2022 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Hyundai Sonata

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, each with distinct Cooper designations. For 2022, the MINI Cooper received refreshed styling, including restyled bumpers, a new grille, and standard LED headlights. The interior boasted a new steering wheel and a next-generation infotainment system with a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen display. Despite its playful personality and customizable options, the MINI Convertible's design had awkward proportions, and its form often overshadowed function, leading to a cluttered appearance.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Sonata evolved from its early days of mimicking competitors to establishing its unique identity. Redesigned for the 2020 model year, the Sonata featured a distinctive wide grille and sloped rear roofline. Inside, the Sonata offered a spacious cabin with functional and clearly marked controls. The Limited trim provided leather seats, though the tan upholstery was not universally appealing. The Sonata N Line added sporty touches, transforming its appearance with a body kit, gloss black accents, and N badging. The N Line's interior featured dark chrome trim and red stitching, enhancing its sporty character.

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, achieving 60 mph in under seven seconds. The JCW models further enhanced performance with a tuned version of the Cooper S engine, producing 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in just over six seconds. The MINI Convertible was front-wheel drive, offering a choice between a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Despite its sporty nature, the MINI's steering response and brake pedal feel were less than satisfying, and the car's handling was inconsistent.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata presented a dual personality in terms of performance. The base engine, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, produced 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, offering a smooth and unassuming ride. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, available in the SEL Plus and Limited trims, delivered 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The Sonata N Line, however, was a different beast, featuring a 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a sport suspension. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, and the N Line's performance was particularly engaging. The Sonata provided a smooth ride, competent handling, and a quiet cabin, making it a comfortable choice for daily driving.

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 nearly 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 taking up valuable space on the center console. For those needing more space, other MINI models like the Hardtop 4 Door, Clubman, and Countryman were better suited.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata excelled in interior space, offering 104.4 cubic feet of passenger space, classifying it as a "Large Car" by the EPA. Front-seat headroom and legroom were top-notch, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The Sonata's 16-cubic-foot trunk was spacious, accommodating a complete set of rolling luggage. The Remote Smart Parking Assist feature, standard on the Limited trim, allowed the Sonata to park itself, impressing onlookers. Overall, the Sonata provided a comfortable and spacious interior for passengers and cargo.

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, changing based on vehicle settings. 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 options. The digital instrument cluster and head-up display added to the tech-savvy interior, though the screens occasionally washed out in direct sunlight.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment technology varied by trim level. Base SE models came with an 8-inch touchscreen, six speakers, and smartphone integration. Higher trims, like the SEL Plus and Limited, upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and wireless device charging. The SEL trim now included last year's Tech package features, enhancing the tech offerings. Pairing an iPhone via Bluetooth was seamless, and the Bose audio system impressed with its power and clarity, providing excellent value for the price.

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 MINI Convertible. The 2022 model year 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, posing visibility challenges with the top raised.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came equipped with a comprehensive safety package, even on the base trim. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a Rear Occupant Alert system. Higher trims added blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view monitor. The NHTSA awarded the Sonata five stars for overall crash protection, while the IIHS gave the 2021 model top "Good" ratings in crash tests. The Sonata's advanced safety features worked seamlessly, providing peace of mind without false alarms.