2023 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Toyota Corolla

The 2022 Toyota Corolla, having been around since its current generation launched in 2019, aimed to shake off Toyota's reputation for blandness with its bold exterior design. It featured scowling LED headlights and a wide grille, though it couldn't quite match the eccentricity of the Hyundai Elantra or the cohesiveness of the Honda Civic. The Corolla offered different styling elements across its trim levels, with the SE and XSE models sporting an aggressive front fascia, and the Nightshade and Apex Editions adding unique touches like blacked-out trim and bronze accents. Despite its attempts at a sporty appearance, the interior remained simple and functional, with standard cloth upholstery and optional SofTex leatherette. The fit and finish were up to Toyota's usual standards, although the piano black plastic trim was prone to dust and smudges.

In contrast, the 2023 MINI Cooper stood out with its unique design, available as a two-door hatchback, four-door hatch, or two-door convertible. Larger than its predecessors due to safety regulations, it still maintained a compact size, shorter than a Mazda Miata. The Cooper's design was playful and authentic, with options for stripes, multicolor roofs, and loud colors. The JCW model, in particular, featured a gradient paint effect and 18-inch wheels with red brake calipers, giving it a toy-like appearance. Inside, the Cooper's interior was slightly more mature, with Chesterfield leather seats and a distinctive dashboard design. The infotainment system, though not as advanced as BMW's latest offerings, included unique features like the Openometer and playful sounds, adding to the car's charm.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla offered two engine options. The L, LE, and XLE models were equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. The SE and XSE models, including the Apex Edition, featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. The Apex Edition also included a sport exhaust system and a manual transmission option, enhancing its sporty appeal. The suspension modifications in the Apex Edition improved handling but compromised ride quality, making it a fun choice for driving enthusiasts on a budget. However, it lacked significant performance upgrades, and the standard Corolla remained a comfortable but unexciting commuter car.

The 2023 MINI Cooper JCW was the quickest in the lineup, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine, shared with BMW models, delivered smooth and strong performance with minimal turbo lag. The six-speed manual transmission offered an engaging driving experience, though clutch take-up was abrupt. The Cooper S models featured a detuned version of the JCW engine, while base models had a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-three engine. The Cooper's handling was nimble, but not as reactive as expected, and the ride was firm. The electric MINI Cooper SE offered 114 miles of range, maintaining similar output to the gasoline Cooper S.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's interior felt decently roomy, though specific headroom and legroom measurements were not provided. The low beltline improved outward visibility, but the steeply raked windshield and deep dashboard hindered forward visibility. The driver's seat was positioned for optimal comfort, but long-legged drivers might find knee space lacking. The Corolla sedan offered 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, less than competitors like the Honda Civic. The interior design limited storage space for smaller items, with a thin center console and shallow cupholders.

The 2023 MINI Cooper offered good outward visibility and ample front-seat legroom and headroom. However, the rear bench in the two-door model was cramped, and cargo space was limited to nine cubic feet, expanding to 34 cubic feet with the seats folded. The four-door models provided more cargo space, while the convertible had unique features like a tailgate that folded down for easy access. The convertible's roof rails allowed the fabric section to slide back like a sunroof, enhancing the open-air experience. The MINI's instrument panel featured a matte finish to reduce glare, and the infotainment system included a touchscreen and console buttons, though some controls were inconveniently placed.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's infotainment system was starting to show its age, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the base model and an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, WiFi connectivity, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM satellite radio. A nine-speaker JBL audio system was available on select trims. While the interface was user-friendly, the graphics appeared dated compared to competitors, and wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not offered. The Corolla lacked innovative tech features like Hyundai's Digital Key.

The 2023 MINI Cooper came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and connected apps. Cooper S models in Signature trim added a panoramic moonroof and heated leatherette seats. The infotainment system used older BMW iDrive software, with a home screen displaying maps and music side by side. While settings were easy to adjust, the interface lacked the sophistication of newer BMW models. Unique features like the Openometer and playful sounds added to the Cooper's charm, but the head-up display was criticized for its pop-up design.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla received top safety ratings, earning the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist features under the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 banner, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring was available but not standard on all trims.

The 2023 MINI Cooper included eight airbags, rear parking sensors, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning as standard. 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, and the IIHS last published ratings for the structurally identical 2014 model, which received high marks in most crash tests.