2022 MINI Cooper vs 2021 Acura TLX

The 2021 Acura TLX was a strikingly sporty sedan in a competitive class. Its design featured an assertive stance, highlighted by a steeply raked windshield, a fastback-style roofline, and an integrated tail spoiler. The front of the TLX was bold, with a grille pattern radiating from the central Acura logo, flanked by horizontal "jewel eye" LED headlights. Twin trapezoidal tailpipes added to its sporty appeal. The paint quality was exceptional, with tasteful badging and chrome accents enhancing its premium look. Inside, the TLX offered a "sport sedan cockpit" with a well-organized dash, authentic materials, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen that appeared to float above the dash.

In contrast, the 2022 MINI Cooper retained its iconic charm while embracing modern updates. The MINI's design was playful, with restyled bumpers, a new grille, and standard LED headlights complementing its Union Jack taillights. New wheel designs and paint colours like Island Blue and Zesty Yellow added to its appeal. Inside, the MINI Convertible exuded personality, with a retro-modern blend and a wide range of customization options. However, its form often overshadowed function, resulting in a cluttered interior. The convertible top added a unique open-air experience, but the design had awkward proportions, and the new grille accentuated its overbite.

The 2021 Acura TLX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) with torque vectoring. The TLX offered distinct driving modes—Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual—allowing drivers to tailor the car's performance. The Platinum Elite grade added adaptive dampers for a customizable ride. The TLX boasted impressive torsional stiffness and rigidity, contributing to its nimble handling and balanced weight distribution. During test drives, the TLX demonstrated an eager character and inspiring handling, with Sport mode enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 MINI Cooper offered a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds. The Cooper S variant featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. Both engines offered a choice between a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The MINI Convertible was front-wheel drive, with Green, Mid, and Sport driving modes. The Cooper S test car had a manual transmission, providing a spirited driving experience. However, the MINI's steering response and brake feel were less precise, and the tires struggled during aggressive driving.

The 2021 Acura TLX's design choices enhanced its form and function. The shift-by-wire transmission allowed for a streamlined centre console, housing infotainment controls and cupholders. The rear seat comfortably accommodated two adults, while the trunk offered 382 litres of cargo space. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heated and ventilated options available. The second row folded in a 60/40 split, providing access to the trunk.

The 2022 MINI Cooper prioritized form over function, especially in the Convertible model. The rear seats were nearly unusable, even for children, and the trunk offered just 147 litres of space. The cabin lacked storage, with the infotainment controls consuming valuable space. While the MINI's compact size was expected, it limited practicality. For those needing more space, other MINI models like the 4-Door Hardtop, Clubman, and Countryman offered better options.

The 2021 Acura TLX was rich in technology, with performance features like drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and SH-AWD. The 10-speed automatic transmission included Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control, and Cornering G Shift Control. The TLX also offered ambient interior lighting and an ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker audio system. The infotainment system included navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Platinum Elite grade featured a head-up display and a G-Metre.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen. The system offered Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM, with navigation and a Harman Kardon sound system available. The digital instrument cluster and head-up display were standard, though visibility was occasionally affected by sunlight. The Harman Kardon system provided impressive sound quality, even with the top down.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with driver-assist technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It featured a pedestrian injury mitigation design, ACE body structure, and a full complement of airbags. The TLX received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 MINI Cooper benefited from its increased size, offering better protection in collisions. However, it lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. The MINI Convertible included standard Driving Assistant technology, with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but blind-spot monitoring was unavailable.