DecodedCars2026 MINI Cooper
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Convertible, 2dr Hatchback, 4dr Hatchback, Se Bev 4dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 28 city / 39 hwy
- Length
- 152.8–159.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,014–3,710 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 33% better than the average 2026 subcompact car (24 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 2026 MINI Cooper is a subcompact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 153 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 98-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,142 lb (2dr Convertible).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (28 city / 39 highway), 33% better than the 2026 subcompact car average of 24 MPG, for an estimated $2,550 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2026
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2025 Cooper — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 Cooper →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Convertible | 152.8 in | 68.5 in | 57.1 in | 98.4 in | 59.1 / 58.7 in | 3,142 lb | 64/36 |
| 2dr Hatchback | 152.8 in | 68.5 in | 57.1 in | 98.4 in | 59.1 / 58.7 in | 3,014 lb | 64/36 |
| 4dr Hatchback | 159.1 in | 68.5 in | 57.5 in | 101.2 in | 59.1 / 58.7 in | 3,089 lb | 64/36 |
| Se Bev 4dr Hatchback | 159.1 in | 68.5 in | 57.5 in | 101.2 in | 59.1 / 58.7 in | 3,710 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper C 2 Door | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 39 / 32 | +33% | $2,550 | 278 |
| Cooper S 2 Door | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 39 / 32 | +33% | $2,550 | 275 |
| Cooper C 4 Door | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 39 / 32 | +10% | $2,550 | 276 |
| Cooper S 4 Door | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 39 / 32 | +10% | $2,550 | 273 |
| Cooper C Convertible | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 37 / 30 | +48% | $2,750 | 287 |
| Cooper S Convertible | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 36 / 30 | +48% | $2,750 | 292 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2026 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2026 MINI Cooper.
Similar 2026 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 MINI Cooper (this car) | 32 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Mazda MX-5 | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Fiat 500e | 149 mi | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor · Sep 17, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V616000 · 1,571 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2025-2026 X1 and X2, MINI Cooper Convertible, MINI Cooper, Mini Countryman S ALL4, and 2025 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 vehicles. The torsion bar in both front seat belt retractors may have been damaged during production.
- Risk
- A damaged seat belt retractor may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace both front seat belt retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 13, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 7, 2025.
Not every 2026 MINI Cooper is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Other Cooper years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Cooper | 31 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 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 |
| 2019 Cooper | 32 | – | Not rated | 2 | 17 |
| 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 →