2022 MINI Hardtop 4 Door

　　

2022 MINI Hardtop 4 Door Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　The 2022 Mini Hardtop 4 Door kicks off a new look for an aging model. Now eight years removed from its debut, the Hardtop 4 Door still makes sense as a slightly more family-friendly version of the two-door thanks to a bit more legroom and, well, two more doors. "Slightly" is the key word here, though, as the Mini is a tight fit, especially in back.

　　Updates for 2022 include restyled front and rear ends, with LED headlights now a standard feature. A new body-colored panel also cuts across the black grille area, toning down the visual span of the last model's prodigiously wide mouth. In the back, a single-piece diffuser runs along the lower half of the bumper, replacing the last generation's air ducts and making for a cleaner look overall. A few new hardtop colors also join the list, as does a new Multitone roof, which features a color gradient that blends from blue to black.

　　The Hardtop's interior also gets a once-over, adding a digital instrument panel, a larger 8.8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio and lane departure warning. Apple CarPlay remains an option but there's still no support for Android Auto, and the Mini's changes are largely cosmetic. There are no power or performance upgrades.

　　Compounding matters are supply chain shortages that have forced Mini to halt production of standard manual transmissions. For now, the Hardtop 4 Door will only offer an automatic. The base trim level, Classic, is also being suspended, making the Signature trim the new base level. Mini says these changes are temporary but offers no timeline for their return.

　　Mini missed a chance to put some distance on hatchback rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Honda Civic, cars that blend sporty with practical, and include now-common tech as standard features. The Mini's ace card has always been its swagger, largely because it can be personalized in myriad ways, from the color of the roof and side mirrors to dozens of stripe, wheel and color combinations. It's easy to build a Mini that stands out in a crowded parking lot.

　　

Which Hardtop 4 Door does zzdcar recommend?

We recommend springing for the Cooper S. The larger engine suits the car's personality, making it snappier and more responsive than the base three-cylinder (still a fine choice for a more fuel-efficient Mini). Then we'd go for the midlevel Signature trim since it adds features such as panoramic sunroof, heated front seats and keyless entry and opens up options including Apple CarPlay, upgraded upholstery and a premium audio system.

　　

MINI Hardtop 4 Door models

Picking a 2022 Mini Cooper Hardtop 4 Door requires navigating a quirky menu of engine and trim choices. You start with either a Cooper or Cooper S, and the main difference between the two is the engine. The Cooper gets a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, while the Cooper S gets a larger, more powerful four-cylinder.

　　Next you choose a subtrim, such as the Classic, Signature, Iconic or the special-edition Oxford Edition. But note that Mini halted production of the Classic trim and the standard manual transmission during the 2022 model year's production, citing supply chain shortages. The information presented here is for reference.

　　Classic

　　Turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine (134 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque) Six-speed manual transmission or optional seven-speed automatic 15-inch alloy wheels LED headlights Heated sideview mirrors Automatic wipers Leather-wrapped steering wheel Simulated leather seats Digital instrument display 8.8-inch touchscreen Satellite radio Rear parking sensors Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane) Oxford Edition

　　The Oxford Edition is basically a remixed Cooper Classic, with a few extra features that place it between the Classic and Signature trims. Curiously, the Oxford Edition costs less than the Classic. Oxford Edition upgrades include:

　　17-inch wheels Anthracite headliner Dual-zone automatic climate control Heated seatsThe optional Oxford Plus package adds the seven-speed automatic transmission and panoramic sunroof.

　　Signature

　　Includes the above, plus:

　　16-inch wheels Seven-speed automatic transmission Panoramic sunroof Keyless ignition and entry Dual-zone automatic climate control Ambient cabin lighting Heated front seats Iconic

　　Includes the above, plus:

　　17-inch wheels Power-folding side mirrors Premium leather upholstery Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel Navigation Head-up display Apple CarPlay smartphone integration Wireless device charging Premium package Auto-dimming mirrors Heated steering wheel 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system Cooper S Hardtop 4 Door

　　The Cooper S offers the same features and trim levels as the regular Cooper but adds:

　　Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (189 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque) 17-inch alloy wheels (Signature) 18-inch alloy wheels (Iconic) Additional driving modes Sport seatsFrom here, you can add optional packages and stand-alone features, which vary depending on the selected trim level. Most Signature and Iconic trim features are available options for the Classic, for example. Stand-alone option highlights include adaptive dampers and an automated parking system, while a Driver Assistance package bundles adaptive cruise control and parking sensors with the automated parking.

　　Mini also offers multiple ways to customize your Hardtop with special wheel designs, unique exterior and interior trim, and special hood or roof graphics.

　　zzdcar Latest MINI Hardtop 4 Door News

　　zzdcar Tested: Electric Car Range and Consumption

　　The 2025 Mini JCW Countryman Is Bigger and Faster, But No Prettier

　　Watch: Here's What We Learned After a Year With a 2023 Mini Cooper S

　　2025 Mini Cooper EV First Look: More Range to Play