2022 MINI Hardtop Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Having a distinctive exterior design, the 2022 MINI Hardtop won't be mistaken for other hatchbacks on the road. Designed for the city, this compact car is available with two doors or four doors. An 8.8-inch multimedia touch screen and a 12-speaker sound system are some of the top technological objects inside the cool cabin.

What's New for 2022?

The 2022 MINI Hardtop offers the all-new Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster, which improves productivity and safety during a drive. This premium hatchback comes in several new exterior paints, including Island Blue and Rooftop Gray. The Multitone Roof is another exciting addition to the lineup of this nimble hatchback. This unique installation has a stunning blend of Jet Black, Pearly Aqua and Soul Blue. Some other exterior features that are now standard on the MINI Hardtop include LED headlights and the Union Jack LED taillights.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 MINI Hardtop – The Pros

1. Patented Turbocharged Engines

Displacing only 1.5 liters, the 2022 MINI Hardtop's standard TwinPower Turbo engine block produces up to 134 net horsepower. Taking advantage of direct injection and the double VANOS technology, this inline-three powertrain cranks out 162 pound-feet of peak torque. Also built on the TwinPower Turbo platform, the 2.0-liter powerhouse delivers 189 hp and 206 lb-ft. The John Cooper Works edition taps into 228 hp and 235 lb-ft from this inline-four powerplant. All turbocharged engines on this MINI model are paired with a fuel tank that holds 11.6 gallons of unleaded gasoline.

2. Efficient Electric Powertrain

The 2022 MINI Hardtop SE is equipped with an electric motor that generates up to 184 horsepower. When working at peak levels, the powerful motor cranks out 270 pound-feet of peak torque without any delays. After a full charge, this efficient vehicle offers an estimated driving range of up to 114 miles in normal traffic flow. Rated at 2 kilowatts, the basic Level 1 charging system is designed for charging at home through 120-volt AC outlets. This electric hatchback is also compatible with the 7.4-kW Level 2 charger and 50-kW Level 3 charger.

3. Easy to Handle

Creating a total of six gear speeds, a manual transmission system propels the 2022 MINI Hardtop. Cycling through a maximum of seven preset gear combinations, an automatic transmission system is available for this lightweight vehicle. As the name suggests, the Manual Mode gives the driver additional options for calibrating the sequences in dual-clutch gearbox. Controlled by electronic modules, a limited-slip differential processes torque output from each type of transmission system. With intervention from the Dynamic Stability Control, this lightweight MINI hatchback will quickly recover from slipping, swerving, veering and other erratic motions.

4. Unique Display Technologies

Centrally positioned inside the 2022 MINI Hardtop's dashboard, an 8.8-inch touch screen generates high-resolution images from an updated multimedia suite. Having a rectangular shape, this crisp display is surrounded by an oval outline with illumination for cool visual effects. Popping up on the driver's side, a head-up display is perfectly aligned with the driver's eyes during a drive. Also showing important content, the next-generation Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster has an intuitive and crisp interface. Some settings that appear on this all-new digital display include turn-by-turn directions from the navigation system, driving modes, speedometer readings and entertainment options.

5. Premium Electronics

The 2022 MINI Hardtop offers seamless connections between an iPhone and the multimedia system. Using the Apple CarPlay interface, the driver may import various applications from a properly linked device. This compact hatchback also offers a total of 12 speakers that are made by the legendary Harman Kardon company. Featuring oval speakers with mesh-style grilles, the signature audio system includes a powerful subwoofer for enhancing acoustics throughout the whole cabin. Saving precious space inside the center console, a wireless charging pad is available for this versatile MINI model.

6. Attractive Exterior Colors

Some of the most eye-popping colors that are optional for the 2022 MINI Hardtop include Chili Red, British Racing Green IV and Island Blue. This lightweight hatchback also comes in paint finishes that exhibit urban sophistication, such as Midnight Black, White Silver and Moonwalk Grey. White, black, silver and other rooftop finishes create stunning contrasts with the selected body color. Prominent hood stripes, shiny badges and other flashy exterior decals add plenty of modern flair to this agile MINI car.

7. Cool Wheel Options

Measuring 15 inches in diameter, the 2022 MINI Hardtop's wheels have the Heli Spoke Silver design. Some unique themes that are available for the 16-inch wheels include Revolite Spoke and Victory Spoke Black. The 17-inch wheels offer spokes that are shaped like scissors, tentacles or pedals for distinctive appeal. Silver, black and two-tone finishes are available for the largest wheels on the lineup. Select wheels are fully compatible with run-flat tires for enhanced reliability on and off the road.

8. Deluxe Upholstery

Covered in cloth and leatherette, the 2022 MINI Hardtop's front seats are available in the Black Pearl Light Chequered design. Leather upholstery with the Cross Punch Carbon Black finish is available for this compact hatchback. Some finishes that are optional for the Chesterfield leather include Malt Brown and Satellite Grey. Also covered in genuine leather, the signature MINI Yours seats come in the Leather Lounge Carbon Black style. Additionally, the entry-level leatherette upholstery comes in the Carbon Black theme.

