2023 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Nissan Altima

The 2022 Nissan Altima had evolved significantly since its debut in 1993. Initially characterized by bland, rounded styling, the Altima underwent a major transformation with its third-generation model in 2002, adopting a sportier and sharper look. By 2022, the sixth-generation Altima featured a low, wide stance, tall doors, creased body lines, and a sharply sloped "floating" roofline. The Midnight Edition package on the SR trim added gloss black accents, 19-inch wheels, and other sporty touches, enhancing its already dynamic appearance. Inside, the Altima boasted comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-laid-out instrument panel, though lower trims lacked the premium feel of higher ones.

The 2023 MINI Cooper, available as a two-door hatchback, four-door hatch, or two-door convertible, retained its unique and playful design. Larger than its 2002 predecessor but still compact, the MINI Cooper featured a bug-eyed, bulldog-like appearance with tires stretched to the corners. The JCW model, with its gradient paint effect and 18-inch wheels, resembled a life-size windup toy. Inside, the Cooper's Chesterfield leather seats and toggle switches added a touch of whimsy, while the long manual gear shifter and clutch pedal provided a nostalgic driving experience. Despite its abstract design, the interior maintained high quality and never felt cheap.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered two four-cylinder engine options: a 2.5-liter unit producing 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-liter variable-compression turbo (VC-Turbo) with 248 hp and 273 lb-ft. The base engine was available with FWD or AWD, while the VC-Turbo was exclusive to the SR trim with FWD. Both engines featured direct injection and were paired with Nissan's Xtronic CVT. The VC-Turbo engine, capable of changing its compression ratio for performance or efficiency, provided impressive power but lacked AWD compatibility. The base engine, while adequate, delivered mediocre acceleration and noticeable engine noise. However, the Altima's suspension and Active Ride Control ensured a smooth and quiet ride.

The 2023 MINI Cooper JCW featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, shared with BMW's FWD models. The six-speed manual transmission had an abrupt clutch take-up, making it ideal for learning but challenging for smooth launches. The JCW's Sport mode offered automatic rev-matching for downshifts. Base Cooper models had a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-three with 134 hp and 162 lb-ft, while Cooper S models had a detuned version of the JCW engine with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft. Fuel economy varied, with the JCW achieving 22/31/25 mpg with the manual and 25/34/29 with the automatic. The electric MINI Cooper SE had a range of 114 miles. The JCW's handling was enjoyable, though not as reactive as expected, and the ride was firm.

The 2022 Nissan Altima, as a midsize sedan, provided comfortable seating for four (five for short distances), easy-to-use controls, and a decent-sized trunk. Its dimensions placed it in the middle of its class, with a 15.4 cubic feet trunk and a 16.2-gallon fuel tank. However, the high rear shelf compromised rear visibility, and the trunk's metal bar supports could crush items when closing the lid.

The 2023 MINI Cooper offered good outward visibility and ample front seat space. The two-door model's rear bench and nine cubic feet cargo hold were limited, but the four-door model expanded cargo space to 13 cubic feet (41 with seats folded). The convertible had eight cubic feet of cargo space, with a tailgate that folded down for easy access. The convertible's roof rails allowed the fabric section to slide back like a sunroof. The MINI's instrument panel had a matte finish, and the infotainment system featured a glowing ring that responded to various controls, adding a playful touch.

The 2022 Nissan Altima's entry-level S trim came with a 5-inch multi-function display and a 7-inch color touchscreen with Bluetooth, voice recognition, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system. The advanced drive-assist display provided convenient access to various functions. Available technologies included active noise cancellation, traffic sign recognition, and ProPilot Assist, which assisted with acceleration, steering, and braking.

The 2023 MINI Cooper came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, connected apps, LED headlights, and Union Jack-patterned taillights. Cooper S models in Signature trim added a panoramic moonroof and heated leatherette seats. The infotainment system used reskinned BMW iDrive software, with features like an Openometer and cartoonish sounds. Navigation, automatic parking, wireless phone charging, and a head-up display were available on the Iconic trim.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came with standard driver-assist technologies, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. Higher trims added Safety Shield 360, which included rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. The Altima received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS, with high ratings in crash tests and crash avoidance.

The 2023 MINI Cooper had eight airbags, rear parking sensors, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and other advanced safety features. Adaptive cruise control was available on certain versions. The NHTSA had not rated the MINI Cooper, but the IIHS gave the structurally identical 2014 model high ratings in crash tests.