Fun to drive, iconic look, easy to handle - 2020 Mini Cooper Review
2Overview
The 2020 Mini Cooper is the quintessential Mini, with quirky styling and zippy handling. Available as a hardtop three- or five-door hatchback or a two-door convertible, every model features an upscale, comfy cabin if you're willing to pay for it. There are two trim levels for each variation of the Mini Cooper, with the more expensive of the two equipped with a more powerful and more desirable engine. The 2020 Mini Cooper comes standard with a 6.5-inch infotainment screen and Bluetooth connectivity. Although the base Mini starts at a reasonable $24,250, optional upgrades aren't cheap, and any hint of luxury will cost you.
What's New for 2020?
The Signature trim, available on the Hardtop model, adds extra features such as a seven-speed automatic transmission, LED headlights and fog lamps, and Mini's Active Driving Assistant, which includes adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and automated emergency braking. A cloth and faux-leather upholstery package in a two-tone black and gray theme joins the options list, as do new 18-inch two-tone wheels with run-flat tires.
We recommend the Mini Cooper Hardtop three-door with the Iconic package. Ringing in at $30,500, this configuration gives you the sportiness for which Mini is known and a vehicle that's well equipped. With the three-door, you have two rows of seating and limited space, but let's face it, no one buys a car called Mini for the space. The Iconic package comes with leather upholstery, Apple CarPlay integration, and heated seats. The bigger engine costs another $4000, and the Convertible costs another $5000, but a well-equipped base model gives you everything you need while retaining the Mini character.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The standard engine is a turbocharged 134-hp 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, which provides plenty of pep in this small, lightweight vehicle. All of the Minis in this line come with front-wheel drive and the brand's signature go-kart-inspired handling. These Minis are responsive and quick regardless of the engine, but S models come with a turbocharged 189-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder. With the larger engine, the S proved to be a little more than a second faster than the 1.5-liter engine in our zero-to-60-mph test, clocking in at 6.2 seconds. We found the automatic transmission shifts well, but the manual transmission is still our favorite. The firm suspension lends itself to enthusiast-oriented driving, which can make the Mini Cooper exciting, but it can be unforgiving on rough roads.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The three-cylinder engine in the entry-level Mini Cooper three-door, five-door, and convertible rings in the same EPA-estimated fuel efficiency for each model. That engine registers highway fuel economy of 36 mpg. With the three-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual, we managed 38 mpg during our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test route.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Mini's interior is charmingly quirky, but at the cost of user-friendliness. Rear-seat passenger space is tight in the Hardtop and Convertible models, but front-seat occupants will find little reason to complain. The Convertible model's power top will fold flat in 18 seconds to unlock the joy of unlimited headroom. Too bad its trunk is tiny. Hardtop models offer far more practicality inside their hatchback bodies. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated front seats come standard on the Mini Cooper, and a leather interior is optional. The Hardtop model's trunk also is quite small, offering room for just three carry-on suitcases in our testing. But drop the rear seats, and there's room for 12. The five-door Hardtop offers more space for cargo with the rear seats folded, but the Convertible offers less.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The base model of the 2020 Mini Cooper is scantily equipped and requires you to spend a lot more in order to get a little more technology. It comes standard with Bluetooth connectivity and a 6.5-inch infotainment screen nestled in the signature Mini circular center console. SiriusXM satellite radio, an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay integration, and wireless phone charging are all optional.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
View Crash Test Results
Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have tested the 2020 Mini Cooper, but the 2019 model was an IIHS Top Safety Pick. The 2020 Mini Cooper comes with standard automated emergency braking and offers adaptive cruise control and park assist. Key safety features include:
Standard automated emergency braking
Available adaptive cruise control
Available automatic high-beam headlights
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mini offers a slightly better warranty than other small-car manufacturers, particularly with complimentary scheduled maintenance. Volvo and BMW both offer complimentary scheduled maintenance plans that match