2024 MINI Cooper

Is the 2024 Mini Cooper a Good Car?

Yes, the 2024 Mini Cooper is a good car. It has a lot going for it but with some notable caveats. On the plus side, the Mini is a hoot to drive thanks to agile handling, zippy engine options and a taut suspension that's tailor-made for twisty roads. It's also relatively fuel-efficient, the infotainment system is easy to operate, and the interior is upscale and stylish. The firm suspension results in a jittery ride, though, and it can get expensive when you begin to add options and climb the trim ladder. It's also short on cargo and second-row space.

There's also the all-electric Mini Cooper SE, which we review separately.

Should I Buy the 2024 Mini Cooper?

This Mini is a great subcompact car for the right person, but it's worth taking a look at competitors' offerings. The Kia Rio has a starting price that's thousands of dollars less than the Mini's base MSRP, and it offers excellent fuel economy and a straightforward infotainment system. It isn't as upscale or fun to drive as the Mini, and the meek engine tends to whine when pushed hard. The Nissan Versa is another good (and inexpensive) alternative, but it likewise suffers from an anemic powertrain and comes with fewer standard features than the Mini. If you need more cargo room and second-row passenger space but still want the Mini's styling and fun-loving nature, consider the larger Mini Clubman or Mini Countryman.

Find a 2024 Mini Cooper for sale near you »

2023 vs. 2024 Mini Cooper: What's the Difference?

The 2024 Mini Cooper sees the return of the six-speed manual transmission in four-door and convertible models (an automatic transmission is still available). Also, the four-door hardtop Mini is no longer available with the John Cooper Works engine and suite of performance upgrades.

Compare the 2023 and 2024 Mini Cooper »

Here are the key changes for the Mini Cooper over the last few years:

• 2024: manual transmission became available on four-door and convertible models; John Cooper Works engine became exclusive to two-door models
• 2023: Apple CarPlay became standard
• 2022: refreshed interior and exterior styling; an 8.8-inch touch screen, satellite radio, a digital gauge cluster and lane-departure warning added to standard features list
• 2021: manual transmission reintroduced for some models
• 2020: manual transmission discontinued; forward collision warning and forward automatic emergency braking became standard

If you're considering an older model, be sure to read our 2021 Mini Cooper, 2022 Mini Cooper and 2023 Mini Cooper reviews to help make your decision. Also, check out our Best New Car Deals and Best New Car Lease Deals pages to learn about savings and discounts you can find on new vehicles.

Pricing

How Much is a 2024 MINI Cooper?

The 2024 Mini Cooper starts at $25,800 for the two-door hardtop in the Classic trim and standard 134-horsepower engine. The base Mini comes with niceties such as standard Apple CarPlay and synthetic leather upholstery. The Signature and Iconic trims, which start at $30,800 and $33,200, respectively, gain luxe standard and available amenities including navigation, a premium stereo, a panoramic sunroof and leather upholstery. Upgrading to the four-door body style costs an additional $1,000 regardless of trim, and the convertible is around $6,000 to $9,000 more than the two-door hardtop. Finally, upgrading to either of the two turbo-four engines will cost between $3,300 and $9,600, depending on trim and body style. Needless to say, the Mini is highly customizable, but it can get expensive quickly.

Which Is the Best Mini Cooper Model to Buy?

We think the best pick for most shoppers is the Cooper S Classic trim in the two-door hardtop body style. This configuration rings in at $29,100, and it benefits from the zestier 189-horsepower four-cylinder engine, which gives the Mini a more-energetic driving persona than the standard three-cylinder engine. Despite being a base model, the Classic trim offers a lot of standard features like an 8.8-inch touch screen, forward collision warning and lane-departure warning.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Mini dealer.

2024 Mini Cooper Versus the Competition

Mini Cooper vs. Mini Cooper Clubman

The Mini Cooper Clubman is essentially a longer Mini Cooper with more cargo and passenger space. It comes exclusively in a four-door body style and retains the smaller Mini's styling cues and agile handling dynamics. It also has more powerful engine options and available all-wheel drive. On the downside, its base price is about $9,000 more than the base Mini's starting MSRP, and it's not as fuel-efficient as the regular Mini Cooper. Still, it's a good option if you want a Mini but require something a little more spacious.

Compare the Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper Clubman »

Mini Cooper vs. Mini Cooper Countryman

The Mini Cooper Countryman is the brand's entry into the subcompact SUV market. As you might expect, it's larger than the standard Mini Cooper and has a slightly more imposing stance. Like its little sibling, the Countryman has an upmarket interior, unique styling and is enjoyable to drive. It also feels sluggish with the base engine, which is the same one found in the regular Mini Cooper. Along with the Clubman, the Countryman is a decent option if you want the Mini experience but require more room.

