2022 MINI Cooper vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat retained its exterior styling from the previous year, following a significant facelift in 2020. This update gave the Passat a more understated appearance, aligning it closely with the smaller Volkswagen Jetta sedan. The design was less radical compared to competitors like the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Toyota Camry. With its smooth, aerodynamic shape reminiscent of 1990s sedans, the Passat achieved a drag coefficient of 0.28, which contributed to its fuel efficiency. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, with wheel sizes varying by model. The R-Line trim added sportier elements, but the color palette remained conservative. Inside, the Passat's interior was clean and functional, with analog controls and good visibility. However, the interior materials were basic, with cloth or V-Tex leatherette upholstery, though fit and finish were commendable.

The 2022 MINI Cooper, on the other hand, continued to embrace its iconic design, blending retro charm with modern updates. Over the years, the MINI had expanded its lineup and grown in size for practicality and safety. The 2022 model featured refreshed styling, including new bumpers, grille, and LED headlights, along with vibrant paint options. The interior boasted a new steering wheel and an updated infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen. Despite its playful design, the MINI Convertible's proportions remained awkward, and the new grille accentuated its overbite. Inside, the MINI offered a retro-modern feel with customizable options, but the emphasis on design over function resulted in a cluttered appearance. The Convertible's open-top experience was unique, but practicality was limited, with minimal rear seat space and trunk capacity.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat was equipped with a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. While the torque was impressive, the horsepower was below average compared to rivals. The Passat's power delivery was uneven, particularly during highway overtakes, but switching to Sport mode or manually selecting gears improved responsiveness. The driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness or comfort found in competitors like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. The Passat offered a smooth ride on highways, but it didn't excel in handling or excitement on twisty roads.

In contrast, the 2022 MINI Cooper offered a range of engine options. The base model featured a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the Cooper S variant boasted a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 189 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. The Cooper S accelerated to 60 mph in under seven seconds, providing a more spirited driving experience. Both engines offered a choice between a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The MINI Convertible's driving modes allowed for powertrain customization, and the manual transmission provided engaging shifts. However, the steering response and brake feel were less precise, and the tires struggled with aggressive cornering. The ride quality varied, with a compliant feel on back roads but a firm, choppy ride on highways.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat offered generous rear legroom at 39.1 inches, though it fell slightly short of competitors like the Honda Accord and Subaru Legacy. This spaciousness came at the expense of front legroom, which was below average for the segment. The driving position was uncomfortable, with limited front legroom and inadequate thigh support. The rear seats were flat and hard. The Passat's trunk provided 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space, more than some rivals but less than others. In-cabin storage was limited, with poorly shaped door bottle holders and a small smartphone cubby. However, the Passat excelled in control layout, featuring large buttons and knobs for easy access.

The 2022 MINI Cooper prioritized form over function, especially in the Convertible model. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, but the rear seats were virtually unusable, even for children. The trunk offered just 5.2 cubic feet of space, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Cabin storage was minimal, with the infotainment controls occupying valuable space on the center console. While the MINI's limited space was expected, other models in the lineup offered more practicality. The Convertible's unique design and open-top experience were its main attractions, but practicality took a back seat.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured the MIB2 infotainment system with a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The R-Line models added HD Radio, navigation, and an eight-speaker Fender audio system. Keyless entry was standard on SE and R-Line trims. The Passat's tech offerings were basic, with a single USB-A port for connectivity and two rear charge-only ports on SE models. The small touchscreen included pinch-to-zoom, but analog controls handled most functions. The Passat lacked advanced tech features like the Digital Cockpit and MIB3 system found in other VW models.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced the MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, LED lighting, and customizable graphics. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and BMW-based connected services. Navigation, wireless charging, and a Harman Kardon sound system were available. The infotainment system, based on BMW's iDrive, paired with a digital instrument cluster. A head-up display was also offered. The Harman Kardon system delivered impressive sound quality, overcoming ambient noise even with the top down. The MINI's tech features were more advanced, but the screens occasionally washed out in direct sunlight.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores in all IIHS crash tests, but its standard headlights earned a "marginal" rating. NHTSA ratings were unavailable. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. The Passat also featured VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.

The 2022 MINI Cooper benefited from its increased size, enhancing occupant protection. However, crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were unavailable. The MINI Convertible gained standard Driving Assistant technology, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was optional with automatic transmission. Blind-spot monitoring and a digital rearview mirror were not available, impacting visibility with the top raised. The lane-departure warning system provided subtle feedback, but the lack of other safety features was notable.