2018 Mini Cooper review
Mini Cooper highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Nimble and responsive
- Upscale interior
- Engines
Cons
- Automatic transmission can be clunky
Mileage (EPA estimate)
22 city, 31 highway, 25 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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The 2018 Mini Cooper is a well-equipped premium compact that is fun to drive
The Mini Cooper was redesigned in 2014 and the 2018 model isn’t dramatically different. However, the fun little Mini Cooper does get new features for 2018, including a rearview camera with rear parking sensors as standard equipment and an available Technology package that adds front parking sensors and an automated parallel parking system. Other changes include an updated fuel gauge and a revision of the windshield wiper controls and drive mode selector. Mini offers the Cooper in three trims—base, S, and John Cooper Works, each with a progressively more powerful engine. Customers can choose from a two-door Hardtop, four-door Hardtop, or convertible. All variants are great fun to drive and have a recognizable look that differentiates them from the competition. However, the Mini tends to be pricier than other vehicles in its class, and its enjoyable driving dynamics make the ride a bit stiffer than some customers like.
All Mini Cooper years
What is new for the 2018 Mini Cooper?
- Cooper trims have been upgraded with Parking Sensors, Rear View Camera, and CD Audio as standard equipment this year.
- Memory Seat(s), Power Seat(s), Panoramic Sunroof, Full Roof Rack, and Apple CarPlay features are now available as options on select trims.
2018 Mini Cooper trims
Base:
- 134-hp, 162-lb-ft of torque 1.5L
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Smart Key
- Cruise Control
- Leatherette Seats
- Power Mirrors
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- View our Mini Cooper inventory
S:
- Includes all features available on the Base
- 189-hp, 207-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Run Flat Tires
- CD Audio
- View our Mini Cooper S inventory
John Cooper Works:
- Includes all features available on the S
- 228-hp, 236-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Cloth Seats
- View our Mini Cooper John Cooper Works inventory
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Mini Cooper
What We Like
Driving: One of the hallmarks of the Mini Cooper has been its enjoyable driving characteristics. The base three-cylinder engine provides reasonable power, but the Cooper S gets more oomph from its more refined four-cylinder motor. Edmunds' test of the Cooper S resulted in a 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds—similar to the Volkswagen GTI and a bit quicker than the Focus ST. Steering is precise, and the Mini’s good handling makes the Cooper great fun on a twisty road.
Interior: Among the Mini Cooper variants, it's no surprise that the four-door boasts the roomiest and most comfortable interior. Two-door and four-door models provide suitable space for tall front-seat passengers, but the rear seat is much more usable in the four-door with more space and easier access. In general, the cabin has a premium vibe with nicer trim materials than many other compact cars.
Technology: Mini's infotainment system works well with an easy-to-read optional 8.8-inch touchscreen display. The infotainment controller in the center console can be difficult to reach, but the voice controls work well with natural voice commands. Direct controls for climate control are convenient, and the classic toggle switches for other functions are a nice throwback to the original Mini design. The Mini also gets Bluetooth® connectivity as well as smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay®.
What Needs Improvement
Utility: The cargo capacity of the Mini Cooper is considerably less than the competition. Even the four-door model with additional space still only offers 13.1 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. The cabin also has little storage available. A small central covered cubby doesn't offer much space, and there are numerous bins, but all are relatively small, reducing their value.
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Ratings & reliability
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 CooperMini Cooper features and specs
Base 2WD 2D Convertible
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Leatherette Seats
- Manual Transmission
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Soft Top
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- CD Audio
- Cloth Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Head Up Display
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Parking Sensors
- Power Seat(s)
- Rear Spoiler
- Run Flat Tires
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Smart Key
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.5L
Horsepower
134
Torque (ft-lbs)
162
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
11.6
Wheelbase
98.2"
Overall length
151.1"
Width
68"
Height
55.7"
Leg room
F 41.4"/R 30.9"
Head room
F 39.8"/R 39"
Front tires
P175/65HR15
Rear tires
P175/65HR15
Seating capacity
4
Transmission
Manual 6
2018 Mini Cooper FAQ
The 2018 Mini Cooper is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Base: 28 MPG City and 37 MPG Highway
- S: 23 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- John Cooper Works: 22 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway
The Mini Cooper received a rating of 3 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Mini Cooper as 25 out of 27 among Subcompact Car
The 2018 Mini Cooper has received an average 3.3 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Mini Cooper, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Mini Cooper Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2018 Mini Cooper:
- Parking Sensors
- Rear View Camera
- Leatherette & Cloth
- CD Audio
- Memory Seat(s)
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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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