2022 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Nissan Altima

The 2022 MINI Cooper continued to charm with its iconic design, reminiscent of the original MINI models, while incorporating 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, the MINI received refreshed styling with new bumpers, a grille, and standard LED headlights, complemented by Union Jack taillights. The interior saw upgrades like a new steering wheel and a next-generation infotainment system with a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen. Despite these updates, the MINI Convertible's proportions remained awkward, with the new grille accentuating its overbite. Inside, the MINI offered a retro-modern feel, with customizable options for colours and materials. However, the emphasis on design over function resulted in a cluttered interior, especially when heavily optioned. The Convertible's price ranged from $31,090 to $43,640, with the potential to exceed $60,000 for a fully loaded John Cooper Works model.

The 2022 Nissan Altima, on the other hand, maintained its position as a reliable midsize sedan with a sporty design. Available in three trims in Canada—SE, SR Midnight Edition, and Platinum—the Altima featured Nissan's V-Motion grille and a low, wide stance. The SR Midnight Edition, with its gloss black accents and 19-inch wheels, added a touch of sportiness. Inside, the Altima offered comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-organized instrument panel. While lower trims lacked the premium feel, higher trims provided a more upscale experience. The Altima's dimensions placed it in the middle of its class, with a 437-litre trunk and a 61-litre fuel tank. However, the high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Altima remained a competent choice for families and commuters.

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. For more spirited driving, the Cooper S featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. The JCW models took performance further with 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. The MINI Convertible offered a choice between a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive and driving modes to tailor the experience. Despite its sporty intentions, the MINI's steering and brake feel were disappointing, and the tires struggled with aggressive cornering. The ride quality varied, with a compliant feel on back roads but a firm, choppy ride on highways.

The 2022 Nissan Altima, available in Canada with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. While the engine's performance was modest, the Altima's standard all-wheel drive and Xtronic CVT provided a smooth and composed ride. The SR trim added paddle shifters, though they seemed unnecessary for a midsize sedan. The Altima excelled in ride comfort, thanks to Nissan's Active Ride Control, and the cabin remained quiet and refined. However, the engine noise during acceleration and the CVT's struggle to get the car up to speed were notable drawbacks.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible prioritized form over function, with comfortable front seats but nearly unusable rear seats. The trunk offered just 147 litres of space, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Interior storage was limited, with the infotainment controls taking up valuable space on the centre console. While the MINI's compact size was expected, those needing more practicality could opt for other MINI models like the 4-Door Hardtop, Clubman, or Countryman.

The 2022 Nissan Altima, as a midsize sedan, provided comfortable seating for four to five passengers, with easy-to-use controls and a decent-sized trunk. Its dimensions placed it in the middle of its class, with a 437-litre trunk and a 61-litre fuel tank. However, the high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility. The trunk's metal bar supports required careful packing to avoid crushing items. Despite these minor issues, the Altima remained a practical choice for families and commuters.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay connectivity, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and BMW-based connected services. The system's LED lighting and on-screen graphics changed with vehicle settings, and a head-up display was available. The optional Harman Kardon sound system provided impressive sound quality, even with the top down.

The 2022 Nissan Altima featured a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and two USB ports. Higher trims offered navigation, a Bose premium audio system, and Nissan's ProPilot Assist system, which assisted with acceleration, steering, and braking. The Altima's tech worked flawlessly, providing a seamless experience for drivers.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible gained newly standard Driving Assistant technology, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. However, it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, and blind-spot monitoring was unavailable.

The 2022 Nissan Altima boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The NHTSA awarded the FWD Altima five stars for overall crash protection, while the IIHS gave it a "Top Safety Pick+" designation, with high ratings in crash tests and crash avoidance.