2022 MINI Cooper vs 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid was available in base and Touring trim levels, with prices ranging from $36,105 to $42,805. The hybrid powertrain added a premium of approximately $3,000 to $4,000 over the non-hybrid models. The Accord Hybrid was not offered in a Sport trim. The car was praised for its design, showcasing a balance of proportion, stance, style, and detailing that was rare for Honda. Minor front styling updates included a new grille, revised bumper, and new headlights, while the Touring trim received new 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The interior was upscale, with simulated matte-finish wood trim, robust controls, and polished metallic accents. The controls were logically arranged, and the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display featured both a volume and tuning knob. Visibility was excellent, aiding in parking and maneuvering.

The 2022 MINI Cooper, refreshed for the model year, retained its iconic design while incorporating modern updates. The lineup included the Hardtop, Convertible, Clubman, and Countryman body styles. The refreshed models featured restyled bumpers, a new grille, standard LED headlights, and Union Jack taillights. New paint colours and wheel designs were introduced, along with the Piano Black Exterior treatment. The interior boasted a new steering wheel and a next-generation infotainment system with a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen. The MINI Convertible exuded personality, though the refreshed styling did not resolve its awkward proportions. The interior was retro with modern technology, offering customization options. The convertible top could be lowered in 18 seconds, providing an open-air experience. However, the emphasis on design over function resulted in a cluttered interior.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a generator/starter motor and an electric drive motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. This setup produced 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque, with torque available immediately and remaining constant up to 2,000 rpm. The car achieved a fuel efficiency of 5.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a slightly higher average of 5.5 L/100 km during testing. The powertrain operated in three modes: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive, with additional driver-selectable modes including EV Mode, Econ Mode, and Sport Mode. The Accord Hybrid Touring, with its 19-inch wheels, offered athletic handling and a compliant ride, with excellent brake-by-wire regenerative braking.

The 2022 MINI Cooper was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds. The Cooper S variant featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. Both engines offered a choice between a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive. The Cooper S test car had a manual transmission, averaging 8.7 L/100 km in combined driving. The JCW models offered a more powerful engine with 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. The Cooper S provided a sporting experience, though it was not a sports car. The steering response and brake pedal feel were less precise, and the tires struggled with aggressive cornering. The ride quality was firm and choppy on highways, with significant wind buffeting in convertible mode.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid impressed with its spacious interior, competing as a midsize sedan but offering full-size sedan space. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and large back seat provided comfort, with heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats in the Touring trim. Interior storage was generous, with a large centre console bin, hidden storage, and large door panel bins. The 473-litre trunk was the same size as non-hybrid Accords, accommodating full-size suitcases and offering 60/40 split-folding rear seats for added utility.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible prioritized form over function, with comfortable front seats but nearly unusable rear seats. The trunk offered just 147 litres of space, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Interior storage was limited, with the infotainment system's controls consuming space on the centre console. While the MINI's compact size was expected, other models in the lineup offered more practicality. The Convertible's design focused on style, with limited passenger and cargo space.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. USB port access was improved, with quick-charge ports for rear-seat passengers in the Touring trim. Wireless smartphone charging was standard. The Touring trim also included a head-up display and navigation with bilingual voice recognition, though the system required specific prompts for voice commands.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen display. The system offered Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and BMW-based connected services. Navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Harman Kardon sound system were available. The infotainment system was based on BMW's iDrive technology, paired with a digital instrument cluster. A head-up display was available, and the Harman Kardon sound system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid aimed to achieve a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS by redesigning its LED headlights. Standard safety features included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rearview camera. The Touring trim added low-speed braking control and front and rear automatic emergency braking. The Honda Sensing suite included adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, though improvements were needed for smoother operation.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible benefited from its increased size for safety, though crash-test ratings were unavailable. Standard Driving Assistant technology included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were not available. The lane-departure warning system provided subtle feedback through the steering wheel.