2022 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Volkswagen Jetta

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, especially in the Cooper S and JCW variants. The 2022 refresh brought subtle exterior changes, including new bumpers, a redesigned grille, and standard LED headlights, enhancing its distinctive look. Inside, the MINI Convertible offered a retro-modern vibe with a new steering wheel and an updated infotainment system featuring a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen. However, the car's form-over-function approach resulted in a cluttered interior, and the new grille design accentuated its awkward proportions.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta underwent a mild makeover, with subtle exterior tweaks that were easy to overlook. The Jetta's design remained understated, akin to a practical suitcase, with chrome accents on the grille and rear bumper. The interior updates were equally subtle but added a touch of sophistication with contrast stitching and a new two-tone leather option for the Highline trim. The Jetta's cabin was driver-centric, with intuitive controls and ample storage space. The 2022 model also introduced a standard 8-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, enhancing the driving experience with customizable views and widgets.

The 2022 MINI Cooper offered a spirited driving experience with its turbocharged engines. The base model featured a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds. For more excitement, the Cooper S variant boasted a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. Both engines were available with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the MINI Convertible was front-wheel drive. Despite its sporty nature, the Cooper S was not a true sports car, with some steering and brake feel issues affecting driving satisfaction.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured a single engine option: a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine replaced the previous 1.4-litre turbo-four, offering a slight increase in power. The Jetta was available with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the automatic standard on the Highline trim. The Jetta excelled in fuel efficiency, averaging 5.0 L/100 km on the highway during a long road trip. However, its powertrain dynamics were less impressive, with a touchy throttle and turbo lag affecting the driving experience. The Jetta offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom drive modes, but the overall performance felt subdued.

The 2022 MINI Cooper prioritized form over function, particularly in the Convertible model. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were nearly unusable, even for children. The trunk offered just 147 litres of space, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid, limiting its practicality. Interior storage was minimal, with the infotainment controls occupying 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.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta provided ample passenger space for four adults, with the option to accommodate a fifth. The cabin was ergonomically designed, with intuitive controls and convenient storage options, including door pockets, a centre console bin, and a sunglass holder. The front seats offered good support, though the slightly inclined bottom cushion might not suit everyone. The Jetta's interior was practical and user-friendly, with driving-related controls easily accessible.

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 offered Apple CarPlay connectivity, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and BMW-based connected services. Navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system were available options. The digital instrument cluster and head-up display added to the tech-savvy interior, though the screens occasionally washed out in direct sunlight.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received a technology upgrade with the standard Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The Comfortline and Highline trims featured an 8-inch infotainment system with customizable views and widgets. The Highline trim offered the Digital Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch display and additional features like navigation and phone history. The Jetta's infotainment system supported Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and MirrorLink integration, with Bluetooth and USB-C ports as standard. The premium Beats Audio sound system and remote start were available on higher trims.

The 2022 MINI Cooper benefited from its increased size, offering better protection in collisions. However, it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. The MINI Convertible came with 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, posing visibility challenges with the top raised.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard equipment included forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian recognition. From the Comfortline trim, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist were available. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA but fell short of a Top Safety Pick from IIHS due to an Acceptable score in the updated side crash test and Marginal to Poor headlight ratings.