2022 MINI Cooper vs 2021 Lexus ES

The 2021 Lexus ES expanded its lineup to include the new ES 250, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with standard all-wheel drive, priced similarly to the ES 350 with a 3.5-litre V6 and front-wheel drive. The ES 300h hybrid version offered improved fuel efficiency at a premium. The Black Line Edition of the ES 350 debuted with unique styling elements, including black wheels and a black and white interior. The ES's design, with its dramatic grille and sleek lines, was complemented by the F Sport trim's sporty enhancements, making it an attractive sedan with a luxurious interior.

The 2022 MINI Cooper, refreshed for the model year, retained its iconic design while incorporating modern updates. It featured restyled bumpers, a new grille, and standard LED headlights, along with new paint colours and wheel designs. The interior boasted a new steering wheel and an updated infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen. Despite its charming appearance, the MINI Convertible's proportions remained awkward, and its design prioritized form over function. The interior offered a retro-modern feel, with customization options allowing owners to personalize their vehicles.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes, with Sport+ and Custom modes available with the adaptive damping suspension. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with a fuel efficiency rating of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres. The Black Line Edition provided a sporty driving experience, though it was not a true sports sedan, offering a firm ride and flat cornering stance.

The 2022 MINI Cooper featured a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, achieving 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds. The Cooper S variant offered a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 189 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. Both engines were available with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Cooper S provided a sporty driving experience, though it lacked the go-kart handling of earlier models. The JCW model offered even more power, with 235 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque.

The 2021 Lexus ES offered a daring yet functional interior layout, with sport-bolstered front seats providing excellent comfort and support. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample legroom and comfort, with rear air conditioning vents and an available power rear window sunshade. The trunk offered 394 litres of space, with a hands-free power trunk for convenience. Storage was plentiful but oddly configured, with nooks and crannies rather than large bins.

The 2022 MINI Cooper prioritized form over function, with comfortable front seats but essentially useless 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 valuable space. While the MINI's compact size was expected, it was not ideal for those needing more passenger or cargo space.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a touchpad-controlled infotainment system, which required attention to operate. However, the dynamic voice command technology allowed for easier use. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen display offered a visually appealing interface, though it was not a touchscreen. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker premium sound system, with an available 17-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display, offering Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was based on BMW's iDrive technology, paired with a digital instrument cluster. A head-up display and Harman Kardon sound system were available, providing good sound quality even at highway speeds.

The 2021 Lexus ES came equipped with Lexus Safety System 2.0, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on most trims. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 MINI Cooper featured newly standard Driving Assistant technology, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control was available with automatic transmission models. However, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were not offered, and crash-test ratings were unavailable from the NHTSA and IIHS.