All the Best Mini Compact Cars
The Mini Convertible may be the smallest car, but the Mini Cooper Hardtop is the original sweetheart that won everyone over. Learn more here.
Written by Tiffany Leung
Reviewed by Jessa Claeys
The original Mini Cooper is the brand’s most popular compact car, with its cheeky design, customizability, and peppy personality. However, even the biggest compact car lovers might find the interior too tight—not to mention pricey for what it is.
Mini lives up to its name with a lineup of iconic compact cars—the Mini Cooper Hardtop being the OG model and the automaker’s most popular vehicle. But just because it’s popular doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Luckily, Mini offers plenty of other options.
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2022 Mini compact and subcompact car models
Currently, the tiny Mini Cooper has several distinct variations that target different driving needs.
2022 Mini Cooper Hardtop 2-Door ($20,600 MSRP)
The
Mini Cooper Hardtop 2-Door
is the brand’s bread and butter. It’s the model closest to the classic Mini that stole many hearts. Not only is it fun and cheeky, but it is also highly customizable so the owner can reflect their personality. For starters, buyers have the choice of a 134-horsepower three-cylinder or 189-horsepower four-cylinder engine to match their driving style.
Car and Driver rates the Hardtop 2-Door a 6.5/10. But J.D. Power gives it an 82/100—enough to earn first place on its list of Best Compact Sporty Cars of 2022. (For those wondering, the
Subaru BRZ
took second.)Highlights of the Hardtop 2-Door include:
- Inexpensive base model starting at just over $20,000
- Sharp handling makes the car extremely fun to drive
- Both engine options provide a fun driving experience
- Many personalization and add-on options
- Upscale and unique interior
- EPA rating of 31/27/37 mpg (combined/city/highway)
Weaknesses of the model include:
- Not the most practical option for more than two passengers
- Stiff and choppy ride—especially with larger wheels
- Pricier than competitors in the same class
- Rear seats are hard to get into
- Android Auto is not offered
2022 Mini Cooper Hardtop 4-Door ($24,750 MSRP)
For those looking for a Mini that’s family-friendly with more accessible rear seats, the four-door option will give you slightly more room. However, the seats in the back remain quite cramped and this Mini Cooper still only seats four.
Other than the extra few inches, the rest of the specs are practically identical. The Hardtop 4-Door ratings are the same as the 2-Door’s to boot.
Highlights of the Hardtop 4-Door include:
- Two extra doors for easier rear-seat access
- Nimble and responsive handling
- Both engine options provide a fun driving experience
- Plethora of personalization and add-on options
- Upscale and unique interior
- EPA rating of 31/27/37 mpg (combined/city/highway)
Weaknesses include:
- Interior is still cramped with more than two passengers
- Stiff and choppy ride—especially with larger wheels
- Pricier than competitors in the same class
2022 Mini Cooper Convertible ($28,750 MSRP)
If driving with the wind in your hair is your style, you’ll want to check out the ultra-fun Mini Convertible. Starting at $28,750, you'll get a soft top with a "sunroof" to handle the rain or shine!
New standard features include an 8.8-inch touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster, LED headlights, and lane departure warning.
Edmunds gives the Convertible a 7.2/10 rating, which is considered average on their scale. The Car and Driver rating remains 6.5/10.
Highlights of the Convertible include:
- Convertible soft top
- Excellent handling on turns and curves
- Two available engine options provide a fun driving experience
- Many add-ons available to truly personalize the car
- Upscale and unique interior
- EPA rating of 31/27/37 mpg (combined/city/highway)
Weaknesses include:
- Interior is still cramped with more than two passengers
- Stiff and choppy ride—especially with larger wheels
- Pricier than competitors in the same class
All the Mini variations mentioned above also come in an S model, which has a turbocharged 189-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for a major performance upgrade. This includes a faster zero-to-60 time, firm suspension, and an extraordinarily fun-to-drive manual transmission.
2022 Mini Cooper Electric ($30,750 MSRP)
With the world moving toward a more sustainable future, Mini is already doing its part with the introduction of its own electric vehicle (EV)—the Mini Cooper Electric. For just over $30,000, this electrified model gets the same updates as its gas-powered counterparts including a refreshed front end, more personalization options, and new features.
Edmunds doesn’t have a rating for the Mini Electric and Car and Driver gives it a rating of 6/10.
Highlights of the Electric include:
- Low price for an all-electric vehicle
- Excellent handling for taking turns and curves
- Electric engine means no more gas bills
- Many add-on options to truly personalize the car
- Upscale and unique interior
- EPA Combined rating of 110 MPGe
Weaknesses include:
- Cramped interior is impractical for more than two passengers
- Stiff and choppy ride—especially with larger wheels
- Driving range is too short for most people (114 miles)
- Pricier than competitors in the same class
MORE: Mini Cooper trunk space
Other small Mini models
The four models above are Mini’s smallest cars. However, the automaker has others, so don’t limit your options. We’ve listed the rest of the brand’s compact vehicles below.
- Mini Countryman ($29,950 MSRP): Mini’s largest model for those who love the Cooper but need (a lot) more space. Also available as a plug-in hybrid.
- Mini Clubman ($30,750 MSRP): Mini’s first sport hatchback with split rear doors is roomier than the Hardtop with a touch more sophistication.
If you want something less cookie-cutter and more unique, Mini also has a range of special edition trims across all models:
- Mini Untamed Edition: Countryman
- Mini Untold Edition: Clubman
- Mini Resolute Edition: Cooper S 2-Door, Cooper S 4-Door, Cooper S Convertible, Cooper SE Electric Hardtop
- Mini John Cooper Works: Hardtop 2-Door, Convertible, Clubman, Countryman
MORE: How to pick a Mini car seat
What is Mini’s smallest car?
The Mini Cooper Hardtop 2-Door and Convertible are tied for the smallest car by the wheelbase. However, if you take into account the overall size, the Convertible is the smallest with the roof down.
Below is a size comparison between the Convertible and the next biggest Hardtop 4-Door:
Mini Cooper Convertible | Mini Cooper 4-Door | |
|---|---|---|
Wheelbase | 98.2 inches | 101.1 inches |
Passenger volume | 81.5 cu ft | 96.9 cu ft |
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What is Mini’s cheapest car?
If you want to spend the minimum on a new Mini compact car, the Hardtop 2-Door is the least expensive compact car available.
How to save on Mini insurance
While you are likely to find lower insurance premiums with compact cars, it also greatly depends on your trim level and added options. Higher trim levels and upgrades will cost more and will also increase insurance rates since it would cost more for providers to repair and replace.
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