2022 MINI Cooper vs 2021 Toyota Corolla
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Toyota Corolla is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2022 MINI Cooper scores 5.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Toyota Corolla is the recommended choice, offering a better balance of safety, performance, and technology.
Choose the 2022 MINI Cooper if:
- You desire a car with a unique, iconic design and customizable options.
- You enjoy a spirited driving experience with a focus on fun.
- You want a convertible with a distinctive personality and style.
Choose the 2021 Toyota Corolla if:
- You prioritize safety features and high safety ratings.
- You seek a balance of sporty styling and practical performance.
- You value a user-friendly infotainment system with comprehensive connectivity options.
Overview | |
MSRP$20,025 | MSRP$22,900 |
Average price$19,282 | Average price$26,026 |
Listings2159 | Listings352 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews5.2 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2021 Toyota Corolla Reviews SummaryEverybody knows somebody who owns or has owned a Toyota Corolla. Thanks to a deserved reputation for affordability, reliability, and efficiency, the Corolla is what comes to mind when all you want is a cheap, dependable, and thrifty set of wheels. Over the nameplate’s 55-year history, Toyota built a handful of Corollas that were anything but rolling appliances. But those fun-to-drive gems were relative rarities. Under the tenure of Akio Toyoda, the automaker’s current president and a man who loves to drive, the Corolla has become something more than a bore. It’s a car that makes you want to cruise instead of snooze. We’re talking about the Corolla SE and XSE, of course. Toyota still makes dull and duller versions of its compact car, but the SE and XSE trim levels add some spice to the basic commuter-car recipe. This year, the 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE are available in a new limited-production Apex Edition flavor. It’s got a track-tuned sport suspension, a lowered ride height, revised steering calibration, a sport exhaust system, and lightweight 18-inch gloss black aluminum wheels that you can wrap in optional summer performance tires. Unfortunately, it also comes with a “Lookit me, Officer, I like to go fast!” body kit. Fearing this would be the example Toyota sent to us for review, we instead happily accepted the key fob to a Barcelona Red Corolla XSE and discovered that you don’t need the Apex Edition treatment to enjoy driving this car. | |
2022 MINI Cooper Reviews SummaryMINI characterizes its lineup as the “definitive” premium small cars in the United States market. Based on a BMW platform, equipped with BMW engines, and featuring BMW technology, MINIs can substantiate this claim through engineering. But it’s the range of choices and personalization options that make them unlike any other premium small cars. Naturally, this is true of the refreshed 2022 MINI Convertible, which is available in Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works (JCW) specification and with Classic, Signature, or Iconic trim. Once you’ve made those decisions, you can select from a wide variety of colors, materials, wheels, packages, and options to make your MINI your own. Or you can choose a pre-packaged special edition like our Sidewalk Edition test car. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.8L 139 hp I4 | Engine1.5L 134 hp I3 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity4 |
Horsepower | Horsepower134 hp @ 4500 rpm |
MPG City30 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway38 | MPG Highway37 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.8L 139 hp I4 | Engine Name1.5L 134 hp I3 |
Torque | Torque162 lb-ft @ 1480 rpm |
Horsepower | Horsepower134 hp @ 4500 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City30 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway38 | MPG Highway37 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity4 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall4 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space13.1 cu ft | Cargo Space8.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight2910 lbs | Curb Weight2712 lbs |
Height56.5 in | Height55.7 in |
Length182.3 in | Length152.2 in |
Width70.1 in | Width75.9 in |
Wheelbase106.3 in | Wheelbase98.2 in |
Maximum Payload825 lbs | Maximum Payload697 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors2 |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Toyota Corolla is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2022 MINI Cooper scores 5.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Toyota Corolla is the recommended choice, offering a better balance of safety, performance, and technology.
Choose the 2022 MINI Cooper if:
Shop Now- You desire a car with a unique, iconic design and customizable options.
- You enjoy a spirited driving experience with a focus on fun.
- You want a convertible with a distinctive personality and style.
Choose the 2021 Toyota Corolla if:
Shop Now- You prioritize safety features and high safety ratings.
- You seek a balance of sporty styling and practical performance.
