Mini Cooper Quick Facts
- Original starting price: $23,250 (including a $850 destination fee)
- Class: Subcompact car
- Competitors: Hyundai Veloster, Mazda3 Hatchback, Volkswagen Golf
- KBB.com Fair Purchase Price
Introduction
With its affordability, compact hatchback form, sportiness, and retro charm, the 2021 Mini Cooper Hardtop 2 Door neatly eludes direct rivals. You might consider the Hyundai Veloster, which shares many of those traits save the retro charm. The all-electric Mini Cooper SE is an even more unique proposition unless you’re considering an older Fiat 500e, which matches the Mini’s fashionable appeal but lacks its sportiness and CPO availability. If the Mini Cooper Convertible catches your eye, a Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Camaro convertible might scratch that neo-retro itch, but playfulness aside, neither is compact. You’ll find more flexibility when comparing 4-door hatchbacks, but most lack the panache of the Mini Cooper Hardtop 4 Door.
Based on the imitable British export popularized during the swinging ’60s, the current Mini is a subsidiary of BMW. BMW’s new Mini Cooper car has been a sales success for 20 years as a premium subcompact that has grown into a small lineup of similarly focused cars. Hallmarks of the Mini brand have been its miniature size compared to most modern vehicles, its youthful sportiness, and a stylish interior with a large, round driver-information display in the central dash, which has gone from analog to digital. All Mini cars, including the Cooper Hardtop, Convertible, or the Countryman, have a similar hatchback profile.
Mini CPO Warranty Program Highlights
- Limited Warranty: 5-year/unlimited-mile warranty from original in-service date
- Powertrain Warranty: No separate warranty
- Roadside Assistance: 24/7, unlimited mileage, concurrent with the limited warranty
- Buying a Certified Pre-Owned Mini
Key Competitors
KBB Review Highlights
Big surprises come in small packages. Space comes at a premium in a brand named Mini, but that’s part of its charm. Our reviewer enjoyed the Mini Cooper’s proportions, which enable it to occupy practically any space on the road or within the parking lines. They noted that the chassis pushes the wheels to the corners, and the engine and drive system are located up front to maximize the interior room. In addition, this layout gives the Mini stability, even in tight corners, and a low center of gravity. However, the reviewer noted that interior space is still limited for backseat passengers, whether in the 2-door or 4-door configuration. Speaking from experience, I found the rear of the Hardtop 4 Door spacious enough for two adults, but my height is slightly below average. Of course, if you rarely need that back seat, this will have little consequence. The rear seat folds down to open up more cargo space.
A 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine powers the 2021 Mini Cooper. In base form, it produces 134 horsepower, which doesn’t sound like much, but it’s pretty zippy for a car of this size and weight. If you can’t get around the raw power number, opt for the S or John Cooper Works variants, which produce 189 and 228 hp, respectively, out of a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. For fans of the “Mario Kart” life, a limited John Cooper Works GP edition tweaks that engine of 301 hp. Drivers can direct power to the front wheels via one of three transmissions: a 6-speed manual, an 8-speed automatic, or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT). Fuel economy is respectable, but it’s a car for enthusiastic drivers over hypermilers. Mini recommends filling the tank with premium gas — unless it’s the electric SE. The 3-cylinder powertrain gets up to 28 city/38 highway/31 mpg combined; the 4-cylinder does a bit worse as you bump the horsepower, getting up to 26/35/30 mpg combined in the Cooper S. The SE has a 110-mile all-electric range, solidifying its urban runabout status.
Overall, in tests of a used Mini Hardtop 2 Door, our reviewer found the car full of personality, engaging, and comfortable, although slightly firm. It seems more at home on winding streets than on highway stretches, where road noise could be a factor. Apple CarPlay integration is available, although Android Auto is not.
See Kelley Blue Book’s Expert Review of the 2021 Mini Cooper Hardtop 2 Door
If you’re ready to shop, see certified pre-owned 2021 Mini Cooper models
Related reading:
2023 Mini Cooper Hardtop 2 Door Expert Review
2022 Mini Cooper Hardtop 2 Door Expert Review
2020 Mini Cooper Hardtop 2 Door Expert Review
