2021 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Lexus IS

The 2021 MINI Cooper was renowned for its iconic styling, easily recognizable alongside vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler. Its rounded shape, compact dimensions, and a wide array of color choices set it apart in the subcompact car market. MINI offered numerous customization options, including exterior and roof graphics like the Union Jack flag, and hidden Easter eggs such as Union Jack taillights. Despite its small size, the MINI Cooper was larger than the original Mini, with available wheel and trim upgrades. Inside, the MINI Cooper continued its unique design language with circular motifs throughout the seats, dash, and center stack. The cabin, though high in quality, was notably cramped, with back seats more suitable for storage than passengers.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance carried forward the legacy of the original 2008 Lexus IS F with a powerful 5.0-liter V8 engine, delivering 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. This model was a blend of emotional thrill and daily driving comfort, offering a dynamic driving experience with its rear-wheel drive and eight-speed automatic transmission. The IS 500 was priced at $56,500, with a $1,075 destination charge, and came with Premium trim features like triple-beam headlights and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. Its design was subtle yet powerful, with exclusive 19-inch wheels and minor trim modifications. Inside, the IS 500 shared its interior with the IS 350 F Sport, providing a comfortable space for four, with quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system.

The 2021 MINI Cooper offered four powertrain options, starting with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower. The Cooper S featured a 189-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while the John Cooper Works (JCW) had a 228-hp turbo-four. The John Cooper Works GP topped the range with a 301-hp turbo-four. All models were front-wheel drive, with a six-speed manual standard on the Cooper and Cooper S, and an eight-speed automatic on the JCW GP. The MINI Cooper was known for its sprightly and energetic feel, though its ride could be stiff and twitchy at higher speeds. Fuel economy varied, with the Convertible being the most efficient at 28/37/31 mpg city/highway/combined.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing 472 hp at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. It featured rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission, with a limited-slip differential standard. The IS 500 could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, with driving modes including Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+. Its adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper provided a comfortable yet stable ride. Despite its weight, the IS 500 was agile and capable, offering a thrilling driving experience with a distinctive V8 soundtrack. However, its fuel efficiency was low, averaging 17.7 mpg during testing.

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

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 provided a comfortable cabin with effective climate control, crucial in hot climates like Phoenix. The front seats were snug yet supportive, with a good driving position. Rear seats were adequate for average-height adults, though lacking smartphone charging. Storage was limited, with a small 10.8 cubic feet trunk. The control layout was excellent, with clear buttons and knobs, complemented by a touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2021 MINI Cooper was not generous with standard features, offering a 6.5-inch screen with an optional 8.8-inch unit for Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM. Optional features included a Harman Kardon sound system and LED headlights. MINI's use of physical controls improved usability, though Android Auto was absent. The infotainment system, borrowed from BMW, included a physical iDrive controller, though its placement was inconvenient.

The 2022 Lexus IS featured a touchscreen infotainment system, improving ergonomics. The IS 500 Premium included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The dynamic voice command system was effective, handling queries accurately. The car also offered connected services, a WiFi hotspot, and a navigation system, enhancing the overall technology experience.

The 2021 MINI Cooper did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, though it scored "Good" in crash tests. Its headlights received "Acceptable" or "Poor" ratings, and the LATCH system was rated "Marginal." Standard safety features included forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, with optional features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.

The 2022 Lexus IS came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a comprehensive suite of safety features. The system included lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and low-speed automatic braking. The IS earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received a four-star frontal-impact rating.