DecodedCars2019 MINI Cooper
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 28 city / 38 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 36% better than the average 2019 subcompact car (23.5 MPG).
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2019 MINI Cooper is a subcompact car offered with 2 engines (1.5L 3-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (28 city / 38 highway), 36% better than the 2019 subcompact car average of 23.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2019
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2018 Cooper — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 Cooper →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper Hardtop 2 door | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 38 / 32 | +36% | $2,550 | 282 |
| Cooper Convertible | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 37 / 31 | +35% | $2,650 | 282 |
| Cooper Hardtop 4 door | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 37 / 31 | +32% | $2,650 | 282 |
| Cooper Convertible | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | +31% | $2,750 | 297 |
| Cooper Hardtop 2 door | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | +28% | $2,750 | 297 |
| Cooper Hardtop 4 door | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | +28% | $2,750 | 297 |
| Cooper S Convertible | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +22% | $2,950 | 315 |
| Cooper S Hardtop 2 door | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 32 / 28 | +19% | $2,950 | 316 |
| Cooper S Hardtop 4 door | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 32 / 28 | +19% | $2,950 | 316 |
| Cooper S Convertible | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | +14% | $3,150 | 338 |
| Cooper S Hardtop 2 door | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | +11% | $3,150 | 338 |
| Cooper S Hardtop 4 door | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | +11% | $3,150 | 338 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2019 MINI Cooper.
Recalls (2)
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly · Aug 14, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V601000 · 32 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2019 X2 xDrive28i, MINI Cooper S Convertible, Countryman, and John Cooper Works Countryman vehicles. The steering gear tie rod may have been assembled incorrectly, which may result in excessive wear of the tie rod end, eventually causing it to break.
- Risk
- A broken steering tie rod would lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the tie rods and ball joints as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Jul 11, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V465000 · 5,309 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles. The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall. On September 12, 2018, BMW expanded the recall to a total of 5,309 vehicles including certain 2018-2019 BMW 540d xDrive, 230i M240i, M240i xDrive, X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 330i, 330i xDrive, 340i, 340i xDrive, 330i xDrive Gran Turismo, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 530e, 530e xDrive, 640i xDrive Gran Turismo, 330e, 2019 430i Gran Coupe, 430i xDrive Gran Coupe, 440i Gran Coupe, 440i xDrive Gran Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, 740i, 740i xDrive, MINI Cooper, Cooper S, JCW, MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), and MINI Clubman (Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, JCW All4) vehicles.
- Risk
- A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2019 MINI Cooper is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2019 MINI Cooper buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 5 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 3 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 175 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2019 MINI Cooper. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Cooper years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Cooper | 31 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Cooper | 32 | 152.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2025 Cooper | 32 | 152.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 6 |
| 2024 Cooper | 32 | – | Not rated | 2 | 2 |
| 2023 Cooper | 32 | – | Not rated | 2 | 12 |
| 2022 Cooper | 32 | – | Not rated | 2 | 9 |
| 2021 Cooper | 31 | – | Not rated | 4 | 7 |
| 2020 Cooper | 31 | – | Not rated | 4 | 13 |
| 2018 Cooper | 32 | – | Not rated | 0 | 8 |
| 2017 Cooper | 32 | – | Not rated | 3 | 34 |
| 2016 Cooper | 32 | – | Not rated | 4 | 51 |
| 2015 Cooper | 32 | – | Not rated | 6 | 74 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or MINI. How we calculate this →