user experience.

Safety
2021 MINI Cooper
5/10
2022 Audi A4
9/10

The 2021 MINI Cooper missed out on a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, scoring top "Good" ratings in crash tests but "Acceptable" or "Poor" ratings for headlights. The standard front crash prevention systems earned "Advanced" scores, and the LATCH system earned a "Marginal" rating. The NHTSA had not rated the 2021 model. Standard driver-assistance features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and rear parking sensors, with optional features like front parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.

The 2022 Audi A4 stair-stepped the availability of safety features, with the top-of-the-line Prestige model including all options. Under the Audi Pre Sense umbrella, it featured front and rear collision preparation, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The test vehicle also had lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a safe exit warning system, a surround-view camera system, and Park Assist. The Matrix-design LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation provided excellent visibility. The A4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

Cost Effectiveness
2021 MINI Cooper
4/10
2022 Audi A4
7/10
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By: CarGurus + AI

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