When it comes to small cars with style and personality, few can match the 2022 Mini Hardtop and Convertible models. The legendary urban runabouts get a light refresh for the new model year, and they will arrive in the U.S. in time for summer. Some versions see price increases of up to $500, while others do not.
Mini continues to offer the 2022 Hardtop and Convertible in Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE (the electric version of the Hardtop), and John Cooper Works (JCW) model series. Within each, Classic, Signature, and Iconic trim packages add equipment. The automaker makes no changes to the powertrain lineup for 2022.
If you see some Burt Reynolds, Tom Selleck, or even The Monopoly Man in the new 2022 Minis, you’re not alone.
A new body-color “safety bar” now separates the upper and lower grille air intakes, but Mini leaves intact the hexagonal grille surround. The effect is the vehicular equivalent of a mustache. Standard LED headlights emphasize the car’s face, making it look even more like something you want to adopt and take home with you.
Whether you like the look or not is up to personal preferences, but Mini says the car’s new front styling is more aerodynamic, in no small part thanks to new “air curtains” located at the outer corners of the front bumper.
New side scuttles debut for 2022, with LED lane change indicators. Mini also offers new 16-inch, 17-inch, and 18-inch wheel designs, depending on the model.
In the back, the rear bumper adds a new hexagonal motif to mirror the front styling, and the car’s Union Jack taillights continue. Cooper S and JCW models have a sportier appearance that better frames the center-mounted exhaust outlets on these versions of the vehicle. The JCW also gets a new, more aggressive rear diffuser panel.
Island Blue, Rooftop Grey, and Zesty Yellow are the new colors for 2022. Mini also offers a new Piano Black Exterior treatment that gives the Minis the popular blacked-out look. A new Multitone roof treatment is available for the 2022 Mini Hardtop, featuring a color-changing effect of blue, aqua, and black, paired with black side mirrors.
Interior changes are limited mainly to new technology. Digital instrumentation is standard, along with a larger 8.8-inch infotainment system. A new Mini Ambient Light system offers up to six different colors from which to choose, and all 2022 Mini Hardtop and Convertible models get a new heated steering wheel as standard equipment.
Mechanically, the 2022 Mini Hardtop and Convertible are the same as last year.
Coopers include a turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine that provides just enough zip to make the car enjoyable to drive. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual gearbox and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, each powering the car’s front wheels.
For more satisfying acceleration, the Cooper S upgrades to a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. The JCW versions get a high-performance version of the Cooper S engine, and it can accelerate to 60 mph in less than six seconds. The upgrade from the manual transmission in JCW models is an 8-speed sport automatic.
The 2022 Mini Cooper SE is an electric version of the Hardtop. The driving range amounts to 110 miles, and it takes 36 minutes on a 50-kW charger to add an 80% battery charge to the car. After the $7,500 federal income tax credit, the Signature trim costs $22,400. In some places, like California, additional incentives drop the price below $21,000.
Mini Driving Assistant is standard for all 2022 Hardtop and Convertible models. Mini now offers a lane-departure warning with a steering wheel vibration alert and an upgraded version of adaptive cruise control with new full-stop capability.
In addition to a larger 8.8-inch infotainment system touchscreen display, the Mini Hardtop and Convertible include standard SiriusXM satellite radio for the 2022 model year. Mini says the infotainment system also offers a new user interface with configurability, and both Lounge and Sport color themes.
Mini calls the 2022 Hardtop and Convertible the “definitive, premium small car in the U.S.” That’s a bold statement, considering the existence of the Mazda Mazda3, Mazda MX-5 Miata, and Volkswagen Golf GTI and R models.
However, there is no argument that the 2022 Mini Hardtops and Convertible exude personality with a potent dose of iconic British heritage and character. Plus, you can customize their look, feel, and performance in just about any way you want to.
Mini is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of January 27, 2021, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
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