2022 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Lexus ES

The 2022 Lexus ES, a staple in the Lexus lineup, had evolved over seven generations since its debut in 1990. Despite a decline in sales, it remained a popular choice among an older demographic. Lexus faced the challenge of attracting younger buyers without alienating its loyal customer base. The ES, built on the Global Architecture-K platform, offered a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout with optional all-wheel drive. Its design featured elegant proportions, a sleek roofline, and the distinctive Lexus "spindle" grille. The interior, while well-assembled, had an asymmetrical dashboard and sporty F Sport packaging, which added a touch of boldness to the otherwise conservative design.

In contrast, the 2022 MINI Cooper retained its iconic charm while embracing modernity. Over the years, the MINI lineup expanded to include various body styles, but the Hardtop and Convertible remained the quintessential MINI Coopers. The 2022 models received refreshed styling, including restyled bumpers, a new grille, and standard LED headlights. The interior exuded personality with retro-modern elements and customizable options. However, the Convertible's proportions remained awkward, and the new grille drew attention to its overbite. Despite these quirks, the MINI Cooper promised a fun driving experience, especially with the top down, offering a unique open-air feel.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three models with distinct powertrains. The ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It achieved a 0-60 mph time of 8.6 seconds and had a top speed of 210 km/h. The ES 350, with its 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivered 307 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The hybrid ES 300h combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor for a net 215 hp, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 8.1 seconds. The ES 250 AWD, while smooth and predictable, felt slow compared to its siblings, with the V6 offering more engaging performance and the hybrid excelling in fuel economy.

The 2022 MINI Cooper came 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, with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. The JCW models offered a tuned version of the Cooper S engine with 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. The MINI Convertible, equipped with a manual transmission, provided a spirited driving experience, though it lacked the precision of a true sports car. The steering response and brake feel were less satisfying, and the car's handling was compromised by its tires and suspension setup.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered a spacious and practical interior with 394 litres of cargo space, even in the hybrid variant. The sedan's lower centre of gravity and ground clearance contributed to better handling compared to SUVs. Inside, the ES featured heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a moonroof. The interior layout was functional, with ample storage options, though the dash design was not particularly attractive.

In contrast, the 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible prioritized form over function. The rear seats were essentially useless, and the trunk offered just 147 litres of space. The cabin lacked storage space, with the infotainment controls consuming valuable real estate. While the MINI's design was charming, it was not practical for those needing passenger or cargo space. However, MINI offered other models with more practicality, such as the 4-Door Hardtop, Clubman, and Countryman.

The 2022 Lexus ES came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker Pioneer sound system. Upper trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio, and navigation. The ES featured a touchpad interface, which was an improvement over the previous setup but still challenging to use on rough roads. A 10-inch head-up display and a Panoramic View Monitor with Intuitive Parking Assist were available on upper trims. Lexus Enform connected services provided various features, including emergency assistance and remote control functions.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and BMW-based connected services. The system featured LED lighting with 12 colours and allowed drivers to customize the display. A head-up display, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Harman Kardon sound system were available. The infotainment system, based on BMW's iDrive technology, paired with a digital instrument cluster, though both screens could wash out in direct sunlight. The Harman Kardon sound system impressed with its sound quality, even at highway speeds with the top down.

The 2022 Lexus ES received top safety ratings, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star rating from NHTSA. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 included features like a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and Intelligent High Beam Control. Standard blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags further enhanced safety.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible, while not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, offered newly standard Driving Assistant technology, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control was available for automatic transmission models. However, the lack of blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert was a drawback, given the visibility challenges with the top raised.