2022 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Lexus IS

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was a nod to its predecessor, the 2008 Lexus IS F, maintaining the essence of a powerful, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine. This engine produced 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, channeled to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Priced at $56,500, plus a $1,075 destination charge, the IS 500 offered a thrilling driving experience, reminiscent of its lineage. It was a blend of emotional excitement and daily practicality, though it came with a significant price premium over other IS models. The exterior design was subtle, with minor tweaks like a raised hood and exclusive 19-inch wheels, while the interior mirrored the IS 350 F Sport, featuring quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible retained its iconic charm while embracing modern updates. The refreshed design included new bumpers, a grille, and standard LED headlights, with options for vibrant paint colors and wheel designs. Inside, the MINI Convertible combined retro aesthetics with contemporary technology, offering a customizable interior with a new steering wheel and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Despite its playful appearance, the MINI's design prioritized form over function, resulting in limited rear seat space and a small trunk. The Sidewalk Edition, priced under $40,000, added unique features but maintained the MINI's signature personality.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was a powerhouse, featuring a 5.0-liter V8 engine that delivered 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. This rear-wheel-drive sedan, equipped with an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential, offered a dynamic driving experience. It boasted a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds, thanks to its adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper. Despite its weight distribution of 56% over the front wheels, the IS 500 handled with precision, providing a thrilling ride on winding roads. However, its fuel efficiency was a drawback, averaging 17.7 mpg during testing.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible, on the other hand, offered a range of engine options. The base model featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower, while the Cooper S variant had a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 189 horsepower. The Cooper S accelerated to 60 mph in under seven seconds, offering a choice between a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The MINI's driving modes—Green, Mid, and Sport—allowed for tailored powertrain responses. Despite its sporty character, the MINI's steering and brake feel were less precise, and its tires struggled on challenging roads. Fuel economy was a highlight, with the Cooper S achieving 27.1 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance excelled in comfort, with effective climate control and seat ventilation systems. The front seats were snug yet comfortable, providing excellent support and a driver-focused position. Rear seats were adequate for average-height adults, though lacking smartphone charging options. Storage was limited, with a small trunk measuring 10.8 cubic feet. The control layout was intuitive, with buttons and knobs for easy operation, complemented by a touchscreen infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible prioritized style over practicality. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were nearly unusable, even for children. The trunk offered just 5.2 cubic feet of space, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Interior storage was minimal, with the infotainment controls occupying valuable space. While the MINI's compact size was expected, it lacked the versatility of larger models in the lineup.

The 2022 Lexus IS featured a touchscreen infotainment system, addressing previous ergonomic issues. The system included an 8-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The IS 500 Premium added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The dynamic voice command system was a standout, offering accurate and responsive voice recognition.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced the MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen. The system allowed for customizable widgets and included Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa integration. A head-up display and a Harman Kardon sound system were available options. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment screens performed well, even in convertible form, with minimal washout in direct sunlight.

The 2022 Lexus IS came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. It included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The IS earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, though some features, like low-speed automatic braking, could be overly sensitive in certain situations.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible gained standard Driving Assistant technology, including forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but blind-spot monitoring was unavailable. Without crash-test ratings from NHTSA or IIHS, the MINI's safety performance remained uncertain, though its increased size offered some reassurance.