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2020 Mini Cooper review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Mini Cooper highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Nimble and responsive
  • Upscale interior
  • Engines provide quick acceleration and fuel efficiency

Cons

  • Ride can be stiff
  • Tight rear seat
  • Pricier than competition

Mileage (EPA estimate)

25 city, 33 highway, 28 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

The 2020 Mini Cooper is a premium compact car with outstanding driving characteristics

Easily one of the most recognizable cars on the road thanks to its dedication to the same style and formula for the last 50 years, the Mini Cooper looks forward in 2020 with the introduction of its first regular production electric vehicle. The Cooper SE carries the same basic look as the 2019 Mini but stands out with its solid grille, E badges, and available unique wheels. The rest of the lineup remains primarily unchanged from the previous year, except that gas-powered models now have a seven-speed automatic transmission. With the gas or new electric-powered models, the Mini's go-kart-like handling is one of the trademarks of this fun little car. However, some may find that the Cooper's inherent driving enjoyment also means the ride can be stiff and choppy. Multiple trim levels are available with different features and powertrains. The Mini Cooper's premium interior and standout design keep it competitive with vehicles like the Volkswagen GTI, Mazda Mazda3, and Hyundai Elantra GT.

All Mini Cooper years

What is new for the 2020 Mini Cooper?

  • The Iconic, John Cooper Works Iconic, John Cooper Works Signature, S Iconic, S Signature, and Signature trims have been discontinued for 2020.
  • Cooper trims have been upgraded with Leather & Suede Seats and Automatic Transmission as standard equipment this year.
  • Automated Parking features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The Base trim now comes with Run Flat Tires as standard equipment.

2020 Mini Cooper trims

Curious how Mini Cooper trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 134-hp, 162-lb-ft of torque 1.5L
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Parking Sensors
  • Rear View Camera
  • Power Mirrors
  • Cruise Control
  • Rear Defroster
  • View our Mini Cooper inventory

S:

John Cooper Works:

5 reasons to buy the 2020 Mini Cooper

What We Like

Driving: The Mini Cooper has a reputation for fun driving dynamics, and it is well deserved. Even the base-level engine provides reasonable acceleration—quicker than many of its competitors—and sharp and direct steering makes the Mini quite enjoyable on a twisty road. The Mini's small size also makes it easy to maneuver around town.

Interior: The cabin of the tiny Mini Cooper is surprisingly roomy, at least up front. There's good headroom for tall drivers, and while rear passengers may be cramped in the two-door model, the space is livable in the four-door Mini. Materials are higher-quality than in many other vehicles in this class, and optional sport seats look good and provide excellent support.

Technology: Mini combines styling cues and features from its storied past with the latest high-tech features. The available 8.8-inch touchscreen display with navigation is located in a circular frame in the center of the dashboard—the original models had a round speedometer in this location. A smaller digital driver display features a non-glare screen for a clean, open design, while classic toggle switches and dials honor the original classic Mini.

What Needs Improvement

Comfort: One of the costs of Mini's fun-to-drive dynamics is the ride can be a bit harsh. Customers could find rough roads to be quite jarring, especially with the harder run-flat tires. At idle, the engine can be a bit noisy. And once up to speed, there is a noticeable amount of road and wind noise, which can be annoying on a long drive.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

3
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Mini Cooper an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Mini Cooper 26th out of 27 among Subcompact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Mini Cooper

Mini Cooper features and specs

John Cooper Works 2WD 2D Convertible

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Leatherette & Cloth
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Run Flat Tires
  • Side Airbags
  • Soft Top
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • 6002
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automated Parking
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Harman Kardon Sound
  • Head Up Display
  • Leather Seats
  • Leatherette & Cloth
  • Navigation System
  • Run Flat Tires
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Smart Key

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

228

Torque (ft-lbs)

236

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

11.6

Wheelbase

98.2"

Overall length

152.5"

Width

68"

Height

55.7"

Leg room

F 41.4"/R 30.9"

Head room

F 39.8"/R 39"

Front tires

P205/45WR17

Rear tires

P205/45WR17

Seating capacity

4

Transmission

Automatic

2020 Mini Cooper FAQ

More about the 2020 Mini Cooper

What We Like

Driving: The Mini Cooper has a reputation for fun driving dynamics, and it is well deserved. Even the base-level engine provides reasonable acceleration—quicker than many of its competitors—and sharp and direct steering makes the Mini quite enjoyable on a twisty road. The Mini's small size also makes it easy to maneuver around town.

Interior: The cabin of the tiny Mini Cooper is surprisingly roomy, at least up front. There's good headroom for tall drivers, and while rear passengers may be cramped in the two-door model, the space is livable in the four-door Mini. Materials are higher-quality than in many other vehicles in this class, and optional sport seats look good and provide excellent support.

Technology: Mini combines styling cues and features from its storied past with the latest high-tech features. The available 8.8-inch touchscreen display with navigation is located in a circular frame in the center of the dashboard—the original models had a round speedometer in this location. A smaller digital driver display features a non-glare screen for a clean, open design, while classic toggle switches and dials honor the original classic Mini.

What Needs Improvement

Comfort: One of the costs of Mini's fun-to-drive dynamics is the ride can be a bit harsh. Customers could find rough roads to be quite jarring, especially with the harder run-flat tires. At idle, the engine can be a bit noisy. And once up to speed, there is a noticeable amount of road and wind noise, which can be annoying on a long drive.

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