2023 MINI Cooper vs 2023 Acura TLX

The 2023 MINI Cooper, available as a two-door hatchback, four-door hatch, or two-door convertible, stood out with its unique design. This third-generation model was larger than its predecessors due to increased safety regulations and customer expectations, yet it remained compact, even shorter than a Mazda Miata. The MINI Cooper's design was playful and authentic, with features like multicolor roofs, loud colors, and a gradient paint effect that faded from red to white to green. The interior, though slightly more mature, retained a whimsical charm with Chesterfield leather seats, a giant circular dash with an inset touchscreen, and toggle switches reminiscent of old soundboards.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura TLX, particularly the Type S model, showcased a sleek and modern design. The TLX was based on a concept vehicle that introduced a new design language to the brand. Despite using a front-wheel-drive platform, it had a rear-wheel-drive look with a long, low, and lean profile. The interior featured a layered dashboard design emphasizing width, but the control layout required some relearning. The TLX Type S, with its turbocharged V6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), was the most expensive version, offering numerous enhancements for improved performance and driving enjoyment.

The 2023 MINI Cooper JCW was the quickest Cooper model, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine, shared with some BMW models, provided smooth revs and strong pulls even in top gear. The six-speed manual transmission had an abrupt clutch take-up, making it ideal for teaching manual driving but challenging for smooth launches. The JCW's handling was enjoyable, with flat cornering thanks to a stiff suspension and adaptive dampers. However, the steering felt a beat or two behind the desired angle, detracting from the "go-kart" experience MINI advertised.

The 2023 Acura TLX offered a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TLX's driver could select from multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with the Type S adding a Sport+ mode. The Type S model featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, along with performance enhancements like a sport automatic transmission, adaptive dampers, and Brembo front calipers. The TLX Type S could accelerate to 60 mph in five seconds and had a top speed of 155 mph. However, the brake-by-wire system in the TLX Type S was less satisfying, causing a mismatch between driver inputs and actual braking.

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 the cargo hold measured just nine cubic feet, expanding to 34 cubic feet with the seats folded. The four-door Cooper models provided slightly more cargo space, with 13 cubic feet and 41 cubic feet with the seats up and down, respectively. Convertible models had only eight cubic feet of cargo space before folding the rear seats. The convertible's tailgate and roof rails added some practicality, but the instrument panel's matte finish made the central display harder to read.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured premium Milano leather interiors with contrast stitching and piping. The front sport seats were 16-way power-adjustable, offering excellent comfort with heating and ventilation. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, with narrow rear doors and limited legroom. The TLX's trunk held 13.5 cubic feet of cargo, more in line with a compact car than a midsize model. The flat trunk floor and enclosed trunk hinges helped maximize the available space.

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. The infotainment system used reskinned BMW iDrive software, which was several versions old. While it had some unique features like the Openometer and cartoonish sounds, it lacked the slick interface and advanced features found in new BMWs.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a source of frustration. The 10.2-inch display was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a touchpad and buttons on the center console. The TTI's one-to-one relationship between the display screen and touchpad proved distracting. Standard infotainment features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a three-year subscription to AcuraLink connected services. Depending on the trim level, upgrades included wireless smartphone charging, a navigation system, and a premium audio system. However, the TLX did not support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the voice recognition system was not as advanced as some rivals.

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 many other safety features available in similarly priced cars. Adaptive cruise control was available on certain versions with the automatic transmission. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not rated the MINI Cooper, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it high ratings in five out of six crash tests for the structurally identical 2014 model.

The 2023 Acura TLX came standard with AcuraWatch, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed following capability and Traffic Jam Assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors. The Type S included rain-sensing wipers and a wiper de-icer system. The TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.