2022 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Dodge Charger

The 2022 MINI Cooper continued to charm with its iconic design, reminiscent of the original models while embracing modern updates. Over the years, the MINI lineup expanded to include various body styles, but the Hardtop and Convertible remained the quintessential MINI Coopers. For 2022, these models received refreshed styling, including restyled bumpers, a new grille, and standard LED headlights. The interior saw updates with a new steering wheel and a next-generation infotainment system featuring a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen display. Despite these enhancements, the MINI Convertible's proportions remained awkward, with the new grille accentuating its overbite. Inside, the MINI offered a retro feel with modern technology, allowing for personalization through various colors and materials. However, the emphasis on design over function resulted in a cluttered interior, and the rear seats were practically unusable. Pricing for the Convertible ranged from $27,900 to $38,900, with options pushing the cost higher.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, built on a platform dating back to 2005, impressed with its ability to evolve over the years. The Charger underwent significant updates in 2011 and 2015, resulting in a modern and menacing design. While the exterior received attention, the interior lagged behind, appearing dated compared to contemporary cabins. Despite this, the Charger's cabin offered ease of use with its chunky buttons and dials. The 2022 lineup included various trims, from the base SXT with a V6 engine to the high-performance Hellcat and Jailbreak models with supercharged V8 engines. The Hellcat Widebody, in particular, transformed the Charger into a well-rounded performance machine. The Charger provided a spacious interior with ample legroom, though headroom was limited. The trunk offered 16.5 cubic feet of space, but its design made loading large items challenging. Overall, the Charger combined sports-car performance with practicality, making it a versatile choice.

The 2022 MINI Cooper offered a range of engine options, starting with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. This engine took over eight seconds to reach 60 mph. For more spirited performance, the Cooper S featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, allowing the Convertible to reach 60 mph in under seven seconds. Both engines were available with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the MINI Convertible was front-wheel drive. The Cooper S test car, equipped with a manual transmission, offered a lively driving experience, achieving 27.1 mpg in combined driving. The JCW models provided even more excitement with a tuned version of the Cooper S engine, producing 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque. However, the MINI's steering response and brake pedal feel were disappointing, and the tires struggled with aggressive cornering.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the base SXT trim. The GT trim increased output to 300 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. The R/T trim introduced a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 370 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque, while the R/T Scat Pack featured a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 producing 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The Charger SRT Hellcat boasted a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 with 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, while the Redeye and Jailbreak models pushed power even further. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on V6 models. The Hellcat's acceleration was remarkable, reaching 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, and the Widebody setup improved handling and traction. The Charger offered various drive modes, allowing drivers to customize performance settings.

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 essentially useless, even for children. 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 on the center console. While the MINI's compact size was expected, those needing more space could opt for other MINI models like the Hardtop 4 Door, Clubman, or Countryman.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, despite being a large sedan, didn't always feel spacious. The high center console and performance bucket seats created an intimate front-seat experience. Both rows provided ample legroom, but headroom was limited, especially in the rear. The Charger's trunk offered 16.5 cubic feet of space, but its design made loading large items challenging. However, the Charger combined sports-car performance with practicality, offering a usable trunk and four doors, making it more versatile than many high-performance cars.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen display. The system featured LED lighting with 12 colors and allowed drivers to swipe between widgets for radio, map, and other information. It 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 system was based on BMW's iDrive technology and paired with a digital instrument cluster. A head-up display was also available, visible even with polarized sunglasses. The optional Harman Kardon sound system impressed with its sound quality, even at highway speeds with the top down.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface. The system included a dock area with large icons for major functions. An 8.4-inch version of the Uconnect screen was optional on the base SXT and standard on higher trims. Both screens offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger's technology blended well with conventional controls, providing a straightforward user experience.

The 2022 MINI Cooper benefited from its increased size, offering better protection in collisions. However, neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS provided crash-test ratings for the latest MINI Convertible. The 2022 model introduced standard Driving Assistant technology, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were not available. The lane-departure warning system was effective, providing subtle steering wheel vibrations.

The 2022 Dodge Charger showed its age in terms of safety features. Standard equipment included a backup camera and rear parking sensors, with the camera displaying a grainy image. Optional safety features included forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.