DecodedCarsFiat 500e vs MINI John Cooper Works
2026 Fiat 500e vs 2026 MINI John Cooper Works — two minicompact cars compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
That works out to about $2,100 a year less in fuel for the Fiat 500e (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
Across all model years since 2005, the MINI John Cooper Works has had fewer recall campaigns (2 vs 6).
The two cars
The 2026 Fiat 500e is a minicompact car powered by electricity and front-wheel drive. It measures about 143 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 91-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,952 lb.
The 2026 MINI John Cooper Works is a minicompact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive. EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (27 city / 37 highway), 48% better than the 2026 minicompact car average of 20.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,750 a year in fuel.
Buying used? The 2019 500e and the 2024 John Cooper Works have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2015 500e and the 2015 John Cooper Works.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Fiat 500e if…
- You want an EV with more range (149 miles)
- You want a hybrid or electric option
Choose the MINI John Cooper Works if…
It doesn't clearly beat the Fiat 500e on any measure we track.
Pros & cons of each
2026 Fiat 500e
- Short EV rangeUp to 149 miles on a charge (EPA) — plan around charging.
2026 MINI John Cooper Works
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 48% better than the average 2026 minicompact car (20.3 MPG).
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Full 2026 Fiat 500e specs →Full 2026 MINI John Cooper Works specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →