2022 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Subaru WRX

The 2022 MINI Cooper continued to charm with its retro-modern design, staying true to its roots while incorporating contemporary elements. The refreshed model featured restyled bumpers, a new grille, standard LED headlights, and the iconic Union Jack taillights. New paint colors and wheel designs added to its appeal. Inside, the MINI Convertible maintained its quirky personality with a blend of retro aesthetics and modern technology, including a new steering wheel and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. However, the car's proportions and grille design drew mixed reactions, and its form-over-function approach resulted in a cluttered interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru WRX presented a more subtle exterior design, with a wider stance and a signature hood scoop. The front fascia featured a small hexagonal grille and sharp LED headlights, while the side profile showcased black plastic cladding with functional air outlets. The rear fenders flared dramatically, and the taillights had a multifaceted design. Inside, the WRX saw significant improvements in fit and finish, with a D-shaped steering wheel, aluminum-alloy pedal covers, and carbon-fiber-pattern trim accents. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, making the WRX a practical yet sporty choice.

The 2022 MINI Cooper offered a range of engine options. The base model featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of over eight seconds. The Cooper S variant, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in under seven seconds. The JCW models boasted a tuned version of the Cooper S engine, generating 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of just over six seconds. The MINI Convertible was front-wheel drive, with a choice of a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Despite its sporty nature, the MINI's steering response and brake feel were disappointing, and the car struggled with handling on curvy roads.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, on the other hand, featured a new 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous 2.0-liter turbo, offering a slight increase in power. The WRX came standard with all-wheel drive and offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The manual transmission was precise and satisfying to use, while the CVT provided faster shift times. The WRX's suspension, mounted on the Subaru Global Platform, offered improved ride quality and reduced body roll, making it a capable performer on both smooth and rough roads.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible prioritized form over function, with comfortable front seats but nearly unusable rear seats. The trunk offered just 5.2 cubic feet of space, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Interior storage was limited, and the infotainment controls were hard to reach. While the MINI's small size was expected, it was not practical for those needing more passenger or cargo space. Other MINI models, like the Hardtop 4 Door, Clubman, and Countryman, offered better functionality but lacked the Convertible's open-top experience.

The 2022 Subaru WRX excelled in practicality, with a cargo capacity of 12.5 cubic feet, expandable with the rear seat's 60/40 split-fold function. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, with premium cloth or Ultrasuede upholstery depending on the trim. The WRX's standard all-wheel drive added to its practicality, making it a viable commuter vehicle with performance capabilities.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced the MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display, featuring LED lighting and customizable widgets. The system offered Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, SiriusXM satellite radio, and BMW-based connected services. A head-up display and a Harman Kardon sound system were available options. Despite the convertible's open-top design, the screens remained visible in most conditions, and the sound system performed well even at highway speeds.

The 2022 Subaru WRX featured an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen display in premium trims and above, with physical controls for essential functions. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the latter's integration was less seamless. The base trim had a dual 7-inch display setup. An 11-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system was available, offering impressive sound quality.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible benefited from its increased size, offering better protection in collisions. However, it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was available with automatic transmission models. The absence of blind-spot monitoring and a digital rearview mirror was a drawback.

The 2022 Subaru WRX's safety features varied by transmission. CVT-equipped models came with Subaru's EyeSight suite, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. Manual transmission models lacked EyeSight due to the risk of stalling during panic stops. Blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims. The Subaru Global Platform improved crash energy absorption, and the WRX came with seven airbags as standard.