2022 MINI Cooper vs 2023 Toyota Crown

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 restyled bumpers, a new grille, and standard LED headlights, enhancing its distinctive look. However, the new grille design accentuated the car's awkward proportions, particularly in lighter colours. Inside, the MINI Convertible offered a retro-modern feel, with a new steering wheel and an upgraded infotainment system featuring a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen. The convertible top added a unique open-air experience, though the emphasis on design over function resulted in a cluttered interior.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Crown presented a bold and elevated design, reminiscent of the discontinued Toyota Avalon but with a 10-centimetre higher ride. Its massive grille and angular headlights gave it a sporty edge, while the side profile featured large wheels and a black trim piece for visual balance. The rear was rounded with a bold taillight strip, and the Platinum trim offered a striking two-tone colour option. Inside, the Crown boasted a modern cabin with a digital instrument panel and a large touchscreen. The mix of hard plastics and cushioned touchpoints gave it a sturdy yet upscale feel, though it fell short of luxury standards. The Crown's design was more widely accepted, offering a blend of style and practicality.

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. The Cooper S variant featured a more powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. For thrill-seekers, the JCW model delivered 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of 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 nature, the MINI's steering and brake feel were less precise, and the ride quality varied between compliant and firm.

The 2023 Toyota Crown, available in Canada, featured two hybrid powertrains. The base model combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a hybrid electric motor, producing 236 horsepower and offering on-demand all-wheel drive. The Platinum trim introduced the Hybrid Max powertrain, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine and a more powerful rear electric motor, delivering 340 horsepower. The base hybrid used a CVT, while the Hybrid Max had a six-speed automatic transmission. The Crown's ride was tuned for comfort, with the Platinum trim adding an adaptive suspension. Despite engine drone, the cabin remained quiet, and the Crown's driving aids were mostly well-tuned, though some features were intrusive.

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 controls consuming valuable space. While practicality was not its strong suit, the MINI's charm lay in its design and driving experience. For those needing more space, other MINI models like the 4-Door Hardtop, Clubman, and Countryman offered better practicality.

The 2023 Toyota Crown provided a more spacious interior, with fabric seats in the XLE trim and leather in the Platinum trim. The front seats were comfortable for long trips, though firm cushioning could cause discomfort over time. The rear seats offered ample legroom and adequate headroom, despite the tapering roofline. The trunk, though smaller than some competitors, was practical with 360 litres of space and remote seatback releases for added flexibility. The Crown's interior featured thoughtful storage solutions, including a wireless charging pad and a large centre console.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced the MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. The system's LED lighting and graphics changed with vehicle settings, and a head-up display was available. The optional Harman Kardon sound system provided impressive audio quality, overcoming ambient noise even with the top down.

The 2023 Toyota Crown came standard with a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system supported over-the-air updates and included a voice-recognition system. The base audio system was adequate, with an 11-speaker JBL upgrade available. The Crown also offered a digital key feature and a Wi-Fi hotspot with streaming services.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible lacked crash-test ratings but included standard Driving Assistant technology with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but blind-spot monitoring was unavailable, posing a challenge with the top raised.

The 2023 Toyota Crown's safety features included collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Platinum trim added a semi-automated parking system. While some driver aids were intrusive, they could be disabled, offering flexibility for different drivers.