2022 MINI Cooper vs 2021 Honda Civic

The 2021 Honda Civic continued the tradition of its predecessors by offering a design that was both familiar and polarizing. Over the years, Honda had introduced segment-defining models, and the 10th-generation Civic was no exception. It was available in various formats, including the sedan, hatchback, and the performance-oriented Type R. The 2021 model year saw the discontinuation of the two-door coupe and the temporary hiatus of the Civic Si. The Civic sedan, particularly in the Touring trim with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint, presented a striking appearance with its 18-inch wheels. However, opinions on its styling varied, with some angles and lighting conditions casting doubt on its aesthetic appeal. Inside, the Civic's cabin, though not as dramatic as when first introduced, still featured quality materials and thoughtful design, albeit with an aging infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2022 MINI Cooper embraced its heritage while incorporating modern touches. The MINI brand, known for its distinctive personality, had expanded its lineup over the years, and the 2022 model year brought refreshed styling to the Hardtop and Convertible models. The updates included restyled bumpers, a new grille, and standard LED headlights, along with new paint colors and wheel designs. The interior retained its retro charm, enhanced by a new steering wheel and an updated infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen. Despite the refreshed look, the MINI Convertible's proportions remained awkward, and the new grille drew attention to its overbite. Nevertheless, the MINI's character and promise of fun were unmistakable, offering a unique driving experience with its open-top design.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a choice between two engines. The base LX and Sport trims came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While adequate, the real excitement lay in the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine available in the EX, EX-L, and Touring trims. This engine delivered 174 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, providing a spirited driving experience. The Civic's sophisticated suspension and steering contributed to its composed and enjoyable ride, especially with the Touring trim's 18-inch wheels. However, the CVT was a drawback, with its droning nature and unsatisfactory paddle shifters. Despite this, the Civic excelled in fuel economy, averaging 34.8 mpg on a test loop, surpassing the EPA estimate.

The 2022 MINI Cooper, on the other hand, 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. For more spirited performance, the Cooper S featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 189 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, achieving 60 mph in under seven seconds. Both engines were available with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Cooper S test car, equipped with a manual transmission, provided ample torque and a satisfying driving experience. The JCW models offered even more power with 235 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque. However, the MINI's steering response and brake pedal feel were less than ideal, and the tires struggled on challenging roads. Despite these issues, the MINI Convertible retained some of its fun factor, though it felt more refined and disconnected compared to earlier models.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan, though low to the ground, offered a spacious interior reminiscent of a midsize car from a decade ago. The front seats provided comfort and adjustability, with leather upholstery standard on higher trims. However, the lack of rear air conditioning vents was a drawback, especially on hot days. The rear seats accommodated adults comfortably, with excellent thigh support and a well-angled backrest. The Civic's center console offered impressive storage space, and the trunk was generous, measuring 15.1 cubic feet, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

In contrast, the 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible prioritized form over function. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, but the rear seats were virtually unusable, even for children. The trunk, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid, offered just 5.2 cubic feet of space, suitable for a full-sized suitcase and a few smaller items. Interior storage was limited, with the infotainment controls occupying valuable space on the center console. While the MINI's compact size was expected, those needing more space could opt for other MINI models like the Hardtop 4 Door, Clubman, or Countryman.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology offerings reflected its age. The base LX trim featured a 5-inch LCD screen, Bluetooth, and a basic USB port. The Sport trim upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an eight-speaker sound system. Higher trims added features like HD Radio, SiriusXM, and a premium audio system. However, the voice recognition system was unsophisticated, and the premium sound system, while nice, wasn't a necessity.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display. The system featured LED lighting with 12 colors, changing based on vehicle settings. It offered Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, and BMW-based connected services. Navigation, wireless charging, and a Harman Kardon sound system were available options. The system, based on BMW's iDrive technology, paired with a digital instrument cluster, performed well even in convertible form. A head-up display was also available, visible with polarized sunglasses. The Harman Kardon sound system impressed with its ability to overcome ambient noise.

The 2021 Honda Civic came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. LaneWatch, available on higher trims, provided a live video feed of the right lane but had limitations. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS for the Touring trim and received five-star ratings from the NHTSA in all assessments.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible benefited from its increased size, offering better protection in collisions. However, it lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. The MINI featured standard Driving Assistant technology, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but blind-spot monitoring was unavailable. The lane-departure warning system provided subtle feedback, but visibility challenges remained with the top raised.