9. Contemporary Utilities

Consisting of two glass panels, a panoramic moonroof is optional on the 2022 MINI Hardtop. A power button inside the cabin quickly lifts and slides this moonroof. A wind deflector and sunshade provide truly personalized levels of comfort depending on the weather. This premium hatchback also offers heated first-row seats and a Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel with heating elements. Adventurous drivers will appreciate the car's folding cargo floor and the roof rails in Matte Black.

10. Crash-Mitigation Technologies

The 2022 MINI Hardtop rolls out of the manufacturing facility with the default Active Driving Assistant. With intervention from the City Collision Mitigation, the driver might avoid a crash on urban streets with unpredictable traffic and visual obstructions. This small hatchback includes the factory-activated Pedestrian and Front Collision Warning, which encourages the driver to immediately slow down when there's a heightened risk of an accident. Linked to several ultrasonic sensors, the optional Parking Assistant provides superb guidance for parking in urban areas. This advanced parking aide will automatically steer the vehicle into a selected parking space.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 MINI Hardtop – The Cons

1. Tiny Interior Layout

Staying true to its original design, the 2022 MINI Hardtop has a small cabin that prioritizes efficiency over comfort. The rear passengers have a maximum of only 30.8 inches of legroom, 36.9 inches of headroom and 47.8 inches of shoulder room. Such dimensions won't inspire three adults to hop inside the cramped second row. Holding just 8.7 inches of cargo volume, the standard trunk isn't suitable for road trips. Drivers will struggle to fit luggage and other large bags behind the second-row seating.

2. Sluggish Performance on Base Trim

Equipped with a three-cylinder turbo engine, the 2022 MINI Hardtop Cooper trim accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds on dry pavement. When mishandled, a six-speed manual transmission system will surely delay the response from the I-3 powertrain on the road. As expected, some conventional turbo lag also contributes to the sluggish performance of this compact hatchback. The entry-level 1.5-L powertrain simply doesn't provide enough output for sporty driving on the open highway. Drivers who want much faster acceleration and more responsive mechanics must dish out extra money on the turbocharged 2.0-L engine, which comes in two versions.

3. Poor Ergonomics

Having oval shapes, the 2022 MINI Hardtop's front seatbacks certainly don't meet the highest standards for modern ergonomics. Besides having awkward geometry, the seats obstruct the driver's view of the second row and the rear hatch window. Although the electronic shifting lever is easy to grab and manipulate, it's positioned too low for comfortable engagement. A larger center console with a raised platform would significantly improve the ergonomics for managing the transmission system on this compact MINI hatchback.

 

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 MINI Hardtop vs 2022 Hyundai Veloster N

Having a sporty appearance and performance-tuned features, the 2022 Hyundai Veloster N appropriately competes against the 2022 MINI Hardtop. Key ratings of the Veloster N's 2.0-liter turbo engine include 275 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Standard inside the Hyundai model, the navigation system includes an 8.0-inch touch screen. The Hardtop's 8.8-inch Connected Navigation offers clear advantages in terms of visibility. This MINI model also offers a dozen speakers with a subwoofer. Carrying the Harman Kardon logo, the audio system produces better acoustics than the Veloster N's eight-speaker Infinity sound system.

2022 MINI Hardtop vs 2022 Mazda3 Hatchback

Whipping out 186 horsepower, the 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G engine block is standard on the 2022 Mazda3. Using Advanced Direct Injection, this four-cylinder powertrain isn't as capable as the 2022 MINI Hardtop's 2.0-L TwinPower Turbo engine. In addition to delivering more horsepower and torque, the MINI model offers much faster acceleration than the Mazda rival. In terms of exterior styling, the Mazda3 doesn't offer multi-tone finishes and other unique decals. The Madza hatchback also doesn't have as many options for the wheels and interior upholstery as the MINI car.

2022 MINI Hardtop vs 2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

Kicking out 168 hp, the 2.0-L Dynamic Force engine block is installed on the 2022 Corolla Hatchback. This I-4 powertrain can't produce more than 151 pound-feet of peak torque. The 2022 MINI Hardtop's I-3 turbo engine beats the torque rating by up to 11 lb-ft. Of course, the Dynamic Force powertrain doesn't stand a chance against the MINI's 2.0-L TwinPower Turbo engine. Additionally, the Toyota hatchback includes an infotainment display that measures only 8.0 inches. In terms of interior styling, the 2022 Corolla Hatchback surely doesn't offer as many materials and colors as the MINI Hardtop.

Conclusion

Offering the TwinPower Turbo engines, the 2022 MINI Hardtop has powerful capabilities for its small size. Thriving in the city, this compact hatchback is also available with an all-electric powertrain that works with several charging systems. An 8.8-inch infotainment monitor, a pop-head HUD and the Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster deliver lots of feedback to the driver.