2022 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2022 MINI Cooper continued to charm with its distinctive design, reminiscent of the original MINI models, yet updated for modern sensibilities. 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 was a blend of retro aesthetics and modern technology, featuring a new steering wheel and an 8.8-inch touchscreen display. However, the MINI's emphasis on form over function resulted in a cluttered interior, and its proportions remained awkward, particularly with the new grille design.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid offered a more futuristic and expressive design, with a sleek front end and muscular features. The interior was equally modern, with a sweeping dashboard and a spacious second row that provided comfort for all passengers. The Camry Hybrid's fit and finish were of high quality, with smooth paint and well-selected materials. Its design was both functional and stylish, making it a practical choice for families seeking a reliable and comfortable sedan.

The 2022 MINI Cooper was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, achieving 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds. For more spirited driving, the Cooper S variant offered a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. The MINI Convertible featured a choice between a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive and selectable driving modes. Despite its sporty intentions, the MINI's steering and brake feel were less precise, and its ride quality varied between compliant and firm, depending on the road conditions.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid, on the other hand, focused on fuel efficiency with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a total of 208 horsepower. It achieved impressive fuel consumption ratings of 4.9 L/100 km in the city and 4.8 L/100 km on the highway for the LE model. The Camry Hybrid's handling was enhanced by a lower centre of gravity due to the battery placement, providing a more engaging driving experience compared to its gasoline-only counterpart. However, the focus on efficiency sometimes resulted in a lack of responsiveness and occasional drivetrain noise.

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, and cabin storage was limited. The MINI's design choices often sacrificed functionality, making it less suitable for those needing more passenger and cargo space.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid excelled in practicality, offering a comfortable driving position with ample headroom and adjustable seating. The interior provided generous storage options, including a spacious glove compartment and multiple nooks throughout the dash. The second row was roomy and easy to access, and the trunk offered 428 litres of space, with a passthrough for longer items. The Camry Hybrid's design balanced form and function, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2022 MINI Cooper featured a new MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was based on BMW's iDrive technology and included a digital instrument cluster. Optional features included navigation, wireless charging, and a Harman Kardon sound system. However, the lack of Android Auto and the placement of controls on the centre console were drawbacks.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was equipped with advanced technology, including a JBL premium audio system on the XLE model, with nine speakers and sophisticated algorithms for enhanced sound quality. All models featured Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the LE and a 9-inch touchscreen on other trims. The Camry Hybrid also offered a head-up display, bird’s-eye view camera, and intelligent clearance sonar on higher trims, providing a comprehensive tech package.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible included standard Driving Assistant technology with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. However, it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, and features like blind-spot monitoring were not available.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. It also featured the Star safety system and 10 airbags, providing comprehensive protection. The Camry Hybrid received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety credentials.