2022 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Toyota Corolla
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 MINI Cooper is 5.2 out of 10, while the 2022 Toyota Corolla scores 7.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Toyota Corolla is the better choice, offering superior safety, practicality, and value for most consumers.
Choose the 2022 MINI Cooper if:
- You prioritize unique, retro-inspired design and personality.
- You enjoy a sporty driving experience with multiple engine options.
- You want a convertible with a fun, customizable interior.
Choose the 2022 Toyota Corolla if:
- You value top safety ratings and a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist features.
- You need a practical, roomy interior with decent cargo space.
- You prefer a reliable, comfortable commuter car with modern tech features.
Overview | |
MSRP$22,900 | MSRP$20,425 |
Average price$26,026 | Average price$20,691 |
Listings352 | Listings2869 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews5.2 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.2 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2022 MINI Cooper Reviews SummaryMINI characterizes its lineup as the “definitive” premium small cars in the United States market. Based on a BMW platform, equipped with BMW engines, and featuring BMW technology, MINIs can substantiate this claim through engineering. But it’s the range of choices and personalization options that make them unlike any other premium small cars. Naturally, this is true of the refreshed 2022 MINI Convertible, which is available in Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works (JCW) specification and with Classic, Signature, or Iconic trim. Once you’ve made those decisions, you can select from a wide variety of colors, materials, wheels, packages, and options to make your MINI your own. Or you can choose a pre-packaged special edition like our Sidewalk Edition test car. | |
2022 Toyota Corolla Reviews SummaryThe Toyota Corolla needs no introduction. With 12 generations spanning over five decades of production, the Corolla is the bestselling nameplate in automotive history. And it continues to be a popular choice for new car buyers looking for a reliable and sensible compact car, competing against other established names like the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza, and Volkswagen Jetta for sales. The only significant change for 2022 is the addition of two new colors: Ruby Flare and Windchill Pearl. What hasn’t changed are the number of other choices buyers get. Toyota offers sedan and hatchback body styles, manual and automatic transmissions, and multiple powertrain options—including a hybrid. The Corolla Cross SUV also launched for 2022 but, while it shares a basic platform with the Corolla sedan and hatch, it’s effectively a different vehicle. Finally, you get the expected array of trim levels. The Corolla sedan is available in L, LE, XLE, SE, and XSE grades, plus Apex Edition and Nightshade Edition versions of SE and XSE, with more limited options for the Corolla hatchback and hybrid (both of which will be covered separately). For this review, we tested the Apex Edition sedan in its lower SE grade. The Apex is the sportiest Corolla variant, at least until the GR Corolla hot hatchback arrives for the 2023 model year. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.5L 134 hp I3 | Engine1.8L 139 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity4 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower134 hp @ 4500 rpm | Horsepower |
MPG City27 | MPG City30 |
MPG Highway37 | MPG Highway38 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.5L 134 hp I3 | Engine Name1.8L 139 hp I4 |
Torque162 lb-ft @ 1480 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower134 hp @ 4500 rpm | Horsepower |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City27 | MPG City30 |
MPG Highway37 | MPG Highway38 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity4 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall4 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space8.7 cu ft | Cargo Space13.1 cu ft |
Curb Weight2712 lbs | Curb Weight2910 lbs |
Height55.7 in | Height56.5 in |
Length152.2 in | Length182.3 in |
Width75.9 in | Width70.1 in |
Wheelbase98.2 in | Wheelbase106.3 in |
Maximum Payload697 lbs | Maximum Payload825 lbs |
Number of doors2 | Number of doors4 |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 MINI Cooper is 5.2 out of 10, while the 2022 Toyota Corolla scores 7.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Toyota Corolla is the better choice, offering superior safety, practicality, and value for most consumers.
Choose the 2022 MINI Cooper if:
Shop Now- You prioritize unique, retro-inspired design and personality.
- You enjoy a sporty driving experience with multiple engine options.
- You want a convertible with a fun, customizable interior.
Choose the 2022 Toyota Corolla if:
Shop Now- You value top safety ratings and a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist features.
- You need a practical, roomy interior with decent cargo space.
