2022 MINI Cooper vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

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.