2023 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Lexus ES

The 2022 Lexus ES had long been a staple in the Lexus lineup, evolving over seven generations since its debut in 1990. Despite a decline in sales since its peak in 2007, the ES continued to attract a respectable number of buyers each year. The challenge for Lexus was to appeal to a younger demographic without alienating its loyal, older customer base. The latest generation, launched in 2018, was built on the Global Architecture-K platform, shared with models like the Lexus RX and Toyota Camry. This platform supported a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout, with an option for all-wheel drive. The ES boasted elegant proportions and a sleek roofline, though its spindle grille and assertive headlamp shapes were polarizing. Inside, the ES featured a layered dashboard with precise assembly, though its asymmetrical design and analog chronometer added to the clutter.

The 2023 MINI Cooper, available as a two-door hatchback, four-door hatch, or two-door convertible, stood out with its unique design. Larger than its predecessors due to safety regulations, the MINI Cooper remained compact, shorter than a Mazda Miata. Its design, reminiscent of a bug-eyed bulldog, was playful and authentic, with features like a gradient paint effect and 18-inch wheels. The interior, though slightly more mature, retained a playful charm with Chesterfield leather seats and a giant circular dash with a touchscreen. The MINI Cooper offered various trims, including the JCW with a powerful engine, and the electric SE model. Despite its small size, the MINI Cooper provided a fun driving experience, though its handling was not as reactive as expected.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three models, each with distinct powertrains. The base ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, achieving 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. It accelerated from 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds. The ES 350, with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 307 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The hybrid ES 300h combined a 176-hp engine with a 39-hp electric motor for a total of 215 hp, achieving 43 mpg city and 44 mpg highway. The ES 250 AWD, though smooth and predictable, felt slow for a luxury sedan, while the ES 350 offered more engaging performance, and the ES 300h excelled in fuel economy.

The 2023 MINI Cooper JCW was the quickest model, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed manual transmission offered an engaging driving experience, though clutch take-up was abrupt. The base MINI Cooper featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-three engine with 134 hp, while the Cooper S had a detuned version of the JCW engine with 189 hp. Fuel economy varied, with the three-cylinder achieving up to 38 mpg highway. 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.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered a generous 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space, with a pass-through for long items and fold-flat rear seats for additional cargo capacity. The sedan's lower center of gravity and ground clearance contributed to better handling compared to the Lexus RX SUV. Inside, the ES provided ample storage, with large bottle pockets, cupholders, and a spacious glove compartment. The dashboard layout was functional, with a prominent volume knob for the audio system.

The 2023 MINI Cooper offered good outward visibility and ample front seat space, though the rear bench in the two-door model was cramped. Cargo space was limited, with nine cubic feet in the two-door model and 13 cubic feet in the four-door. Convertible models had even less space, but the tailgate and roof rails offered practical loading solutions. The MINI's instrument panel featured a matte finish, and the infotainment system included a touchscreen with buttons on the console. The dashboard's glowing ring added a playful touch, responding to various controls.

The 2022 Lexus ES came with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker Pioneer sound system. Upper trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Mark Levinson audio, and navigation. The ES featured a touchpad interface, a 10-inch head-up display, and a Panoramic View Monitor with parking assist. Lexus Enform connected services included Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote features.

The 2023 MINI Cooper featured an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM radio, and LED headlights. Cooper S models added a panoramic moonroof and heated seats. The infotainment system used older BMW iDrive software, with features like an Openometer and cartoonish sounds. Navigation, automatic parking, and a head-up display were available on higher trims.

The 2022 Lexus ES received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, including pre-collision detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, 10 airbags, and three years of Lexus Enform Safety Connect service.

The 2023 MINI Cooper included eight airbags, rear parking sensors, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring and semi-automated driving assists were not available. The NHTSA had not rated the 2023 model, but the IIHS gave the structurally identical 2014 model high ratings in most crash tests.