2023 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2022 Acura TLX presented itself as a luxury sedan with a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a larger class vehicle. Its dimensions exceeded those of the BMW 3 Series, with a width advantage of over 7.5 centimetres. The design featured thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and a V-shaped front bumper, contributing to its substantial appearance. The Type S variant added unique elements like the Tiger Eye Pearl paint and 20-inch Y-spoke gray alloy wheels, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the TLX was snug but well-detailed, with impressive materials and a Scandinavian-inspired vibe in upper trims. The Type S offered faux-suede inserts and red stitching, adding a touch of daring design.

In contrast, the 2023 MINI Cooper maintained its iconic, playful design, available as a two-door hatchback, four-door hatch, or convertible. Despite being larger than its predecessors, it remained compact, with a length shorter than a Mazda MX-5. The Cooper's design was simple yet authentic, with a bug-eyed, bulldog-like appearance. The JCW model featured a gradient paint effect and 18-inch wheels, giving it a toy-like charm. Inside, the Cooper's interior was slightly more mature, with Chesterfield leather seats and a unique dashboard design. The infotainment system, housed in a giant circle, added to its quirky character, while the manual gear shifter provided a classic driving experience.

The 2022 Acura TLX was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The SH-AWD system, standard in Canada, enhanced stability and handling precision by varying torque distribution. The Type S variant featured a 3.0-litre turbo V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, excelling on the track with its double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers. The TLX offered a balanced and predictable driving experience, though the exhaust note was subdued. Fuel efficiency for the Type S was moderate, with city and highway ratings of 12.3 and 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, respectively.

The 2023 MINI Cooper JCW was the quickest in the lineup, with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine delivering 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed manual transmission provided an engaging driving experience, while the eight-speed automatic offered hard rasps through the exhaust. Base models featured a 1.5-litre inline-three engine with 134 horsepower, while the Cooper S had a detuned version of the JCW engine. The electric MINI Cooper SE offered 183 kilometres of range. The JCW's handling was enjoyable, though the steering lacked immediacy. Fuel economy varied, with the JCW manual rated at 10.7 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 7.5 on the highway.

Inside, the 2022 Acura TLX felt tight despite its large exterior. The back seat offered decent headroom but limited legroom, while the front seats were comfortable with adjustable features. The true touchpad interface for the infotainment system required acclimation, as did the pushbutton gear selector. Trunk space was limited at 382 litres, less than a Honda Civic, due to the double-wishbone suspension.

The 2023 MINI Cooper offered good outward visibility and ample front seat space. The two-door model's rear bench and cargo hold were cramped, with only 254 litres of space. The four-door model provided more cargo capacity, while the convertible featured a unique tailgate and roof rails. The instrument panel's matte finish reduced glare but softened the display. The infotainment system combined a touchscreen with console buttons, and the dashboard's glowing ring added a playful touch.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were small. The head-up display was available only on the Platinum Elite trim. Heated rear seats, 360-degree cameras, and a heated steering wheel were offered on higher trims. The ELS Studio premium audio system was included on select trims, along with standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging. AcuraWatch provided a suite of driver assistance features.

The 2023 MINI Cooper came with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and SiriusXM. Cooper S models added a panoramic moonroof and heated seats. The infotainment system used older BMW iDrive software, with an Openometer and other playful features. A head-up display was available on higher trims, though it was a pop-up piece of plastic. The MINI lacked some advanced features found in newer BMW models.

The 2022 Acura TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. It featured standard knee airbags, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2023 MINI Cooper came with eight airbags, rear parking sensors, and forward-collision warning. Blind-spot monitoring was unavailable, and adaptive cruise control was optional. The NHTSA had not rated the 2023 model, but the IIHS gave the structurally identical 2014 model high ratings in most crash tests.