2022 MINI Cooper vs 2023 Dodge Charger

The 2022 MINI Cooper was a charming nod to its heritage, maintaining the playful and distinctive design that had become synonymous with the brand. Despite its growth over the years, the MINI retained its iconic look, with refreshed styling for 2022 that included new bumpers, a redesigned grille, and standard LED headlights. The interior was a blend of retro charm and modern technology, featuring a new steering wheel and an updated infotainment system. However, the MINI's emphasis on form over function sometimes resulted in a cluttered appearance, especially when heavily customized. The Convertible model, in particular, offered a unique open-air experience, though its proportions and grille design were not universally loved.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Charger maintained its bold and aggressive stance, a design largely unchanged since 2015. The Charger stood out with its widebody kit, flared fenders, and distinctive taillights, giving it a modern yet classic muscle car appeal. The interior, while dated, was functional and straightforward, with large, easy-to-use controls. The Charger prioritized performance and style over luxury, with its interior materials reflecting this focus. Despite its age, the Charger's design remained relevant and appealing, especially to those seeking a powerful and distinctive vehicle.

The 2022 MINI Cooper offered a range of engines, starting with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder producing 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. This engine allowed the MINI to reach 60 mph in over eight seconds. For those seeking more excitement, the Cooper S featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in under seven seconds. The JCW models pushed performance further with 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in just over six seconds. The MINI's driving modes and manual transmission provided a spirited driving experience, though its steering and brake feel left room for improvement. The Convertible's handling was enjoyable but not as sharp as earlier models, and its ride quality varied depending on the road surface.

The 2023 Dodge Charger, known for its powerful engines, offered a range of V6 and V8 options. The base 3.6-liter V6 delivered 292 to 300 horsepower, while the R/T models featured a 5.7-liter V8 with 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. The Scatpack models, like the Swinger, boasted a 6.4-liter V8 with 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, providing thrilling acceleration and a satisfying exhaust note. The Hellcat models took performance to the extreme with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, producing up to 807 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque in the Redeye Jailbreak variant. The Charger's handling was impressive for its size, with good grip and steering precision, though it required careful control in corners. The braking system was robust, ensuring confident stopping power.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible prioritized style over practicality, with comfortable front seats but cramped rear seating. The trunk offered just 5.2 cubic feet of space, accessible through a unique bottom-hinged lid. Interior storage was limited, with controls taking up valuable space. While the MINI's compact size was expected, those needing more room could opt for other MINI models with better passenger and cargo capacity.

The 2023 Dodge Charger, despite its size, felt tight inside. Headroom was adequate, but the footwells were cramped, and rear legroom was limited. The trunk, however, was spacious at 16.5 cubic feet. The Charger's controls were straightforward and easy to use, with essential features accessible without deep menu navigation. The interior was familiar and functional, though not particularly luxurious.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. The system was based on BMW's iDrive technology, paired with a digital instrument cluster. Optional features included navigation, wireless charging, and a Harman Kardon sound system. The head-up display was a unique feature, remaining visible with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Dodge Charger lacked the latest Uconnect system and advanced driver-assistance features. Its 8.4-inch touchscreen was small but user-friendly, with wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The Charger SRT Dashboard app allowed customization of performance settings, including throttle, steering, and transmission. Performance Pages provided real-time data, and Hellcat models featured additional cooling functions for the supercharger.

The 2022 MINI Cooper's increased size contributed to improved safety, though it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but blind-spot monitoring was unavailable, impacting visibility with the top up.

The 2023 Dodge Charger performed well in NHTSA crash tests, receiving four out of five stars overall. Standard safety features were limited to rear parking sensors and a backup camera. Optional features included forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, though these were unavailable on Hellcat models. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on select trims.