Compare the Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper Countryman »

Compare the Mini Cooper, Mini Cooper Clubman and Mini Cooper Countryman »

Mini Cooper Interior: Classy and Cozy

2024 Mini Cooper Interior Quality

The interior of the 2024 Mini Cooper reflects the car's fun-loving retro vibe, with plenty of design elements that harken back to the original 1960s Mini Cooper models. Whether or not you're a fan of the cabin's styling, you'll still appreciate the high-quality build materials and solid fit and finish. There are some visible hard plastics here and there, but the Mini still feels more premium than its subcompact rivals.

2024 Mini Cooper Infotainment, Bluetooth and Navigation

The Mini Cooper's infotainment system isn't the flashiest around, but it works well. Based on BMW's iDrive system, it impresses with sharp graphics, a straightforward user interface and snappy response times. There are also physical buttons and knobs, including some neat old-school toggle switches, that make audio and climate adjustments quick and easy. A glaring omission is Android Auto, though Apple CarPlay is standard.

• Standard infotainment features: an 8.8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, satellite radio, Bluetooth, a six-speaker audio system and a USB port
• Available infotainment features: navigation, wireless device charging and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
• Additional standard features: a 5-inch digital gauge cluster, remote keyless entry
• Other available features: dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient LED interior lighting, proximity keyless entry, a universal garage door opener and a panoramic moonroof

For more information, read What Is Apple CarPlay?

2024 Mini Cooper Cargo Space

The Mini Cooper has a good amount of cargo space for a subcompact car but only if you opt for the two- or four-door hardtop versions. The four-door offers 13.1 cubic feet of room behind the rear row and 40.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The two-door hardtop Mini provides 8.7 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 34 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The least practical member of the Mini lineup is the convertible, which has just 7.6 cubic feet of room with the top up and a measly 5.7 cubes when the top is down.

How Many People Does the 2024 Mini Cooper Seat?

Two-door Mini Cooper models seat four people, and the four-door hardtop seats up to five. Upfront, there's sufficient head- and legroom, and the seats are comfortable and supportive. The second row is cramped and best left to kids, but they can be used by adults in a pinch on shorter trips.

2024 Mini Cooper and Child Car Seats

There are two complete sets of LATCH connectors for this Mini's rear seats.

Read more about interior »

Mini Cooper Performance: A Pint-Sized Go-Getter

2024 Mini Cooper Engine

The 2024 Mini Cooper is available with three engine options: an entry-level 134-horsepower turbocharged three-cylinder (Cooper), a 189-horsepower turbo-four (Cooper S) and a 228-horsepower turbo-four (John Cooper Works). A six-speed manual transmission is standard regardless of engine type, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (Cooper and Cooper S models) and an eight-speed automatic (John Cooper Works models) are available.

The base engine provides adequate power for most driving situations, but it isn't the most exciting. The two turbo-four engines inject a healthy dose of pep into the Mini's step, providing quick acceleration off the line and enough juice to pass and merge on the highway with no issues. All of the transmission options are refined and quick-shifting, but the six-speed manual is arguably the best choice for making the most out of either of the Mini's engines.

2024 Mini Cooper Gas Mileage

The Mini Cooper gets pretty good gas mileage for the subcompact car segment. Models with the base 1.5-liter engine get 29 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway with the automatic transmission, and it's 27/38 mpg city/highway for manual-equipped Minis. Upgrading to the 2.0-liter motor found in the Cooper S cuts into fuel economy slightly, with estimates ranging from 23 to 28 mpg in the city and 33 to 38 mpg on the highway, depending on body style and transmission type.

2024 Mini Cooper Ride and Handling

The Mini's handling is one of its best — and most iconic — attributes. It's a great corner carver thanks to its small size, quick steering and well-honed chassis. The firm suspension is a double-edged sword: It helps make the Mini more fun to drive, but it also creates a somewhat jittery ride for occupants. The brakes are strong and bring the car to a stop quickly and assuredly.

Read more about performance »

Mini Cooper Reliability

Is the 2024 Mini Cooper Reliable?

The 2024 Mini Cooper does not have a predicted reliability score at the time of writing.

2024 Mini Cooper Warranty

Mini covers the 2024 Cooper with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty.

Read more about reliability »

2024 Mini Cooper Safety

Score: 8.9/10

2024 Mini Cooper Crash Test Results

Neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has crash tested the 2024 Mini Cooper at the time of writing.

