2022 MINI Cooper vs 2021 Acura TLX

The 2021 Acura TLX was a striking, sporty sedan in a crowded class. It featured an assertive stance with a steeply raked windshield, fastback-style roofline, and integrated tail spoiler. The front grille, with its pattern radiating from the Acura logo, and the jewel eye LED headlights gave it a bold face. Twin trapezoidal tailpipes and top-notch paint quality added to its premium look. Inside, the TLX showcased high-quality materials and a well-thought-out design. The driver’s position was aptly described as a “sport sedan cockpit,” with a dash sectioned off for different functions and authentic materials throughout. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was neatly mounted, adding to the car's sophisticated interior.

The 2022 MINI Cooper, refreshed for the model year, retained its iconic design while incorporating modern touches. It featured restyled bumpers, a new grille, standard LED headlights, and Union Jack taillights. New wheel designs and paint colors like Island Blue and Zesty Yellow were added. Inside, the MINI Convertible exuded personality with a retro-modern blend. The wide range of colors and materials allowed for customization, and the convertible top added a unique open-air experience. However, the emphasis on design over function resulted in a cluttered interior, and the new grille drew attention to the car’s awkward proportions.

The 2021 Acura TLX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a drive-by-wire throttle system and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) available. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined for FWD models. The TLX offered distinct driving modes—Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual—thanks to its Integrated Dynamics System. The Advance package added adaptive dampers for a customizable ride. The TLX felt solid and balanced, with impressive handling and a sprightly character, especially in Sport mode.

The 2022 MINI Cooper offered a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, taking over eight seconds to reach 60 mph. The Cooper S variant had a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in under seven seconds. Both engines came with a choice of a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The JCW models had a tuned version of the Cooper S engine with 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in just over six seconds. The MINI Convertible offered Green, Mid, and Sport driving modes, but its steering response and brake feel were disappointing. The car’s tires struggled with curves, and the rearview mirror’s location hindered visibility.

The 2021 Acura TLX’s shift-by-wire transmission allowed for a reimagined center console, featuring a control panel modeled after the NSX. The center console housed the infotainment interface, a mini touchpad, and two big cupholders. The rear seat was comfortable for two adults, with adequate head- and legroom. The front seats were supportive and available with perforated Milano leather, offering 12-way power adjustability. The second row folded down in a 60/40 split, providing access to the 13.5 cubic feet trunk with a 47.6-inch-wide opening and 42.4 inches of depth.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible prioritized form over function, with comfortable front seats but essentially useless rear seats. The trunk measured just 5.2 cubic feet, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Storage space in the cabin was limited, with the infotainment system’s controls consuming precious real estate. For those needing more space, other MINI models like the Hardtop 4 Door, Clubman, and Countryman were better options.

The 2021 Acura TLX was loaded with technology, including drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and SH-AWD. The 10-speed automatic transmission featured Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control, and Cornering G Shift Control. The TLX also offered multiple ambient interior lighting themes and the impressive ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker premium audio system. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, SMS Text Messaging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Advance Package added a head-up display, G-Meter, and Turbo Boost Indicator.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen display. The system offered Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, SiriusXM satellite radio, and BMW-based connected services. Navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system were available. The system paired with a standard digital instrument cluster and an optional head-up display. The Harman Kardon sound system impressed with its ability to overcome ambient noise.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with the AcuraWatch suite of driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included a pedestrian injury mitigation design, ACE body structure, ultra-high-strength steel front door stiffener rings, a full complement of airbags, and a multi-angle rear-view camera system. The TLX also had a next-generation front-passenger airbag, pedestrian sensing, autonomous emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a driver attention monitor. Available safety features included rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible benefited from its increased size for better occupant protection. It came with newly standard Driving Assistant technology, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was available for automatic transmission models. However, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were not available, and the car lacked a digital rearview mirror option.