2023 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2022 Acura TLX presented itself as a luxury sedan with a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a larger class vehicle. Its dimensions exceeded those of the BMW 3 Series, with a notably wider track width and a length that extended nine inches beyond its competitor. The design featured thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and large tailpipes, contributing to its substantial appearance. The Type S variant added unique elements like the Tiger Eye Pearl paint and 20-inch Y-spoke gray wheels, enhancing its sporty aesthetic. Inside, the TLX offered a snug yet impressively detailed cabin, with options for daring color combinations and high-quality materials, particularly in the Type S model.

In contrast, the 2023 MINI Cooper maintained its iconic, playful design, available in various body styles including a two-door hatchback and convertible. Despite being larger than its predecessors, it remained compact, with a design that emphasized simplicity and authenticity. The MINI Cooper's exterior was characterized by its bug-eyed appearance, flat roof, and short rear end, often adorned with vibrant colors and stripes. The interior, while slightly more mature, retained a whimsical charm with features like Chesterfield leather seats and a unique dashboard design. The JCW model stood out with its gradient paint effect and sporty elements, making it a lively and distinctive choice.

The 2022 Acura TLX was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TLX offered a front-wheel drive setup, with an optional Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system that enhanced stability and handling precision. The Type S variant featured a more powerful 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. The TLX excelled on the track, with its double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers providing consistent grip and balanced handling. However, the exhaust note was considered subdued, and the summer tires emitted extra noise on the highway.

The 2023 MINI Cooper JCW was the quickest in its lineup, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine, shared with BMW models, offered smooth revving and minimal turbo lag. The JCW's six-speed manual transmission provided an engaging driving experience, with Sport mode enhancing performance. Base models featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-three engine, while the Cooper S had a detuned version of the JCW engine. The electric MINI Cooper SE offered 114 miles of range. The JCW's handling was enjoyable, though not as reactive as expected, and the ride was firm. Fuel economy varied across models, with the JCW being less efficient due to its power.

Inside the 2022 Acura TLX, space was limited despite its large exterior. The back seat offered decent headroom but lacked legroom, while the front seats were comfortable with adjustable features. The infotainment system's touchpad interface required acclimation, and trunk space was mediocre at 13.5 cubic feet. The TLX's design prioritized the double-wishbone suspension, which impacted interior space.

The 2023 MINI Cooper provided good outward visibility and ample front seat space. The two-door model's rear bench and cargo hold were cramped, with only nine cubic feet of space. The four-door model offered more cargo capacity, while the convertible featured a unique tailgate and roof setup. The MINI's instrument panel had a matte finish, and the infotainment system combined a touchscreen with console buttons. The dashboard's glowing ring added a playful touch, responding to various controls.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were small. The head-up display was available only with the Advance Package, which also included features like 360-degree cameras and heated rear seats. The ELS Studio audio system was standard, along with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assistance features.

The 2023 MINI Cooper came with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and other standard features. The Cooper S models added a panoramic moonroof and heated seats. The infotainment system used older BMW iDrive software, lacking the latest features. The MINI included unique elements like the Openometer and cartoonish sounds, adding to its charm.

The 2022 Acura TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. It came with standard safety features like knee airbags, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features were available on higher trims.

The 2023 MINI Cooper included eight airbags, rear parking sensors, and forward-collision warning. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other cars. The NHTSA had not rated the 2023 model, and the IIHS last rated the structurally identical 2014 model, which received high marks in most tests.