2022 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

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 blend of retro aesthetics and modern technology, with a new steering wheel and an upgraded infotainment system featuring a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen. However, the MINI's emphasis on form over function resulted in a somewhat cluttered interior, and its unique design choices, such as the jutting grille, were not universally appealing.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Sentra presented a sleek, modern exterior, drawing inspiration from the larger Altima. Redesigned in 2020, the Sentra carried over into 2022 with minimal changes, offering a coupe-like silhouette and a range of bold colour options. The interior was a highlight, combining simplicity with functionality, featuring easy-to-use controls and a visually appealing dashboard. The Sentra's cabin was spacious, with comfortable seating and ample storage options, making it a practical choice for everyday use.

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 those seeking more power, the Cooper S variant featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 189 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, achieving the same speed 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. Despite its sporty nature, the MINI's steering and brake response were less precise than expected, and its ride quality varied depending on the road conditions.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. In Canada, a six-speed manual transmission was standard, with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) available. The Sentra's performance was consistent, offering satisfactory acceleration both in city and highway settings. Its steering was well-weighted, and the suspension handled most road imperfections with ease, making it a reliable choice for commuting and road trips.

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

The 2022 Nissan Sentra excelled in practicality, providing 404 litres of trunk space, expandable with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench. The Sentra's interior was spacious, with comfortable seating in both rows and ample storage options, including large in-door trays and cupholders. The trunk, though lacking a power-opening feature, was easily accessible via the key fob or a dashboard button.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system, based on BMW's iDrive technology, featured customizable widgets and a digital instrument cluster. Optional features included navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Harman Kardon sound system, which delivered impressive audio quality even with the top down.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an 8-inch screen available on higher trims. The system was user-friendly, with hard buttons and dials for easy navigation. However, the graphics were somewhat dated, and the lack of wireless connectivity options was a drawback compared to competitors like the Honda Civic.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible 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, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but blind-spot monitoring was unavailable, posing a challenge with the top raised.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra boasted a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring. Additional features like a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control were available. The Sentra received top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, earning a "Top Safety Pick" award.