2022 MINI Cooper vs 2023 Cadillac CT5

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 offered a variety of new paint colors and extended the Piano Black Exterior treatment to various elements. Inside, the MINI introduced a standard digital instrument cluster, a new steering wheel, and an updated infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen. Despite its playful design, the MINI Convertible's proportions remained awkward, with the new grille accentuating its overbite. The interior maintained a retro feel with modern technology, allowing for personalization through various options. However, the emphasis on design over function resulted in a cluttered appearance, both inside and out.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac CT5 stood out in Southern California, where luxury cars from Asia and Germany dominated. The CT5-V test vehicle, in a unique light gray metallic color called Rift, attracted attention with its 19-inch aluminum wheels and well-executed proportions. Positioned between the standard CT5 and the performance-tuned CT5-V Blackwing, the CT5-V offered a sporty version of the midsize luxury sedan. Priced at $52,390, it was more affordable than its German rivals, yet its interior quality reflected the price difference. The CT5-V's cabin featured a mix of high-quality materials and cheaper details, with standard ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Despite some shortcomings, the CT5-V's technology was approachable, and its controls were logically laid out.

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 delivering 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in under seven seconds. Both engines provided a choice between a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive. The Cooper S test car, equipped with a manual transmission, offered a satisfying driving experience with a fuel economy of 27.1 mpg. The JCW models, with a tuned version of the Cooper S engine, produced 235 hp 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 disappointing, and the tires struggled on curves and corners.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V housed a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Despite its power, the car felt slower than it sounded. The CT5-V's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with an available all-wheel-drive system. The car offered several driving modes, including Tour, Sport, Track, My Mode, and V-Mode, allowing for personalized settings. The performance-tuned Magnetic Ride Control adaptive damping suspension and Brembo front brakes enhanced the driving experience. However, the CT5-V was not a quiet car, with road noise and suspension racket on imperfect surfaces. Despite these issues, the CT5-V excelled in balance, body control, grip, and brakes, though the steering lacked feel and feedback.

The 2022 MINI Cooper prioritized form over function, especially in the Convertible model. It offered comfortable front seats but essentially useless rear seats, with limited trunk space of 5.2 cubic feet. The trunk's bottom-hinged lid was unique but not practical for larger items. Interior storage was minimal, with the infotainment system's controls consuming valuable space. While the MINI's small size was expected, those needing more space could opt for other MINI models like the Hardtop 4 Door, Clubman, or Countryman.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5, built on the same platform as the smaller CT4 and Chevrolet Camaro, offered a roomier and more comfortable interior. The standard 18-way power-adjustable front performance seats, wrapped in Inteluxe artificial leather, provided good comfort and support. However, the rear seats were less accessible due to the door frame's cut and inboard seating position. The CT5-V's rear seat offered a slightly reclined backrest and excellent thigh support, though the plastic front seatback panels detracted from the overall quality. The CT5-V featured functional storage areas, including a wireless smartphone charging pad and a decent-sized storage bin. The trunk, with 11.9 cubic feet of cargo space, was small and narrow, but hidden storage under the trunk floor and a deep well for items like wine bottles added some practicality.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen display. The system 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, visible even with polarized sunglasses. The optional Harman Kardon sound system impressed with its sound quality, overcoming ambient noise at highway speeds.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 featured the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system with a 10-inch touchscreen display. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and OnStar and Cadillac Connected Access services. The CT5-V also offered wireless smartphone charging, Alexa Built-in, natural voice recognition, and a Bose 15-speaker premium audio system. The system's simplicity was a highlight, with stereo volume and radio tuning controls on the center console. An embedded navigation system was optional, and the CT5-V could be upgraded with a head-up display, a high-definition surround-view camera, and a Performance Data Recorder.

The 2022 MINI Cooper benefited from its increased size, offering better protection in collisions. However, neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had published crash-test ratings for the latest MINI Convertible. The 2022 model year introduced 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 2023 Cadillac CT5 came with a standard Cadillac Smart System collection of safety features, including forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and a vibrating Safety Alert Seat. The CT5-V added adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The optional Super Cruise 1 Package offered hands-free driving assistance technology, combining adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and lane-change systems. Super Cruise impressed with its automated lane-change function, though drivers still needed to pay attention and be ready to take control.