2022 MINI Cooper vs 2023 Acura Integra

The 2022 MINI Cooper adhered to its classic design roots while embracing modernity, resulting in a car that exuded personality and was a joy to drive, especially in Cooper S and JCW specifications. Over time, the MINI lineup expanded to include various body styles, and the cars themselves grew larger for utility and safety reasons. The 2022 refresh brought restyled bumpers, a new grille, standard LED headlights, and reworked details like side scuttle designs and wheel arch trim. New paint colors and extended Piano Black Exterior treatment added to its charm.

Inside, the 2022 MINI Convertible maintained its retro feel with modern technology overlays. The new digital instrumentation became standard, and the next-generation infotainment system featured an 8.8-inch touchscreen display. Despite its personality, the refreshed styling didn't resolve the awkward proportions of the third-generation design. The car's form often ruled over function, leading to a cluttered interior depending on the spec. The test car, equipped with the Cooper S specification and Sidewalk Edition package, was priced under $40,000, with the overall range for Convertibles between $27,900 and $38,900, plus options and destination charges.

The 2023 Acura Integra, with its pentagonal grille, JewelEye headlights, and sharply creased character lines, seamlessly fit into Acura's modern design language. Replacing the ILX compact sedan, the Integra featured a five-door liftback design, embossed "Integra" name, and a wide track for a solid, planted look. Available in three core trims—base, A-Spec, and A-Spec with Technology—the Integra offered 17-inch alloy wheels on the base model and 18-inch Shark Gray wheels on the A-Spec trims. The rear end's distinctive look was enhanced by a decklid spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, and large taillights.

Inside, the Integra shared some similarities with the Honda Civic but maintained its unique identity. The A-Spec with Technology trim featured a 9-inch color touchscreen, a thin steering wheel, and excellent exterior visibility. The microsuede upholstery in the A-Spec trims provided good grip but lacked breathability. The Integra's interior didn't match the bespoke refinement of German competitors but was well-constructed and offered a premium feel.

The 2022 MINI Cooper came with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, taking over eight seconds to reach 60 mph. The Cooper S variant, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in under seven seconds. Both engines offered a choice between a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive (FWD) and driving modes like Green, Mid, and Sport.

The Cooper S test car, equipped with a manual transmission, provided ample torque for spirited driving. The EPA estimated 26 mpg in combined driving, but the test car averaged 27.1 mpg. The JCW models, with a tuned version of the Cooper S engine, produced 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in just over six seconds. Despite its sporting nature, the Cooper S was not a sports car, with maximum torque available at 1,350 rpm. The Sidewalk Edition featured a compliant ride but lacked the signature go-kart handling. The steering response and brake pedal feel were disappointing, reducing driving satisfaction.

The 2023 Acura Integra introduced a turbocharged engine for the first time, a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder producing 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. The A-Spec with Technology trim offered a six-speed manual transmission with a limited-slip differential, while lower trims came with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The manual transmission featured automatic rev-matching technology, making downshifting smooth and easy. The Integra's brakes and suspension provided a sporty yet comfortable ride, with a wide track and long wheelbase enhancing handling.

The Integra's variable-ratio electric power-steering system adjusted assist based on wheel position, offering a natural feel on highways and sharp response in corners. Three drive modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—plus an individual mode, allowed drivers to tailor the car's behavior. Sport mode stiffened the adaptive dampers and added weight to the steering, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible prioritized form over function, with comfortable front seats but nearly useless rear seats. The trunk offered just 5.2 cubic feet of space, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Interior storage was limited, with the infotainment system's controls consuming valuable space. While the MINI's small size was expected, other models like the Hardtop 4 Door, Clubman, and Countryman offered more practicality.

The 2023 Acura Integra's liftback design provided practicality, with 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. However, the high lift-over height made loading heavy items challenging. The front seats featured a logical dashboard layout, smartly placed cupholders, and a decently sized center console cubby. Rear passengers had decent legroom but limited headroom due to the steeply sloped roofline. The seat cushions were soft, providing comfort for passengers.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display, LED lighting, and changing graphics based on vehicle settings. 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 digital instrument cluster and head-up display were standard, with the latter remaining visible with polarized sunglasses. The Harman Kardon sound system impressed with its quality.

The 2023 Acura Integra came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The Technology package added a 9-inch color touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and a head-up display. The A-Spec with Technology trim also included additional USB ports and the ELS Studio 3D premium audio system with 16 speakers, offering superior sound quality.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible's increased size improved safety, but crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were unavailable. Standard Driving Assistant technology included 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. The lane-departure warning system was effective and subtle.

The 2023 Acura Integra set a new standard for safety equipment, with features like automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, rear-seat reminder, hill-start assist, and automatic brake hold. The A-Spec with Technology trim added low-speed braking control, parking sensors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. NHTSA awarded the Integra five out of five stars overall in crash tests.