2022 MINI Cooper vs 2023 Dodge Charger

The 2022 MINI Cooper retained its iconic charm, drawing inspiration from its classic predecessors while embracing modern updates. Despite its growth over the years, the MINI Cooper continued to exude personality, especially in its Hardtop and Convertible forms. The 2022 refresh introduced restyled bumpers, a new grille, and standard LED headlights, enhancing its distinctive look. New paint colours and wheel designs added to its appeal, while the interior saw upgrades like a new steering wheel and an advanced infotainment system. However, the MINI Convertible's proportions remained awkward, with the new grille accentuating its overbite. Inside, the retro-modern blend offered a unique experience, though the emphasis on design sometimes overshadowed functionality. The Convertible's open-air feel was unmatched, but the interior could become cluttered depending on the chosen options.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Charger maintained its bold and aggressive stance, largely unchanged since its 2015 update. The Charger stood out with its distinct design, especially when compared to more frequently redesigned competitors like the Accord and Camry. The Swinger variant, with its widebody kit, flared fenders, and bronze wheels, added a touch of flair. The interior, however, felt dated, with a design reminiscent of 2011. While the seats and gauges were visually appealing, the small touchscreen and plasticky controls betrayed its age. Despite this, the Charger offered a familiar and straightforward cabin experience, with easy-to-use controls and a spacious trunk. The Swinger edition added unique touches like green stitching and badges, but overall, the interior was basic and functional.

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 excitement, the Cooper S featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 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. The Cooper S test car, equipped with a manual transmission, delivered a lively driving experience, though it lacked the go-kart handling of earlier models. The JCW models offered even more power, with a tuned engine producing 235 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. Despite its sporty nature, the MINI's steering and brake feel were less precise, and the ride quality varied depending on the road conditions.

The 2023 Dodge Charger, on the other hand, was known for its powerful engine lineup. While the base model featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with up to 300 horsepower, the real excitement lay in the V8 options. The Charger R/T boasted a 5.7-litre V8 with 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, while the Scat Pack models, like the Swinger, featured a 6.4-litre V8 with 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. The Charger SRT Hellcat models took performance to another level, with a supercharged 6.2-litre engine producing up to 807 horsepower in the Redeye Jailbreak variant. The Charger excelled in straight-line speed, with impressive acceleration and a thrilling soundtrack. Handling was surprisingly good for a car of its size, with precise steering and strong braking performance. However, the Charger was not without its quirks, such as the AWD system's slow response and the Hellcat's tendency to lose traction.

The 2022 MINI Cooper prioritized form over function, especially in the Convertible model. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, but the rear seats were practically unusable, even for children. 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 part of its charm, it was not the best choice for those needing practicality. Other MINI models, like the 4-Door Hardtop, Clubman, and Countryman, offered more space but lacked the Convertible's open-air experience.

The 2023 Dodge Charger, despite its large exterior, felt cramped inside. The front seats provided adequate headroom, but the footwells were tight, and the rear seats offered limited legroom and headroom. The trunk, however, was spacious, with 470 litres of capacity. The Charger's controls were straightforward and easy to use, with physical buttons and switches for essential functions. The interior design was dated, but the familiar layout made it user-friendly. While the Charger was not the most spacious sedan, it offered a practical trunk and a straightforward cabin experience.

The 2022 MINI Cooper featured a new MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display. The system offered Apple CarPlay connectivity, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and BMW-based connected services. Navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Harman Kardon sound system were available options. The digital instrument cluster and head-up display added a modern touch, though the screens could wash out in direct sunlight. The Harman Kardon sound system provided impressive audio quality, even with the top down.

The 2023 Dodge Charger lacked the latest Uconnect system and advanced driver-assistance features. The 8.4-inch touchscreen was small but offered fast and logical menu navigation. It included wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, and voice recognition. The Charger SRT Dashboard app allowed customization of various performance settings, including throttle, steering, and transmission. The Performance Pages feature provided real-time data on power and torque, while the Hellcat models included additional cooling functions for the supercharger. Despite its age, the Charger's technology offered a range of performance-oriented features.

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 was not available, which was a drawback given the visibility challenges with the top up.

The 2023 Dodge Charger performed well in NHTSA crash tests, receiving four out of five stars overall. It scored well in frontal and side tests but lacked the full five-star rating. The IIHS ratings were based on the 2015 Chrysler 300, which shared the same chassis. The Charger offered optional safety features like forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring was available on higher trims and through packages. While the Charger had some safety features, it lacked the latest advancements found in newer models.