2022 MINI Cooper vs 2023 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2022 MINI Cooper adhered to its classic design roots while incorporating modern elements, resulting in a car that exuded personality and was fun to drive, especially in the Cooper S and JCW specifications. Over the years, the MINI lineup expanded to include various body styles, and the cars themselves grew larger for utility and safety reasons. The 2022 model year brought refreshed styling, including 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 the Piano Black Exterior treatment.

Inside, the 2022 MINI Convertible featured a new steering wheel, a next-generation infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, and standard digital instrumentation. The car maintained its retro-modern aesthetic, with a wide range of customization options. However, the refreshed styling did not resolve the awkward proportions of the third-generation design, and the new grille might have exacerbated the issue. Despite these quirks, the MINI Convertible promised fun and a unique driving experience, though it was not a car for minimalists, as its design favored form over function.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, on the other hand, presented a more conservative and inoffensive design. While previous Jetta models boasted symmetry and balance, the current generation lacked the same visual appeal, despite a recent refresh. The Jetta's interior, especially in the top SEL trim, channeled the luxury of VW's Audi brand, featuring ambient lighting, genuine leather upholstery, a power sunroof, and larger screens for digital instrumentation and infotainment. The Jetta SEL's interior felt upscale and delivered emotional value at a price below $30,000.

The 2022 MINI Cooper offered a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of over eight seconds. 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 0-60 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. Driving modes included Green, Mid, and Sport, allowing drivers to tailor powertrain response.

Our Cooper S test car, equipped with a manual transmission, delivered a satisfying driving experience with plenty of torque and an average fuel economy of 27.1 mpg. The JCW models offered even more excitement with a tuned version of the Cooper S engine, producing 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, and a 0-60 mph time of just over six seconds. However, the MINI's steering response and brake pedal feel were disappointing, and the car's tires struggled with aggressive cornering. The rearview mirror's location also posed visibility challenges on winding roads.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The S and Sport trims came with a standard six-speed manual transmission, while the SE and SEL trims had an eight-speed automatic. The automatic transmission included a Sport mode and manual shifting mode, but there was a noticeable delay in acceleration. The Jetta SEL averaged 30 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 33 mpg.

Despite the powertrain quirks, the Jetta SEL provided a rewarding driving experience with accurate steering, faithful brakes, and predictable handling. The all-season tires impressed with their grip and communication, enhancing the car's overall performance.

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 useless, even for pre-teen children. 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 consuming valuable space on the center console. However, MINI offered other models with more passenger and cargo space, such as the Hardtop 4 Door, Clubman, and Countryman.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, in contrast, successfully straddled the compact and midsize sedan segments, accommodating a family of four with ease. The interior storage space was generous, and the trunk offered 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space, nearly matching some midsize sedans. The Jetta SEL featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, but the car's overall design made it easy to get in and out. The back seat provided ample legroom and comfort, though rear air conditioning vents were absent.

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, 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 digital instrument cluster and head-up display added to the car's modern tech appeal, though the screens occasionally washed out in direct sunlight.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SEL came with a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrumentation panel and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L premium satellite radio, and a proximity-sensing surface. However, the infotainment system's tuning process was cumbersome, and the voice recognition system required a Car-Net subscription for advanced features. Car-Net offered a Wi-Fi hotspot, remote engine starting, and other connected services. The Jetta SEL's Beats Audio premium sound system was underwhelming compared to previous Fender systems.

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, 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 Volkswagen Jetta SE and SEL featured the IQ.Drive package, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist worked well on winding roads, while Emergency Assist could identify an unresponsive driver and bring the car to a safe stop. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA but earned four stars for frontal-impact protection. IIHS rated the Jetta's safety as Poor in a new moderate overlap frontal-impact crash test and criticized the car's headlights.