Cooper Hardtop

Make
Mini
Segment
Hatchback

Mini is giving most of its lineup a refresh for 2022. We get new exterior tweaks and colors, wheel options, and it all comes with an upgraded "build-your-own" experience on the consumer website. Prices are very close to the outgoing models, even with the new features like adaptive cruise control and heated steering wheel. We'll say here that power outputs don't change, but the company hasn't lost any of its manual transmissions either, so overall, it's a win.

2022 Mini Cooper Hardtop and Convertible

Starting with the most famous Minis, the Cooper Hardtop and Convertible, the 2022 models now get integrated air curtains on the front bumper along with the deletion of the fog lights. The new hexagon grille has a safety bar that's hidden underneath a body panel. Those both help with aerodynamics. Cooper S and John Cooper Works variants get a pair of flanking intakes with a glossy surround, situated on either side of the central intake. At the back, the rear apron mirrors the hexagon in front with a new framing for the twin-tailpipe exhaust. JCW models also get their own diffuser. There are two new wheel choices and three new exterior colors including Island Blue, Rooftop Grey and Zesty Yellow.

Inside, all Cooper buyers get an 8.8-inch screen as standard. Mini says it's modernized and features a new user experience and two available color schemes. Satellite radio and six-color ambient light are also included. A redesigned steering wheel is heated and features integrated buttons. Driving Assistant is standard, including lane departure warning and active cruise control. Prices for the Cooper are up $500 from last year with the Hardtop 2 Door starting at $22,900 and the JCW Hardtop starting at $32,900.

2022 Mini Cooper Clubman and Countryman

The Mini Countryman was heavily refreshed last year and the Clubman was updated too. But Mini still changed around a few things, to keep its bigger Minis fresh. The Mini JCW Clubman and Countryman can now go 155 mph when maxed out. That's up from last year's terminal velocity of 149 mph.

All models in the Countryman and Clubman range now include lane departure warning and a 12-month subscription to satellite radio. Signature and Iconic trims of the JCW versions get the Driver Assistance package with park assist, head-up display, active cruise control, as well as the Convenience Package with an alarm, rear armrests with cupholders, and a picnic cushion.

The Clubman will now be offered in two new colors, Island Blue and Rooftop Gray, while the Multitone Roof on the Iconic trim can be paired with all colors except Chili Red, British Racing Green IV and Coral Red. The Countryman gets no color changes. Neither the Clubman nor the Countryman change price, which means a base of $29,900 for the Clubman and $29,100 for the Countryman. Adding all-wheel drive on the Clubman costs $3,000. It only costs $2,000 on the Clubman.

2022 Mini Cooper SE

Moving on to our current favorite Mini, the Cooper SE electric, it too received some changes for the new model year. First, those updates above for the Cooper trickle down. That means new bumpers and grille. It also comes with a yellow-accented S and closed off radiator grille. It too gets new wheel choices in 16 and 17 inches.

Inside, the SE grabs the bigger screen, new heated steering wheel, lane departure warning and satellite radio as standard. Upper trims come with front parking sensors, parking assistant and active cruise control. Mini is also offering new accessories for the SE including the two new colors mentioned above, the Multitone roof, special Electric Collection wheels, new upholstery and new interior surface aluminum. It keeps the same price, starting at $29,900 before destination.

Engines: As You Were

As we mentioned, your power outputs continue unchanged meaning a 134-hp 1.5-liter turbo I3, a 189-hp 2.0-lite turbo I4, a 228-hp 2.0-liter for the JCWs and a 181-hp, 199 lb-ft output for the Cooper SE EV. The JCW Clubman and Countryman pack 301 hp from the turbo four. The Cooper SE Countryman delivers 221 hp combined.

Minis aren't as cheap as they used to be, but between power, safety and tech, they offer a ton more than the old ones. And we'll always put them on a pedestal with the best front-wheel drive cars on the planet. A little refreshing can only do them well.