DecodedCarsMINI Cooper
23 model years from 2005 to 2027, compared on size, efficiency, safety and reliability.
- Model years
- 2005–2027
- Class
- Minicompact Cars, Subcompact Cars, Two Seaters
- Latest engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Best MPG
- 28–33 combined, by year
- EV range
- up to 114 mi
- Latest rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 29 campaigns, all years
- Most complaints
- 2009 (241)
- Fewest problems
- 2018
The 2026 Cooper in brief
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.
The MINI Cooper has 23 model years in our data, from 2005 to 2027, classed as Minicompact Cars, Subcompact Cars, Two Seaters.
Its most efficient year was 2014 at 33 MPG combined; across all years the best version ranged from 28 to 33 MPG.
Owners most often report problems with the engine (443), air bags (437), electrical system (391).
Buying used? 2018 has the fewest problems in our data, and 2015 is the year to avoid.
2014 has the most recalls (8); all years together count 29 campaigns and 1,651 owner complaints.
How the 2005 Cooper compares
The 2005 MINI Cooper is a minicompact car offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 143 inches long and 67 inches wide on a 97-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,701 lb (2dr Convertible FWD).
2026 Cooper pros & cons
Full 2026 details →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.
Best and worst years to buy used
2018 Cooper
8 owner complaints · 0 recalls · 3 crash reports
Year to avoid2015 Cooper
74 owner complaints · 6 recalls · 2 fire reports · 3 crash reports
Most reported: Engine
NHTSA recalls and complaints for 10 model years since 2015; use it alongside a pre-purchase inspection. How we calculate this →
Compare head to head
Cooper changes by model year
- 2025
- No all-electric version any more
- Engine dropped: 1.5L 3-cyl turbo
- 2020
- New all-electric version
- 2016
- Engines dropped: 1.6L 4-cyl and 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- 2014
- New body dimensions: 5.5 in longer, wheelbase +1.2 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engines added: 1.5L 3-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- 2009
- New body dimensions: 2.4 in longer — most likely a redesign or new generation
- 2008
- Lightest version 198 lb heavier
- 2007
- Engine added: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 28 to 31
- Lightest version 176 lb lighter
Years without a measurable change are left out.
Show all 23 model years side by side
| Year | Latest engines | Best MPG / range | Length | Weight | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 31 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 32 MPG | 152.8 in | 3,142 lb | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2025 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 32 MPG | 152.8 in | 3,142 lb | Not rated | 4 | 6 |
| 2024 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 32 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 2 | 2 |
| 2023 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 32 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 2 | 12 |
| 2022 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 32 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 2 | 9 |
| 2021 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 31 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 4 | 7 |
| 2020 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 31 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 4 | 13 |
| 2019 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 32 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 2 | 17 |
| 2018 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 32 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 0 | 8 |
| 2017 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 32 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 3 | 34 |
| 2016 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 32 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 4 | 51 |
| 2015 | 1.6L 4-cyl, 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | 32 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 6 | 74 |
| 2014 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, 1.6L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | 33 MPG | 151.2 in | 2,674 lb | Not rated | 8 | 42 |
| 2013 | 1.6L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | 32 MPG | 145.7 in | 2,546 lb | Not rated | 1 | 93 |
| 2012 | 1.6L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | 32 MPG | 145.7 in | 2,546 lb | Not rated | 2 | 163 |
| 2011 | 1.6L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | 32 MPG | 145.7 in | 2,546 lb | Not rated | 4 | 155 |
| 2010 | 1.6L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | 32 MPG | 145.7 in | 2,546 lb | Not rated | 3 | 148 |
| 2009 | 1.6L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | 32 MPG | 145.7 in | 2,546 lb | Not rated | 3 | 241 |
| 2008 | 1.6L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | 32 MPG | 143.3 in | 2,701 lb | Not rated | 4 | 164 |
| 2007 | 1.6L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | 31 MPG | 143.3 in | 2,701 lb | Not rated | 4 | 122 |
| 2006 | 1.6L 4-cyl | 28 MPG | 143.3 in | 2,701 lb | Not rated | 1 | 144 |
| 2005 | 1.6L 4-cyl | 28 MPG | 143.3 in | 2,701 lb | Not rated | 2 | 143 |
Alternatives to the 2018 Cooper
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Subaru BRZ | 27 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2018 Toyota 86 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 Fiat 500 | 30 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 Fiat 500e | 84 mi | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 MINI John Cooper Works | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Most common owner-reported problems
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or MINI. How we calculate this →