2022 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

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 had expanded its lineup, growing in size to accommodate utility and safety needs. The 2022 refresh brought restyled bumpers, a new grille, and standard LED headlights, along with new paint colors and wheel designs. Inside, the MINI Convertible maintained its retro appeal with modern technology, featuring a new steering wheel and an 8.8-inch touchscreen display. Despite its playful personality, the MINI's design leaned more towards form over function, with a cluttered interior depending on the chosen specifications.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, though subtly redesigned, retained its classic hatchback silhouette. The new GTI was longer and lower, with a stable silhouette and nimble handling. Its styling included a smooth hood, a honeycomb-patterned air intake, and a signature red accent line across the front. The GTI's aerodynamic enhancements were subtle but effective, and it came with standard LED fog lights. The interior was driver-centric, with a focus on practicality and comfort, offering ample rear legroom and a spacious cargo area. The GTI's design balanced performance and practicality, making it suitable for both spirited drives and daily use.

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, taking over eight seconds to reach 60 mph. For more spirited performance, the Cooper S featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 189 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque, achieving 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, delivered a fuel economy of 27.1 mpg, slightly better than the EPA's estimate. The JCW models offered a more thrilling experience with 235 horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in just over six seconds. However, the MINI's steering response and brake pedal feel were less satisfying, and the car's handling was not as sharp as expected.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivered 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The engine's torque peak at 1,750 rpm made it a joy to drive on curvy roads. The GTI offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, both sending power to the front wheels. The GTI's fuel economy was estimated at 24 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined with the manual transmission, slightly better with the automatic. The GTI's retuned suspension and electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential enhanced its handling, allowing it to tackle corners with ease. The top-tier Autobahn trim featured an adaptive damping system, providing a comfortable ride without sacrificing performance.

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, with the infotainment system's controls taking up valuable space. 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 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in practicality, offering 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 34.5 cubic feet with the 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The GTI's interior was driver-focused, with a center stack angled towards the driver and a unique "light and sight" panel for adjusting headlights and defogging settings. Rear legroom was generous, making the GTI suitable for family use.

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 was based on BMW's iDrive technology and paired with a digital instrument cluster. A head-up display was available, and the optional Harman Kardon sound system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI boasted a fully digital driver information display with customizable gauge layouts and ambient lighting profiles. The infotainment system included an 8.25-inch touchscreen in the S trim and a 10-inch display with navigation in higher trims. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity were standard, with a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system in the SE and Autobahn trims. Volkswagen's Car-Net system offered various features, some at additional costs, including remote access, emergency assistance, and WiFi capability.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible included standard Driving Assistant technology with 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. Crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not available for the MINI Convertible.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured Volkswagen's IQ.Drive, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic GTIs. Park Distance Control was standard on all trims, with Park Assist available on the Autobahn trim. Crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not available for the GTI.