2022 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Dodge Charger

The 2022 MINI Cooper continued to charm with its iconic design, reminiscent of the original MINI models, while embracing modern updates. Over the years, the MINI lineup expanded to include various body styles, but the Hardtop and Convertible remained the quintessential MINI Coopers. For 2022, these models received refreshed styling, including restyled bumpers, a new grille, and standard LED headlights. The interior saw updates with a new steering wheel and a next-generation infotainment system featuring a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen display. Despite these enhancements, the MINI Convertible's proportions remained awkward, and the new grille accentuated its overbite, especially in lighter colours. Inside, the MINI retained its retro charm with modern technology, offering a wide range of customization options. However, the emphasis on design over function resulted in a cluttered interior, and the rear seats were practically unusable. The Convertible's price ranged from $31,090 to $43,640, with the potential to exceed $60,000 for a fully upgraded John Cooper Works model.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, built on a platform dating back to 2005, impressed with its ability to evolve over the years. The Charger underwent significant updates in 2011 and 2015, resulting in a modern and menacing design. While the exterior received attention, the interior felt dated compared to contemporary standards, with thick bezels and chunky controls. However, the Charger excelled in ease of use. The 2022 lineup included various trims, from the V6-powered SXT and GT to the high-performance Scat Pack 392, Hellcat, Redeye, and Jailbreak models. The Hellcat Widebody, introduced in 2020, transformed the Charger into a well-rounded performance machine. The supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine in the Hellcat delivered exhilarating acceleration, and the Widebody setup improved handling. The Charger offered a range of performance and appearance upgrades, making it a versatile choice for those seeking both power and practicality.

The 2022 MINI Cooper offered a range of engine options, starting with a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. This engine allowed the MINI to accelerate to 100 kilometres per hour in 8.7 seconds. For more spirited performance, the Cooper S featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 189 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, achieving 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. The MINI Convertible was front-wheel drive, with a choice between a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Cooper S test car, equipped with a manual transmission, provided ample torque for spirited driving, but its steering response and brake pedal feel were disappointing. The JCW models offered even more power, with a tuned version of the Cooper S engine producing 235 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. Despite its sporty nature, the MINI's handling and ride quality were inconsistent, and the interior noise at highway speeds was noticeable.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the base SXT trim. The SXT AWD and GT trims increased output to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine delivering 370 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque. The Scat Pack 392 boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine producing 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. The Charger SRT Hellcat, with its supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivered an impressive 717 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. The Redeye and Jailbreak models pushed power even further, with the Redeye producing 797 horsepower and the Jailbreak reaching 807 horsepower. All engines were paired with a Torqueflite eight-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on V6 models. The Hellcat's acceleration was exhilarating, with a top speed of 315 kilometres per hour. The Widebody setup improved handling, making the Charger a well-rounded performance machine.

The 2022 MINI Cooper prioritized form over function, especially in the Convertible model. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, but the rear seats were essentially useless, even for pre-teen children. The trunk offered just 147 litres of space, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Interior storage was limited, with the infotainment system's controls taking up valuable space on the centre console. While the MINI's compact size was expected, those seeking more practicality could opt for other MINI models like the 4-Door Hardtop, Clubman, or Countryman, which offered more passenger and cargo space.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, despite being a large sedan, didn't always feel spacious. The high centre console and performance bucket seats created an intimate experience for the driver. Both rows offered ample legroom, but headroom was limited, especially in the rear seats. The Charger provided 467 litres of trunk space, but the small trunk lid and high rear bumper made loading large items challenging. However, the Charger offered sports-car performance with four doors and a usable trunk, making it a versatile choice for those seeking both power and practicality.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen display. The system featured LED lighting with 12 colours, and drivers could swipe between widgets for radio, map, and other data. Apple CarPlay connectivity was available, along with Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and BMW-based connected services. Navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system were optional. The infotainment system, based on BMW's iDrive technology, paired with a digital instrument cluster. A head-up display was available, and the optional Harman Kardon sound system impressed with its sound quality.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface. The system included a dock area with large icons for major functions. An 8.4-inch version of the Uconnect screen was optional on the base SXT and standard on higher trims. Both screens offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger's technology blended well with conventional controls, providing a straightforward user experience.

The 2022 MINI Cooper benefited from its increased size, offering better protection in collisions. However, crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS were unavailable. The MINI Convertible featured newly standard Driving Assistant technology, including 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 was effective, providing subtle feedback to the driver.

The 2022 Dodge Charger lagged in standard safety features, offering only a backup camera and rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Charger received a Marginal rating in the IIHS driver’s side overlap test but earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.