2020 Mini Cooper review
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)
Shop with your budget in mind
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
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:
- Includes all features available on the Base
- 189-hp, 207-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- 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
- Cloth Seats
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Leather & Suede Seats
- View our Mini Cooper John Cooper Works inventory
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.
Shop with your budget in mind
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
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Leatherette Seats
- 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
- Alloy Wheels
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automated Parking
- Front Seat Heaters
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Leather Seats
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Navigation System
- 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
Automatic
2020 Mini Cooper FAQ
The 2020 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 36 MPG Highway
- S: 26 MPG City and 34 MPG Highway
- John Cooper Works: 25 MPG City and 33 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 2020 Mini Cooper has received an average 5.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2020 Mini Cooper, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2020 Mini Cooper Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2020 Mini Cooper:
- Cloth Seats
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Leather & Suede Seats
- Automated Parking
- 6002
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.
Research other vehicles
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.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.