2022 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Hyundai Elantra

The 2022 MINI Cooper continued to charm with its iconic design, reminiscent of the original models while embracing modernity. Over the years, the MINI lineup expanded, introducing various body styles like the Hardtop, Convertible, Clubman, and Countryman. For 2022, the MINI Cooper 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 its playful personality, the MINI Convertible's design had awkward proportions, and the new grille accentuated its overbite. Inside, the MINI offered a retro-modern feel with customizable options, but its emphasis on design over function resulted in a cluttered interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant transformation with its 2021 redesign, shedding its previous rental-car looks for a striking new appearance. The seventh-generation Elantra boasted a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, creating a dramatic four-door-coupe silhouette. Its exterior styling, with unique creases and folds, set it apart from competitors. Inside, the Elantra's interior quality improved, offering materials slightly above the norm for its class. While some hard plastics were present, the overall design and tech features made it a compelling choice. The Elantra's interior was spacious, accommodating small families comfortably, though taller adults might find the rear seat headroom limited due to the sloped roof.

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 driving, the Cooper S featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in under seven seconds. Both engines came with a choice of a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard. The Cooper S test car, equipped with a manual transmission, delivered a satisfying driving experience, though the steering response and brake pedal feel were less precise. The JCW models offered even more power with 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, but the MINI's overall driving dynamics felt disconnected compared to earlier models.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra provided multiple powertrain options, starting with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine combined with an electric motor, delivering 139 hp and up to 195 lb-ft of torque. The N Line variant offered a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, available with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension enhanced its handling dynamics, providing a more engaging driving experience. The Elantra's various drive modes allowed for tailored performance, with Sport mode delivering more steering feedback and engine responsiveness.

The 2022 MINI Cooper prioritized form over function, especially in the Convertible model. While the front seats were comfortable and supportive, the rear seats were essentially unusable, 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 consuming valuable space. For those needing more passenger and cargo room, other MINI models like the Hardtop 4 Door, Clubman, and Countryman were better suited.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in practicality, offering a compact size that made it easy to navigate tight spaces. Its interior was spacious, with comfortable seating and excellent visibility. The Elantra's rear seat accommodated three children comfortably, though taller adults might find headroom limited. The trunk provided 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, sufficient for a weekend's worth of luggage. However, the trunk's narrow opening and support arms could pose challenges when loading items. The Elantra's moonroof produced a droning noise when fully open, and the lack of rear USB ports and air vents were minor inconveniences.

The 2022 MINI Cooper featured a new MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display, offering Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system's LED lighting and on-screen graphics changed with vehicle settings. A head-up display and Harman Kardon sound system were available options. The infotainment system, based on BMW's iDrive technology, paired with a digital instrument cluster, though both screens occasionally washed out in direct sunlight.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its technology offerings, including an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on base trims. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, a Bose premium audio system, and a digital instrument cluster. Hyundai Digital Key allowed for keyless operation via an Android-compatible smartphone. The Elantra's infotainment system was user-friendly, with seamless smartphone integration, though the six-speaker audio system's performance was average.

The 2022 MINI Cooper benefited from its increased size, offering better protection in collisions. However, it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. The MINI Convertible came with standard Driving Assistant technology, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but blind-spot monitoring was unavailable, posing visibility challenges with the top raised.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control and Highway Drive Assist. The Elantra received a five-star overall crash protection rating from NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from IIHS, except for lower trims with halogen headlights, which received a "Marginal" rating.