2022 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat

The 2022 MINI Cooper adhered to its classic design roots while embracing modernity, resulting in a car that exuded personality and was a joy to drive, especially in Cooper S and JCW specifications. Over time, the MINI lineup expanded to include various body styles, and the cars themselves grew larger for utility and safety reasons. The 2022 models featured refreshed styling with new bumpers, a grille, standard LED headlights, and updated details like side scuttle designs and wheel arch trim. New paint colors and wheel designs were also introduced, along with a standard digital instrument cluster and a next-generation infotainment system.

Inside, the MINI Convertible maintained its retro charm with modern technology overlays. The car offered a wide range of customization options, and the convertible top could be dropped in about 18 seconds, providing an open-air experience. However, the design prioritized form over function, leading to a cluttered interior depending on the chosen specifications. The 2022 Convertible, equipped with the Cooper S specification and the Sidewalk Edition package, was priced under $40,000, with overall pricing for Convertibles ranging from $27,900 to $38,900, plus options and destination charges.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat Limited Edition was introduced to commemorate the model's final year, with only 1,973 units produced. Priced at $31,570, it featured exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, black mirror caps, and special badges. The Limited Edition was available in unique Racing Green paint, along with white, gray, and red. The interior boasted Mauro Brown leather upholstery, fake wood trim, and special seat tags, creating an upscale look despite the car's age. The Passat's design had aged well, with a freshening in 2020 extending its shelf life.

Inside, the Passat's cabin was a mix of inexpensive plastics and outdated technologies, such as a 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a small driver information display. However, the dashboard air vents and metallic detailing added a touch of modernity, and the subdued surface textures and tones provided a traditional European feel. Despite its age, the Passat's interior remained a comfortable and pleasant place to spend time, especially considering its size and price.

The 2022 MINI Cooper offered a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 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 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in less than 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. Driving modes included Green, Mid, and Sport, allowing for powertrain response calibration.

The Cooper S test car, equipped with a manual transmission, provided ample torque for a lively driving experience. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 26 mpg combined, but the test car achieved 27.1 mpg. The JCW models offered 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 Cooper S was not a sports car, but rather a sporting car with a broad torque range and fluid gear shifts. However, the steering response and brake pedal feel were disappointing, reducing driving satisfaction.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels. The engine's torque curve provided adequate power for commuting and highway cruising, but it lacked immediate power for passing and quick acceleration. The transmission's Sport mode improved responsiveness without significantly affecting fuel efficiency, with the Passat achieving 30.7 mpg on a mountainous testing loop, surpassing the EPA's 28 mpg combined rating.

The Passat prioritized ride quality, offering a floating sensation on the road. However, the suspension and tires made the car feel busy on certain road surfaces, and impacts reverberated through the vehicle's architecture. The brake pedal feel was inconsistent, causing occasional frustration. On the highway, the Passat was remarkably quiet, with a low coefficient of drag and silent tires. Despite its sedate behavior in daily driving, the Passat revealed traditional German handling traits on twisty roads, providing a flat cornering attitude and accurate steering.

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 the infotainment system's physical controls consuming valuable space. While the MINI's small size was expected, other models in the lineup, such as the Hardtop 4 Door, Clubman, and Countryman, offered more passenger and cargo space.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat boasted a spacious cabin with room for five adults and a dual-zone climate control system. However, the front seats' adjustment options were limited, making it difficult to find a comfortable driving position. The rear seats provided ample legroom and comfort, with air conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage space was good, with many locations lined with rubber to reduce noise, but the door-panel bins were hard plastic. The Passat's trunk offered 15.9 cubic feet of space, though it lacked underfloor trays or side bins.

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. The infotainment system, based on BMW's iDrive technology, paired with a standard digital instrument cluster. A head-up display was also available, and the optional Harman Kardon sound system impressed with its quality.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat's infotainment system featured a 6.3-inch screen with standard App-Connect smartphone connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth. The R-Line and Limited Edition trims added HD Radio, navigation, and a Fender premium audio system. The navigation system's voice recognition was inconsistent, but the Fender audio system provided excellent sound quality. The Passat's infotainment system was less sophisticated than other VW models, but it offered essential features and connectivity options.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible's increased size improved safety, but crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were unavailable. The car featured 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 a digital rearview mirror were not available. The lane-departure warning system was effective, providing subtle steering wheel vibrations.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat SE included standard forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic rear braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. The R-Line trim added automatic high-beam headlights, while the Limited Edition featured adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and park-assist. The lane-keeping assistance system was inconsistent, but other safety features worked accurately. The IIHS rated the Passat's headlights and crash tests highly, while the NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating.