2023 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 maintained its sleek design with no significant changes, continuing to offer both sedan and hatchback body styles. It was available in various models, including the affordable 2.0 sedan, the popular 2.5 S, and the sporty 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S lineup provided the most variety with five trim levels and options for front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The hatchback version, particularly in the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trim, was noted for its understated elegance, lacking flashy spoilers or body kits. Inside, the Mazda3 boasted refined materials and a sophisticated design, appealing to those seeking a premium feel without the luxury price tag.

In contrast, the 2023 MINI Cooper stood out with its unique and playful design, available as a two-door hatchback, four-door hatch, or convertible. The MINI Cooper's design was reminiscent of a bug-eyed bulldog, with its compact size and distinctive styling. The JCW model featured a gradient paint effect and sporty accents, making it look like a life-size windup toy. Inside, the MINI Cooper's interior was quirky yet high-quality, with Chesterfield leather seats and a dashboard that resembled a ship's porthole. The MINI's playful nature extended to its convertible model, which offered innovative features like roof rails that allowed the fabric section to slide back like a sunroof.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, prioritizing fuel economy with 31 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 S model, with its 2.5-liter engine, delivered 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, offering a balance between performance and efficiency. The 2.5 Turbo model, with its turbocharged engine, provided up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel, though it fell short of its advertised fuel economy, averaging 23.1 mpg. The Mazda3 was praised for its smooth ride, nimble handling, and balanced performance, though its brakes showed signs of fade during intense driving.

The 2023 MINI Cooper JCW was the quickest in the lineup, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The engine, shared with BMW models, was known for its smooth revving and strong performance. The six-speed manual transmission offered an engaging driving experience, though clutch take-up was abrupt. The JCW's handling was enjoyable, with flat cornering and impressive brakes, though the steering lacked immediacy. The base MINI Cooper models had a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-three engine, while the Cooper S models featured a detuned version of the JCW engine. The electric MINI Cooper SE offered 114 miles of range, maintaining similar output to the gasoline Cooper S.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's interior was designed with the driver in mind, offering a snug but comfortable fit. The front seats provided excellent support, and the interior featured high-quality materials. However, the back seat was less accommodating, especially for taller passengers, and lacked rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. Cargo space in the hatchback was limited, with 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 47.1 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2023 MINI Cooper offered good outward visibility and ample front seat space, but the rear bench in the two-door model was cramped, with just nine cubic feet of cargo space. The four-door models provided slightly more room, with 13 cubic feet of cargo space. The convertible model had unique features like a tailgate that folded down for easy access and roof rails that allowed the fabric top to slide back. The MINI's infotainment system, with its glowing ring and quirky features, added to the car's playful character.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, controlled via a center console interface. While Mazda's approach aimed to reduce distractions, the lack of a physical tuning function and a cumbersome voice recognition system were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, and Mazda Connected Services offered remote access to vehicle functions. The car also came with an eight-speaker audio system, with a 12-speaker Bose system available on higher trims.

The 2023 MINI Cooper came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system used older BMW iDrive software, lacking the latest features found in new BMW models. The Cooper S models added a panoramic moonroof and heated seats, while the Iconic trim offered navigation and wireless phone charging. The MINI's infotainment system included unique features like the Openometer and playful sounds and chimes.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with standard features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and adaptive front headlights. The car received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, making it one of the safest compact cars available.

The 2023 MINI Cooper came with eight airbags, rear parking sensors, and forward-collision warning. However, it lacked some advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was available on certain models. The MINI Cooper had not been rated by the NHTSA, and the IIHS last rated the structurally identical 2014 model, giving it high marks in most crash tests.