2022 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Audi A4

The 2022 Audi A4 lineup included the A4 sedan, the A4 Allroad, and the S4 performance-tuned model. For this review, the A4 was evaluated, specifically the Prestige 45 TFSI specification with Tango Red paint, the Black Optic Plus package, 19-inch wheels, and ventilated front seats. The MSRP for this model was $55,890, including the destination charge. The A4's simple, clean, and conservative appearance was enhanced by the Tango Red paint and Black Optic package detailing, making it look sensationally good. Inside, the A4 maintained aesthetic restraint with high-quality materials, a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrumentation panel, and ambient interior lighting. However, the tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system seemed out of place.

The 2022 MINI Cooper, refreshed for the model year, featured restyled bumpers, a new grille, standard LED headlights, and reworked details. The MINI Convertible, in particular, exuded personality but had awkward proportions. Inside, it combined retro styling with modern technology, offering a wide range of colors and materials for customization. The convertible top could be dropped in about 18 seconds at speeds up to 18 mph, providing an open-to-the-elements feel. However, the emphasis on design over function resulted in a cluttered interior. The test car, equipped with the Cooper S specification and the Sidewalk Edition option package, was priced at less than $40,000, including the destination charge.

The 2022 Audi A4 40 TFSI featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro Ultra all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. It achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 29 mpg in combined driving and accelerated to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. The A4 45 TFSI, with 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, had a lowered sport suspension and accelerated to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, with an EPA rating of 27 mpg in combined driving. The A4's driving experience was joyful, with refined engine performance, outstanding tire grip, and a remarkably quiet cabin.

The 2022 MINI Cooper offered a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, taking over eight seconds to reach 60 mph. The Cooper S, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in less than seven seconds. Both engines had a choice between a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive (FWD). The test car, a Cooper S with a manual transmission, averaged 27.1 mpg in combined driving. The JCW models, with a tuned version of the Cooper S engine, developed 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in just over six seconds. However, the MINI's steering response and brake pedal feel were disappointing, reducing driving satisfaction.

The 2022 Audi A4, sitting low to the ground, was harder to enter and exit, with small door openings and a snug cabin. However, once settled in, the A4 was exceptionally comfortable in front and just comfortable enough in back. The heated and ventilated driver's seat offered a perfect driving position, and the three-zone automatic climate control system was easy to use. The back seat, though limited in space, was comfortable for shorter trips. Interior storage space was limited, with the center console bin housing the wireless charging pad and Audi Phone Box signal booster. The A4's 13 cubic-foot trunk was nicely finished, with enclosed hinges and storage nets.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible prioritized form over function, with comfortable front seats but essentially useless rear seats. The trunk measured just 5.2 cubic feet, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Interior storage space was limited, with the infotainment system's physical controls consuming precious real estate. However, MINI offered other models with more passenger and cargo space, such as the Hardtop 4 Door, Clubman, and Countryman.

The 2022 Audi A4 featured the next-generation MIB3 version of Audi Multi-Media Interface (MMI) with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. The screen supported common fingertip smartphone functions and offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Audi Connect connected services. The test car also had a navigation system, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system. The MMI was intuitive, with a Home button for easy navigation and accurate voice recognition technology. The Bang & Olufsen stereo was satisfying, though sound quality degraded at high volumes.

The 2022 MINI Cooper debuted a new MINI Connected infotainment system with a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen display. The system offered Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, SiriusXM satellite radio, and BMW-based connected services. Navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system were available. The infotainment system, based on BMW's iDrive technology, paired with a newly standard digital instrument cluster. A head-up display was also available, visible even with polarized sunglasses. The Harman Kardon sound system impressed with its ability to overcome ambient noise.

The 2022 Audi A4 stair-stepped the availability of its safety features, with the top-of-the-line Prestige model including front and rear collision preparation, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a safe exit warning system, a surround-view camera system, and Park Assist. The A4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible, though not crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, offered newly standard Driving Assistant technology, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was available for cars with an automatic transmission. However, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were not available, and the rearview mirror's location posed visibility challenges.