2024 Mini Cooper Safety Features

Standard driver-assistance features:

• Rearview camera
• Forward collision warning
• Forward automatic emergency braking
• Lane-departure warning
• Rear parking sensors
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers

Available driver-assistance features:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Hands-free park assist
• Front parking sensors
• Head-up display (shows pertinent driving and navigation information directly on the windshield)

2024 Mini Cooper Dimensions and Weight

Two-door Mini Cooper models are 12.7 feet long, and the four-door hardtop version is 13.3 feet long. Its curb weight ranges from 2,711 to 3,143 pounds.

Where Is the 2024 Mini Cooper Built?

The 2024 Mini Cooper is built in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

2024 Mini Cooper Models and Trims

The 2024 Mini Cooper comes in three trims: Classic, Signature and Iconic. There are also three body styles available: a two-door hardtop, a four-door hardtop and a two-door convertible. Finally, there are three engines on offer: a turbocharged 134-horsepower three-cylinder (Cooper), a 189-horsepower turbo-four (Cooper S) and a 228-horsepower turbo-four (John Cooper Works). Notably, the most powerful engine is only available on two-door models.

Mini employs a mix-and-match approach with the Cooper, allowing you to build a vehicle based on your preferred amenities, body style and performance specs. Most engines, trims and body styles can be combined, with a few exceptions. The Mini is also highly customizable in terms of styling, with various interior and exterior color combinations and accessories on offer. Just be aware that these extras can cause the Mini's price tag to balloon in a hurry.

If you're interested in an all-electric Mini, check out our review of the Mini Cooper SE.

Mini Cooper Classic

The Mini Cooper Classic starts at $25,800 for the two-door model and $26,800 for the four-door hardtop. Standard equipment includes a 134-horsepower engine, a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (Cooper and Cooper S) or eight-speed automatic (John Cooper Works) can be added for $1,500.

Upgrading to the Cooper S' 189-horsepower engine will cost you an additional $3,300, and the John Cooper Works 228-horsepower engine will cost an extra $9,600. Opting for the John Cooper Works motor will also net you front sport seats with extra side bolstering, a stiffer suspension and larger wheels and brakes.

Standard features include cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, an 8.8-inch touch screen, a 5-inch digital gauge cluster, Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, satellite radio, Bluetooth, a six-speaker audio system, a USB port, remote keyless entry and 15-inch alloy wheels. Standard driver-assistance features include a rearview camera, forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, rear parking sensors and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Heated seats can be added for $500.

Mini Cooper Signature

The Mini Cooper Signature is priced from $30,800 for the two-door hardtop, $31,800 for the four-door hardtop and $35,700 for the convertible. Upgrading to the Cooper S engine costs an extra $3,300, and John Cooper Works models cost an additional $5,200.

The Signature trim gains heated front seats, navigation, dual-zone automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, ambient LED interior lighting, larger alloy wheels and a panoramic sunroof (hardtop models only). Models equipped with an automatic transmission also gain adaptive cruise control.

Options include a Nappa-leather-wrapped steering wheel ($250) and a heated steering wheel ($250).

Mini Cooper Iconic

The top-tier Iconic trim starts at $33,200 for the two-door hardtop, $34,200 for the four-door hardtop and $42,000 for the two-door convertible. The Cooper S engine will run you an extra $3,300 for hardtop models, and it comes standard with the convertible. John Cooper Works variants cost an additional $5,600.

Additional standard features include leather upholstery, a Nappa-leather-wrapped steering wheel, wireless device charging, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a universal garage door opener, front parking sensors, hands-free park assist, a head-up display and 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels.

A heated steering wheel ($250) and dynamic damper control ($500 on Cooper S models) are available.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Mini dealer.

See 2024 Mini specs and trims »

Why You Can Trust Our Reviews

U.S. News & World Report has been ranking the best cars, trucks and SUVs since 2007, and our staff has more than 75 years of combined experience in the auto industry.

This 2024 Mini Cooper review combines 48 professional reviews with concrete data like performance specs, fuel economy estimates and cargo space dimensions and incorporates applicable research for all models in this generation, which launched for 2014. Check out excerpts from some of the reviews that drive our rankings and analysis.

• "The 2024 Mini Hardtop and Mini Convertible bring charm, choice and cheerfulness to the premium subcompact car class." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Few small cars even approach the level of fun the Mini Cooper offers, but its price puts it in tough competition with luxury-brand rivals that are more well-rounded." -- Car and Driver
• "Fun to drive, premium feeling and endlessly customizable, there’s much to love about the Mini hardtop and few other cars quite like it, but owning one also means some compromises." -- Forbes (2022)