2022 MINI Cooper vs 2021 Nissan Sentra

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, in its eighth generation, showcased a bold and athletic exterior. It featured the signature V-Motion grille, expressive headlights, and a range of vibrant paint colors. The SR trim offered two-tone paint schemes, enhancing its sporty look. Inside, the Sentra boasted a layered dash with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, textured plastic finishes, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. The second row was spacious for two passengers, and the trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.

The 2022 MINI Cooper, refreshed for the model year, retained its iconic design with modern updates. It featured restyled bumpers, a new grille, standard LED headlights, and Union Jack taillights. New wheel designs and paint colors, including Island Blue and Zesty Yellow, were available. Inside, the MINI Convertible combined retro charm with modern technology, including a new steering wheel and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The convertible top could be lowered in 18 seconds, providing an open-air driving experience unique to the MINI.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra was powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It featured front-wheel drive with an Xtronic CVT, offering a balanced performance for daily commuting. Fuel economy was impressive, with 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined for S and SV models. The Sentra's suspension and steering provided tidy road manners and almost fun cornering, making it a practical yet enjoyable ride.

The 2022 MINI Cooper offered a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. For more spirited driving, the Cooper S featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 189 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. The JCW models took it further with 235 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque. Both engines offered a choice between a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The MINI Convertible's driving modes and adaptive-damping suspension provided a dynamic driving experience, though some aspects like steering response and brake feel were less satisfying.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra excelled in practicality with well-placed features and ample storage. The infotainment touchscreen was conveniently positioned, and the interior included traditional controls, open cupholders, and a spacious glove compartment. USB ports and a 12-volt port were easily accessible, and the Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort on long rides. The Sentra's trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for added versatility.

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. Interior storage was limited, with the infotainment system's controls consuming valuable space. While the MINI's design was charming, it lacked practicality for those needing more passenger and cargo space. Other MINI models like the Hardtop 4 Door, Clubman, and Countryman offered better functionality.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came with a range of standard and optional tech features. The base S model included a 7-inch touchscreen, while SV and SR models featured an 8-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration were standard, along with Bluetooth audio and hands-free capabilities. The SR trim offered an optional premium Bose system with eight speakers. NissanConnect services provided navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and remote access to vehicle functions via a smartphone app.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced the MINI Connected infotainment system with a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen. The system featured LED lighting, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system were available. The infotainment system, based on BMW's iDrive technology, paired with a digital instrument cluster. A head-up display was also available, and the Harman Kardon sound system impressed with its quality.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including multiple airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. This included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Sentra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible benefited from its increased size for better collision protection. However, it lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. The MINI Convertible included newly standard Driving Assistant technology, such as forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but blind-spot monitoring and a digital rearview mirror were not available, which could be a drawback given the visibility challenges with the top raised.