2022 MINI Cooper vs 2023 Chrysler 300

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, along with new paint colors and wheel designs. The interior saw the addition of a new steering wheel and a next-generation infotainment system with a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen display.

Despite the updates, the 2022 MINI Convertible retained its quirky charm but struggled with awkward proportions, particularly with the new grille. Inside, it combined retro aesthetics with modern technology, offering a unique open-air experience when the top was down. However, the emphasis on design over function led to a cluttered interior, and the car's driving dynamics felt less connected and inconsistent compared to earlier models. Pricing ranged from $27,900 to $38,900, with the John Cooper Works model topping $46,000.

The 2023 Chrysler 300, introduced in 2005, drew comparisons to the Bentley Arnage due to its round headlights, bold grille, and stately proportions. Over the years, the 300 received updates to powertrains, technologies, and other enhancements, maintaining its stylish appeal. For its final production year, the 300 was available in Touring, Touring L, 300S, and 300C trims, with the 300C featuring a powerful V8 engine and performance upgrades. Pricing ranged from $35,515 to $44,025, with the 300C special edition priced at $56,595.

The Chrysler 300's interior quality didn't match its exterior promise of luxury, but the 300C offered premium materials like carbon-fiber trim and Laguna leather upholstery. The 300C's performance was impressive, with a 485-horsepower V8 engine, adaptive damping suspension, and performance brakes. However, the car's age showed in its lack of modern storage solutions and dated infotainment system. Despite these drawbacks, the 300C provided a fun driving experience reminiscent of older AMG-tuned Mercedes-Benz models.

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 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 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, and the MINI Convertible was front-wheel drive. The JCW models had a tuned version of the Cooper S engine, producing 235 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in just over six seconds.

The Cooper S test car had a manual transmission and averaged 27.1 mpg, slightly better than the EPA's 26 mpg estimate. The car's driving modes—Green, Mid, and Sport—allowed for powertrain response adjustments. However, the MINI's steering response and brake pedal feel were disappointing, reducing driving satisfaction. The test car's tires struggled with cornering, and the rearview mirror's location obstructed visibility around right-hand curves. The car's ride quality was firm and choppy on highways, and wind buffeting was significant with the top down.

The 2023 Chrysler 300C featured a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine with 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The car could reach 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and had a top speed of 160 mph. The 300C also included an adaptive damping suspension, performance brakes, and performance tires. Driving modes allowed for adjustments to drivetrain response, steering effort, suspension firmness, and exhaust sound.

The 300C's performance was thrilling, with the car lunging forward with each press of the gas pedal and the exhaust blasting the V8's soundtrack. However, the car's cabin noise and fuel economy were drawbacks, with an EPA rating of 18 mpg in combined driving and an observed 17.5 mpg. The 300C's driving experience was reminiscent of older AMG-tuned Mercedes-Benz models, providing a unique and enjoyable ride.

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

The 2023 Chrysler 300C, while technically a full-size car, only felt spacious in the front seats. The front seats offered adequate power adjustments, premium Laguna leather, heating, and ventilation. The back seat was less hospitable, with hard plastic front seatbacks and a slouch-promoting backrest angle. Storage space was limited, with no slot or tray for modern smartphones or wireless charging. The trunk offered a generous 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, with enclosed lid hinges to prevent crushing belongings.

The 2022 MINI Cooper featured 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 infotainment system was based on BMW's iDrive technology and paired with a standard digital instrument cluster. A head-up display was also available, and the optional Harman Kardon sound system impressed with its quality.

The 2023 Chrysler 300C came with the previous-generation Uconnect infotainment system, featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen display. The system offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Guardian connected services. A 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, traffic report, and voice recognition were also available. The 300C included an SRT Dashboard for setting driving modes and tracking performance. The Harman Kardon premium audio system provided bass-heavy sound quality, and the primary climate controls were separate from the touchscreen display.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible's increased size contributed to better occupant protection, but crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were unavailable. The car came with standard Driving Assistant technology, including 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 2023 Chrysler 300 offered optional advanced safety features through the Safety Tec Plus Group, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The lane-keeping assist system was useful, but the adaptive cruise control system was less sophisticated. The 300's crash-test ratings were outdated, with a Marginal rating in the IIHS moderate-overlap frontal-impact test and Poor headlight performance.