The 2018 Mini Cooper sits in the top third of our subcompact car rankings. It has a superb predicted reliability rating, and its sharp handling and peppy turbo engines make it fun to drive. Its rear-seat space and cargo area are limited, however, even for a car in this class.
The 2018 MINI Cooper's #3 ranking is based on its score within the 2018 Subcompact Cars category. Currently the MINI Cooper has a score of 8.5 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 31 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Yes, the 2018 Mini Cooper is a good used subcompact car. Its distinctive design and engaging driving dynamics make this a stylish choice.
The 2018 Mini Cooper has several strengths:
It also has a few weaknesses:
We’ve analyzed 31 Mini Cooper reviews, as well as performance specs, interior dimensions, fuel economy ratings, and more, to give you all the information you need to make a smart car-buying decision.
U.S. News & World Report has been reviewing cars, trucks, and SUVs since 2007, and our Best Cars team has more than 75 years of combined automotive industry experience. To remain impartial, we do not accept extravagant gifts from automakers, and an outside source handles our advertising.
Based on listings for the 2018 Mini Cooper on our site, the average price is $23,800, which is above the class average. Prices range from $18,500 to $30,000 and vary depending on the vehicle’s condition, mileage, features, and location.
The 2018 Mini Cooper’s five-year costs for gas, insurance, repairs, and maintenance are projected to be about $27,140, or $5,428 per year. That’s above average for a subcompact car.
Mini made Apple CarPlay and wireless device charging available for the 2019 Cooper (starting MSRP: $21,900). If these features matter to you, you’ll need to buy new. Otherwise, the 2018 Cooper is nearly identical to the new model, and it's likely less expensive.
Read about the new Mini Cooper »
The 2018 Cooper is part of a generation that debuted for the 2014 model year. There have been some notable changes over the years. Mini added a four-door body style for the 2015 model year. For 2016, Mini introduced a redesigned convertible body style and made automatic pre-collision braking available. The 2017 Cooper gained a standard infotainment system, while a rearview camera and parking sensors became standard in the 2018 Cooper.
Compare the 2017, 2018, and 2019 Cooper »
See the Best New Car Lease Deals »
The 2018 Mini Cooper has a stellar predicted reliability rating of 4.5 out of five from J.D. Power.
Read more about Cooper reliability »
At the time of writing, there are no recalls for the 2018 Mini Cooper.
See more information on Mini Cooper safety recalls »
The 2018 Mini Cooper has three trims: base, S, and John Cooper Works. The base and S trims are available in all three body styles: two-door hardtop, four-door hardtop, and two-door convertible. The John Cooper Works trim is available only in the two-door hardtop and two-door convertible body styles.
The base trim comes well-equipped, and the base engine easily handles most daily driving needs. The S trim has a much peppier engine. Performance-minded shoppers will want the top-of-the-line John Cooper Works trim. In addition to a 228-horsepower engine, it comes with a sport exhaust system and a sport-tuned suspension.
When it was new, the Mini Cooper was available with several option packages, so you may find models with additional features. For instance, the Premium package adds a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and a panoramic sunroof, while the Technology package features an 8.8-inch display and navigation.
See 2018 Mini Cooper trims and specs »
Mini offers a certified pre-owned program for vehicles five years old or less and with fewer than 60,000 miles. Eligibility is determined by the vehicle’s initial sale date. Mini’s certified pre-owned program provides one year of coverage with unlimited miles following the conclusion of the four-year/50,000-mile Mini New Passenger Car Limited Warranty. Each CPO Mini must pass a 197-point inspection. Additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance may be available, so read the Mini warranty page carefully.
Mini has one of the best CPO programs compared with affordable automakers, besting those from Kia, Mazda, and Volkswagen. Compared with luxury brands, however, Mini’s program isn’t nearly as robust.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the two-door 2018 Cooper the highest rating of Good in five crashworthiness tests. Properly equipped 2018 Coopers earned the second-highest rating of Advanced for front crash prevention. Base trims equipped with the Fully Loaded package received the second-lowest rating of Marginal for how well its headlights illuminate the road. All other trims received the worst rating of Poor.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not performed crash tests on the 2018 Mini Cooper.
Standard advanced safety features:
Available advanced safety features:
The 2018 Volkswagen GTI is a compact car and one of the most engaging hatchbacks you can drive. It offers a powerful base engine and sharp handling. It also features premium interior materials. Because of its much roomier interior, the GTI is the more practical option between these two.
The 2018 Mini Countryman is a subcompact SUV that provides lots more cargo and passenger room than the Cooper. It also offers a comfortable ride, and it's available with all-wheel drive. The Countryman still has Mini’s driving DNA, however, meaning it can handle fast curves with ease. The only downside is price: The Countryman is a more expensive vehicle.
Compare the Cooper, GTI, and Countryman »
The Cooper is a joy to drive. Critics compare the Cooper to a go-kart, in that it can zip you around corners without much body lean. That said, this Mini does have a firm suspension system, so its ride may not be comfortable enough for some shoppers.
The Cooper is available with three peppy engines. The base three-cylinder is strong enough for your everyday commute, but the available engines deliver much more punch.
The 2018 Cooper gets average fuel economy for a subcompact car.
Read more about Cooper performance »
The 2018 Cooper seats up to four people in two-door models and up to five people in four-door models. The front seats provide good support and comfort, but the back seats in two-door models are cramped. You'll have to opt for a four-door model if you want enough rear space for adults, but don’t expect a lot. There’s just enough room for adults to be comfortable over short jaunts.
Standard seating features:
Available seating features:
The 2018 Cooper has two complete sets of LATCH car-seat connectors on the rear outboard seats. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the LATCH system in two-door Cooper models the second-lowest rating of Marginal for ease of use.
The 2018 Cooper comes standard with a 6.5-inch infotainment system. The system requires a slight learning curve, but it's easy to use once mastered.
Read more about Cooper interior »
There isn't a lot of cargo space in the Cooper. Two-door models have 8.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, and four-door models are slightly larger with 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space.
These cargo dimensions are for comparative purposes. There is no substitute for visually examining the storage area in any car you’re considering.
Mini built the 2018 Cooper in England and the Netherlands.
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