2022 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Hyundai Sonata

The 2022 MINI Cooper continued to charm with its iconic design, reminiscent of the original MINI models, while embracing modern updates. Despite its growth over the years, the MINI retained its playful character, evident in its refreshed styling for 2022, which included restyled bumpers, a new grille, and standard LED headlights. The interior boasted a new steering wheel and a next-generation infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display. However, the MINI Convertible's design, with its distinctive grille and proportions, remained polarizing, drawing mixed reactions from enthusiasts.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Sonata had evolved from its early days of mimicking competitors to establishing its own identity. Redesigned for the 2020 model year, the Sonata featured a wide grille, rounded front fascia, and a sloped rear roofline, offering a distinctive look that divided opinions. Inside, the Sonata provided a functional and spacious cabin with comfortable seating for five. The N Line variant added sporty touches, transforming the Sonata's appearance with a body kit, gloss black accents, and N badging, appealing to those seeking a more aggressive style.

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, achieving 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds. The Cooper S variant, with its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. The JCW models pushed performance further with 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. Despite its sporty nature, the MINI's steering response and brake feel were criticized for lacking precision, and the ride quality varied between compliant and firm.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a split personality in performance. The base engine, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder, produced 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, providing a smooth and unassuming drive. The turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft, offered a bit more zest. However, the Sonata N Line stood out with its 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, sport suspension, and tuned exhaust, delivering a thrilling experience. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, and the N Line's performance was particularly engaging, though an all-wheel-drive option was missed.

The 2022 MINI Cooper prioritized form over function, especially in the Convertible model. While the front seats were comfortable, the rear seats were nearly unusable, and the trunk offered just 147 litres of space. Storage in the cabin was limited, with controls consuming valuable space. For those needing practicality, other MINI models like the 4-Door Hardtop, Clubman, and Countryman offered more room.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata excelled in interior space, offering 2,956 litres of passenger space, classifying it as a "Full-size Car" by Natural Resources Canada. Front-seat headroom and legroom were top-notch, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The Sonata's 453-litre trunk was spacious, accommodating a full set of luggage. The Remote Smart Parking Assist feature added convenience, allowing the car to park itself with a button press, though it was more of a novelty than a necessity.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. The system, based on BMW's iDrive, included a digital instrument cluster and an optional head-up display. The Harman Kardon sound system impressed with its quality, overcoming ambient noise even with the top down.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment technology varied by trim. Base models featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims like the N Line and Ultimate Hybrid upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Bose system delivered impressive sound quality, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 MINI Cooper benefited from its increased size, offering better protection in collisions. However, it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but blind-spot monitoring was absent, impacting visibility with the top up.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist. The Sonata received top ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, with five stars for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings in all crash tests. The Sonata's advanced safety systems operated seamlessly, enhancing driver confidence.