- You prefer a reliable, comfortable commuter car with modern tech features.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $22,900 | $20,425 |
Average price | $26,026 | $20,691 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.7 | 4.1 |
Expert reviews | 5.2 out of 10Read full review | 7.2 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | MINI characterizes its lineup as the “definitive” premium small cars in the United States market. Based on a BMW platform, equipped with BMW engines, and featuring BMW technology, MINIs can substantiate this claim through engineering. But it’s the range of choices and personalization options that make them unlike any other premium small cars. Naturally, this is true of the refreshed 2022 MINI Convertible, which is available in Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works (JCW) specification and with Classic, Signature, or Iconic trim. Once you’ve made those decisions, you can select from a wide variety of colors, materials, wheels, packages, and options to make your MINI your own. Or you can choose a pre-packaged special edition like our Sidewalk Edition test car. | The Toyota Corolla needs no introduction. With 12 generations spanning over five decades of production, the Corolla is the bestselling nameplate in automotive history. And it continues to be a popular choice for new car buyers looking for a reliable and sensible compact car, competing against other established names like the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza, and Volkswagen Jetta for sales. The only significant change for 2022 is the addition of two new colors: Ruby Flare and Windchill Pearl. What hasn’t changed are the number of other choices buyers get. Toyota offers sedan and hatchback body styles, manual and automatic transmissions, and multiple powertrain options—including a hybrid. The Corolla Cross SUV also launched for 2022 but, while it shares a basic platform with the Corolla sedan and hatch, it’s effectively a different vehicle. Finally, you get the expected array of trim levels. The Corolla sedan is available in L, LE, XLE, SE, and XSE grades, plus Apex Edition and Nightshade Edition versions of SE and XSE, with more limited options for the Corolla hatchback and hybrid (both of which will be covered separately). For this review, we tested the Apex Edition sedan in its lower SE grade. The Apex is the sportiest Corolla variant, at least until the GR Corolla hot hatchback arrives for the 2023 model year. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.5L 134 hp I3 | 1.8L 139 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 |
Horsepower | 134 hp @ 4500 rpm | |
MPG City | 27 | 30 |
MPG Highway | 37 | 38 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.5L 134 hp I3 | 1.8L 139 hp I4 |
Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 1480 rpm | |
Horsepower | 134 hp @ 4500 rpm | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 27 | 30 |
MPG Highway | 37 | 38 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 8.7 cu ft | 13.1 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 2712 lbs | 2910 lbs |
Height | 55.7 in | 56.5 in |
Length | 152.2 in | 182.3 in |
Width | 75.9 in | 70.1 in |
Wheelbase | 98.2 in | 106.3 in |
Maximum Payload | 697 lbs | 825 lbs |
Number of doors | 2 | 4 |
The 2022 MINI Cooper, refreshed for the model year, retained its iconic charm with restyled bumpers, a new grille, and standard LED headlights. The car's personality shone through its Union Jack taillights and reworked details like side scuttle designs and wheel arch trim. New paint colors and fresh wheel designs added to its appeal. Inside, the MINI Convertible featured a new steering wheel, a next-generation infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, and standard digital instrumentation. Despite its quirky and fun design, the MINI Convertible's proportions remained awkward, and its form-over-function approach resulted in a cluttered interior.
In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Corolla aimed to shed its "boring" reputation with extroverted exterior styling, including scowling LED headlights and a wide grille. The SE and XSE models sported an aggressive front fascia, while the Nightshade Editions added blacked-out trim. The Apex Editions featured a subtle body kit with bronze accents and model-specific 18-inch wheels. The Corolla's interior, though less imaginative, offered a simple and appealing look with good fit and finish. However, the piano black plastic trim attracted dust and smudges, and the light gray upholstery seemed prone to stains.
The 2022 MINI Cooper came with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, taking over eight seconds to reach 60 mph. The Cooper S variant offered a more spirited drive with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in under seven seconds. Both engines were paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the car featured front-wheel drive. The JCW models boasted a tuned version of the Cooper S engine with 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in just over six seconds. Despite its sporty nature, the MINI's steering response and brake pedal feel were disappointing, and the car's tires struggled with aggressive cornering.
The 2022 Toyota Corolla sedan offered two engine options: a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque for the L, LE, and XLE models, and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque for the SE and XSE models. The Apex Edition versions of the SE and XSE featured a sport exhaust system. The smaller engine came with a mandatory CVT, while the 2.0-liter engine was available with a six-speed manual gearbox on the SE and SE Apex Edition models. The Apex Edition's suspension enhancements made it more nimble but at the cost of ride quality. The Corolla's performance was adequate but not particularly exciting, with the Apex Edition offering some fun in the corners.
The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible prioritized form over function, with comfortable front seats but essentially useless rear seats. The trunk offered just 5.2 cubic feet of space, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Interior storage was limited, with hard-to-reach infotainment controls consuming valuable space. While the MINI's small size was expected, those needing more passenger and cargo space could opt for other MINI models like the Hardtop 4 Door, Clubman, or Countryman.
The 2022 Toyota Corolla's interior felt decently roomy, with a low beltline aiding outward visibility. However, the steeply raked windshield and deep dashboard compromised forward visibility. The driver's seat positioning was optimized, but long-legged drivers might find knee space lacking. The Corolla sedan's 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space lagged behind competitors, though a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat was standard. The sleek interior design limited storage space for smaller items, with a thin center console and shallow cupholders.
The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system featured LED lighting with 12 colors and BMW-based connected services. Navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system were available. The digital instrument cluster and head-up display were functional, even in a convertible. The optional Harman Kardon sound system impressed with its quality.
The 2022 Toyota Corolla's infotainment system lagged behind competitors, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the base model and an 8-inch touchscreen on other trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, WiFi connectivity, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM satellite radio. A nine-speaker JBL audio system was available on higher trims. The interface was user-friendly, but some tasks were cumbersome, and the graphics looked dated. The Corolla lacked wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and didn't offer novel tech features like Hyundai's Digital Key.
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 optional, but blind-spot monitoring and a digital rearview mirror were not available. The lane-departure warning system was effective and subtle.
The 2022 Toyota Corolla received top safety ratings, earning an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features under Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, Lane Tracing Assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was available but not standard on all trims.
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