- You value a user-friendly infotainment system with comprehensive connectivity options.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $20,025 | $22,900 |
Average price | $19,282 | $26,026 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.3 | 4.7 |
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | 5.2 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | Everybody knows somebody who owns or has owned a Toyota Corolla. Thanks to a deserved reputation for affordability, reliability, and efficiency, the Corolla is what comes to mind when all you want is a cheap, dependable, and thrifty set of wheels. Over the nameplate’s 55-year history, Toyota built a handful of Corollas that were anything but rolling appliances. But those fun-to-drive gems were relative rarities. Under the tenure of Akio Toyoda, the automaker’s current president and a man who loves to drive, the Corolla has become something more than a bore. It’s a car that makes you want to cruise instead of snooze. We’re talking about the Corolla SE and XSE, of course. Toyota still makes dull and duller versions of its compact car, but the SE and XSE trim levels add some spice to the basic commuter-car recipe. This year, the 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE are available in a new limited-production Apex Edition flavor. It’s got a track-tuned sport suspension, a lowered ride height, revised steering calibration, a sport exhaust system, and lightweight 18-inch gloss black aluminum wheels that you can wrap in optional summer performance tires. Unfortunately, it also comes with a “Lookit me, Officer, I like to go fast!” body kit. Fearing this would be the example Toyota sent to us for review, we instead happily accepted the key fob to a Barcelona Red Corolla XSE and discovered that you don’t need the Apex Edition treatment to enjoy driving this car. | MINI characterizes its lineup as the “definitive” premium small cars in the United States market. Based on a BMW platform, equipped with BMW engines, and featuring BMW technology, MINIs can substantiate this claim through engineering. But it’s the range of choices and personalization options that make them unlike any other premium small cars. Naturally, this is true of the refreshed 2022 MINI Convertible, which is available in Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works (JCW) specification and with Classic, Signature, or Iconic trim. Once you’ve made those decisions, you can select from a wide variety of colors, materials, wheels, packages, and options to make your MINI your own. Or you can choose a pre-packaged special edition like our Sidewalk Edition test car. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.8L 139 hp I4 | 1.5L 134 hp I3 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 4 |
Horsepower | 134 hp @ 4500 rpm | |
MPG City | 30 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 38 | 37 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.8L 139 hp I4 | 1.5L 134 hp I3 |
Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 1480 rpm | |
Horsepower | 134 hp @ 4500 rpm | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 30 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 38 | 37 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 4 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 13.1 cu ft | 8.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 2910 lbs | 2712 lbs |
Height | 56.5 in | 55.7 in |
Length | 182.3 in | 152.2 in |
Width | 70.1 in | 75.9 in |
Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 98.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 825 lbs | 697 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 2 |
The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its SE and XSE trims, was noted for its appealing design, which included sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Celestite Gray metallic paint added a unique blue undertone, enhancing its visual appeal. However, some design elements, like the hood shut line and the over-styled rear bumper, were seen as detracting from its overall aesthetic. The Corolla offered a range of trims, including the L, LE, and XLE, for those seeking a more understated look. The interior of the XSE trim was praised for its use of quality materials and a minimalist design, though it lacked practical storage solutions.
In contrast, the 2022 MINI Cooper retained its iconic design, with refreshed styling that included restyled bumpers, a new grille, and standard LED headlights. The MINI Convertible, in particular, was known for its personality and fun driving experience, though its proportions were sometimes seen as awkward. The interior combined retro elements with modern technology, offering a range of customization options. However, the emphasis on design over function resulted in a cluttered appearance. The Sidewalk Edition, with its exclusive paint and features, added a touch of luxury, though it came at a higher price point.
The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE were equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a Dynamic Shift CVT, which included paddle shifters and a Sport driving mode. The CVT was praised for its mechanical first gear, which improved initial acceleration. The Corolla's TNGA platform contributed to its low center of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics. Despite its modest power, the Corolla XSE offered predictable handling and a comfortable ride, with an EPA-rated fuel economy of 34 mpg in combined driving.
The 2022 MINI Cooper offered a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, while the Cooper S featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque. The Cooper S accelerated to 60 mph in under seven seconds, providing a more spirited driving experience. Both engines were available with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The MINI Convertible's handling was characterized by its go-kart-like feel, though the steering and brake response were less precise. The Cooper S achieved an average fuel economy of 27.1 mpg during testing.
The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered SofTex leatherette seats with striped fabric inserts, front-seat heating, and an eight-way power driver's seat. The interior provided good support and comfort, though rear-seat headroom and legroom were limited. The Corolla sedan's trunk offered 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback variant provided 17.8 cubic feet.
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, and the placement of infotainment controls on the center console consumed valuable space. While the MINI's compact size was expected, those needing more space could opt for other MINI models with larger interiors.
The 2021 Toyota Corolla featured an impressive infotainment package, including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SE and XSE trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen, with the XSE adding Service Connect and Remote Connect features. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation. However, the JBL sound system lacked clarity.
The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen and LED lighting. The system offered Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM, with navigation and a Harman Kardon sound system available. The digital instrument cluster and head-up display were standard, though visibility issues were noted in bright sunlight. The Harman Kardon system provided impressive sound quality, overcoming ambient noise even with the top down.
The 2021 Toyota Corolla came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and more. The Corolla earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though new airbags required retesting for 2021.
The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible featured newly standard Driving Assistant technology, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but blind-spot monitoring was not available. The lack of crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS made it difficult to assess its safety performance.
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