2023 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid continued Toyota’s legacy in the U.S., a history spanning over 60 years. The Camry, a staple since 1983, had evolved through eight generations, with the hybrid variant introduced in 2007. By 2022, the Camry Hybrid featured a futuristic and expressive design, with a sneering front end and muscular features. The base model came with 16-inch steel wheels, while higher trims boasted 17-inch, 18-inch, and even 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Camry Hybrid’s dashboard had a sweeping curve, a large infotainment touchscreen, and a well-organized center console. The second row offered ample space and comfort, even for the middle seat, and Toyota’s high level of fit and finish was evident throughout.

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 was described as a bug-eyed little bulldog, with its tires stretched to the corners to maximize space. The 2023 model introduced a gradient paint effect and 18-inch wheels with big red brake calipers. Inside, the MINI Cooper featured Chesterfield leather seats, a giant circular dash with an inset touchscreen, and toggle switches reminiscent of old soundboards. The JCW model, with its 228-horsepower engine, offered a sporty and engaging driving experience, though the ride was firm and the steering less immediate than expected.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was designed for fuel efficiency rather than track performance. The entry-level LE model achieved an impressive EPA-rated 51 mpg city/53 mpg highway/52 mpg combined, while other trims managed 44 mpg city/47 mpg highway/46 mpg combined. The hybrid system combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors, producing a total of 208 horsepower. An electronically controlled CVT sent power to the front wheels, with paddle shifters available on SE and XSE models. The Camry Hybrid’s handling was commendable, thanks to a lower center of gravity from the lithium-ion battery pack. However, maintaining EV mode was challenging, and the drivetrain occasionally droned.

The 2023 MINI Cooper JCW, the quickest Cooper model, featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine, shared with BMW’s FWD models, provided smooth revs and strong pulls. The six-speed manual transmission had an abrupt clutch take-up, making it ideal for teaching manual driving but tricky for smooth launches. The JCW’s handling was enjoyable, with flat cornering and adaptive dampers, though the steering felt a beat behind. Fuel economy varied, with the base three-cylinder model achieving up to 38 mpg highway, while the JCW managed 25/34/29 with the automatic transmission. The electric MINI Cooper SE offered 114 miles of range.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid excelled in ride height, seating position, and ease of use. The driver and front passenger enjoyed ample storage options, including a spacious glove compartment and multiple nooks throughout the dash. The second row was roomy and comfortable, with generous bottle holders and map pockets. The Camry Hybrid’s trunk offered 15.1 cubic feet of space, with a passthrough for long items and foldable rear seats for larger cargo. Toyota’s warranty covered the Camry Hybrid for three years/36,000 miles, with additional coverage for the powertrain, hybrid battery, and specific hybrid components.

The 2023 MINI Cooper’s outward visibility was good, and the front seats provided plenty of legroom and headroom. However, the rear bench in the two-door model was cramped, and the cargo hold measured just nine cubic feet, expanding to 34 cubic feet with the seats folded. The four-door model offered slightly more cargo space. Convertible models had only eight cubic feet of cargo space, but the tailgate and roof rails provided helpful features. The MINI’s instrument panel had a matte finish, and the infotainment system combined a touchscreen with console buttons, though the buttons were awkwardly placed. The dashboard’s glowing ring added a playful touch, mimicking various car functions.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was equipped with advanced technology features, including a specially tuned JBL audio system with nine speakers and sophisticated algorithms for high-quality sound. Embedded navigation was available on higher trims, while Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a WiFi hotspot were standard across all models. The LE, SE, and SE Nightshade had a 7-inch touchscreen, while the XLE and XSE featured a 9-inch touchscreen. Additional features included a smart key system, push-button start, automatic LED headlights, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The XSE model offered a 10-inch head-up display and other luxury tech options.

The 2023 MINI Cooper came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, connected apps, LED headlights, and Union Jack-patterned taillights. Cooper S models in Signature trim added a panoramic moonroof and heated leatherette seats. Navigation, automatic parking, wireless phone charging, and a head-up display were available on the Iconic trim. The infotainment system used reskinned BMW iDrive software, which was several versions old but functional. Unique features included an Openometer, a “checkup” display, and cartoonish sounds and chimes.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, Lane Tracing Assist, automatic high beams, and traffic-sign recognition. The Camry Hybrid also had Toyota’s Star safety system, 10 airbags, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, and LATCH lower anchors for child safety seats. Additional safety features included a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, rear seat reminder, automatic engine shut-off, and hill start assist control. The 2022 Camry Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was expected to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 MINI Cooper came standard with 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 found in similarly priced cars. Adaptive cruise control was available on certain automatic transmission models. The NHTSA had not rated the 2023 MINI Cooper, but the IIHS had given the structurally identical 2014 model the highest “good” rating in five out of six crash tests.