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2023 Mini Cooper review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Mini Cooper highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Fun to drive
  • Premium interior
  • Fuel-efficient

Cons

  • Short on cargo space
  • Rear seats tight on two-door
  • No Android Auto™

Mileage (EPA estimate)

23 city, 33 highway, 27 combined

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The 2023 Mini Cooper is a fun-to-drive compact premium hatchback

The Mini Cooper is one of the most recognizable vehicles on the road. Its signature “bulldog” looks and fun-to-drive characteristics are reminiscent of the original Minis that carved up the roads more than 60 years ago. The Mini may be small, but it delivers a premium experience with higher-end features and quality interior materials. For the 2023 model year, Mini adds a special Resolute Edition featuring Rebel Green paint with contrasting Pepper White roof, mirrors, and distinctive wheels. Parking assist and a head-up display are now part of the Driver Assistance package. Available as a two-door, four-door or convertible, the Mini Cooper is offered as a base, S, or high-performance John Cooper Works version that boasts a 228-horsepower engine and a sport suspension. Mini also offers the fully electric Cooper SE; however, the range on this small car is only 114 miles, considerably less than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV or Tesla Model 3.Actual mileage will vary based on things like battery age, vehicle condition and history, driving and charging habits, accessory use, and driving conditions. Battery capacity may decrease with time and use. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

All Mini Cooper years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Mini Cooper generation from 2012 to 2026

What is new for the 2023 Mini Cooper?

  • The Cooper is available in a new trim called the S Classic.
  • The S trim has been discontinued for 2023.
  • Cooper trims have been upgraded with Front Seat Heaters, Automated Cruise Control, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
  • Power Seat(s) and Rear Spoiler features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The John Cooper Works trim now comes with Smart Key as standard equipment.

2023 Mini Cooper trims

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

S Classic:

Base:

  • Includes all features available on the S Classic
  • 134-hp, 162-lb-ft of torque 1.5L
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • View our Mini Cooper inventory

John Cooper Works:

What We Like

Driving: It doesn’t take long behind the wheel of a Mini Cooper to understand how enjoyable this car is to drive. With any powertrain option, the Mini is well-balanced with precise steering and agile handling. The John Cooper Works edition brings added power, a pleasing exhaust note, and an even firmer suspension for a sportier ride.

Interior: The Mini never ceases to surprise with how roomy the cabin feels in such a small car. Front passengers will find good legroom and headroom, although the same can’t be said for those relegated to the rear seat. Retro-style switches add an interesting contrast to the large circular frame around the central infotainment display. Materials have a premium feel throughout the cabin.

Fuel efficiency: The Mini Cooper returns impressive fuel economy ratings, proving that just because a car is fuel-efficient doesn’t mean it can’t be fun to drive. The base-level Cooper is EPA-rated at 38 mpg on the highway, and even the more powerful John Cooper Works model returns 33 mpg on the highway. For ultimate efficiency, the Cooper SE is rated at 119 MPGe in the city.

What Needs Improvement

Utility: The Mini Cooper doesn’t provide much room for cargo: The two-door Cooper has just 8.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, although it expands to 34 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The four-door Cooper brings these figures up to 13.1 and 40.7 cubic feet, respectively. That's better but still not much room for hauling cargo.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

5 out of 5

1 customer reviews

RepairPal reliability rating

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

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

Classic 2WD 2D Convertible

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cruise Control
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Soft Top
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine

Optional Features

  • Front Seat Heaters

Drive Wheels

2WD

Engine size

1.5L

Horsepower

134

Torque (ft-lbs)

162

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

11.6

Wheelbase

98.2"

Overall length

152.2"

Width

68"

Height

55.7"

Leg room

F 41.4"/R 30.9"

Head room

F 40.3"/R 39"

Front tires

P175/65HR15

Rear tires

P175/65HR15

Seating capacity

4

Transmission

Automatic

2023 Mini Cooper FAQ

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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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