2022 MINI Cooper vs 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a descendant of the original 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit GTI, continued to define the hot hatch genre with its subtle yet performance-enhancing tweaks. The GTI shared its basics with the regular Golf but added distinctive features like red GTI badges, a red horizontal strip across the grille, and painted brake calipers. The car's lowered stance, stainless-steel exhaust tips, and sporty interior elements like red ambient lighting and a race-inspired steering wheel further emphasized its performance pedigree. The GTI's quality feel was evident in its first-rate paintwork and high-quality interior materials.

The 2022 MINI Cooper, while retaining the charm of its predecessors, had grown in size and variety over the years. The latest model featured restyled bumpers, a new grille, and standard LED headlights, along with fresh wheel designs and new paint colors. Inside, the MINI Convertible offered a blend of retro and modern technology, with a new steering wheel and an updated infotainment system. Despite its quirky and fun design, the MINI Convertible's proportions and form-over-function approach sometimes resulted in a cluttered interior and limited practicality.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI was all about performance, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The GTI's handling was a standout, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and variable-ratio steering. The Autobahn model came with DCC adaptive damping, enhancing its performance on the right roads. However, the GTI's sporty setup resulted in a rough ride on ordinary roads. The GTI offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, with the manual providing a more engaging driving experience. Fuel economy was respectable, with the manual transmission achieving 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined.

The 2022 MINI Cooper offered a range of engines, starting with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine making 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. For more spirited performance, the Cooper S featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 189 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. The JCW models took it further with 235 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque. The MINI Convertible's handling was enjoyable, but it lacked the precision and feedback of earlier models. Fuel economy for the Cooper S was decent, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg combined. However, the car's steering response and brake feel were less satisfying, and the tires struggled with aggressive driving.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in form and function, offering a compact yet spacious hatchback design. With a 103.6-inch wheelbase and dimensions of 168.0 inches long, 70.8 inches wide, and 57.8 inches tall, the GTI was easy to maneuver in tight spaces. It provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 24.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The interior featured clever storage options, including large front door pockets and well-sized cupholders. The GTI's tight turning circle and great outward visibility made it practical for urban driving.

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. Interior storage was limited, with the infotainment system's controls taking up valuable space. While the MINI's compact size was expected, it was less practical for carrying passengers and cargo compared to other MINI models like the Hardtop 4 Door, Clubman, and Countryman.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a standard analog gauge cluster, with a configurable driver information screen. The VW MIB touchscreen infotainment system was standard, with S models using a 6.5-inch screen and SE and Autobahn models getting an 8-inch screen with navigation. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink, along with Bluetooth and USB ports. Volkswagen Car-Net offered additional connectivity options, including remote access and hotspot portals. Standard smart technology included LED lights, keyless access, and rain-sensing wipers.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen display. The system offered Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Harman Kardon sound system were available. The infotainment system was based on BMW's iDrive technology and paired with a digital instrument cluster. A head-up display was also available, and the Harman Kardon sound system provided impressive audio quality.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores from the IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" rating in the small overlap front passenger side test and a "Poor" rating for the base Halogen headlights. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Autobahn trim added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and park assist.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible benefited from its increased size for better collision protection, but it lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was available with automatic transmission models. However, the MINI lacked blind-spot monitoring and a digital rearview mirror, which would have improved visibility with the top raised.