2022 MINI Cooper vs 2023 Acura TLX

The 2022 MINI Cooper, refreshed for the model year, retained its iconic charm with a modern twist. It featured restyled bumpers, a new grille, and standard LED headlights, complemented by the car's signature Union Jack taillights. The MINI's design updates included new paint colors like Island Blue and Zesty Yellow, and the Piano Black Exterior treatment extended to various elements. Inside, the MINI Convertible offered a retro feel with modern technology, including a standard digital instrument cluster and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Despite its playful appearance, the MINI's design leaned more towards form over function, with limited rear seat space and a cluttered interior when fully optioned.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura TLX presented a sleek and dramatic design, inspired by a concept vehicle that introduced a new design language for the brand. The TLX's long, low, and lean profile gave it a rear-wheel-drive look, though it was built on a front-wheel-drive platform. The interior featured a layered dashboard design, emphasizing width, but the control layout required some relearning. The TLX Type S, with its sporty enhancements, stood out with its Tiger Eye Pearl paint and performance upgrades. However, the dramatic styling compromised rear-seat room and cargo space, making it less practical for those prioritizing comfort and utility.

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 driving, 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 under seven seconds. The MINI Convertible was front-wheel drive, with a choice between a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Cooper S test car, equipped with a manual transmission, delivered a lively driving experience, though it lacked the go-kart handling of earlier models. Fuel economy was decent, with an average of 27.1 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Acura TLX offered a more powerful performance, with most versions equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The TLX Type S, the sportiest model, featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine generating 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), allowed the Type S to accelerate to 60 mph in five seconds. The TLX's performance enhancements included a sport automatic transmission, adaptive dampers, and Brembo brakes. While the TLX Type S delivered an exhilarating driving experience, the brake-by-wire system occasionally felt disconnected, affecting the overall driving satisfaction.

The 2022 MINI Cooper prioritized form over function, especially in the Convertible model. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, but the rear seats were essentially 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 controls occupying valuable space on the center console. While the MINI's compact size was expected, those needing more space could opt for other MINI models like the Hardtop 4 Door or Countryman.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured a premium interior with Milano leather and artificial suede inserts. The front sport seats were 16-way power-adjustable, offering excellent comfort, but the rear seats were cramped, with limited legroom. The TLX's trunk provided 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, more akin to a compact car. The design prioritized aesthetics, preserving the concept car's long hood and short deck, but at the expense of rear passenger comfort and cargo capacity.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display. The system offered Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Harman Kardon sound system were available options. The infotainment system, based on BMW's iDrive technology, paired with a digital instrument cluster, performed well even in convertible form. A head-up display was also available, visible even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Acura TLX's technology was a mixed bag, with the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system causing frustration. The 10.2-inch display was not touch-sensitive, relying on a touchpad and buttons for control. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The TLX lacked Alexa Built-In, but AcuraLink Remote made it Alexa-compatible. The 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system impressed with its sound quality. However, the TTI system's complexity and the lack of wireless smartphone integration detracted from the overall experience.

The 2022 MINI Cooper benefited from its increased size, offering better protection in collisions. However, it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. The MINI Convertible came with standard Driving Assistant technology, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but blind-spot monitoring was unavailable, posing a challenge with the top raised.

The 2023 Acura TLX came standard with AcuraWatch, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The TLX's Advanced Engineering Compatibility body structure and eight airbags enhanced safety. The TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with a minor downgrade for the front passenger's seating position.