2021 MINI Clubman John Cooper Works ALL4
2021 Mini Clubman Review
- Excellent handling, even in the base model
- High-quality cabin materials
- Many customization options
- John Cooper Works can rip to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds
- More expensive than similarly equipped compact hatchbacks
- John Cooper Works' exceedingly harsh ride
- Price of base Cooper S Clubman lowered by $1,000
- Six-speed manual transmission standard on Classic trim; optional on others
- Signature trim includes touchscreen package with navigation and Apple CarPlay
- Part of the second Clubman generation introduced for 2015
The Mini 2 Door Hardtop (previously just called the Mini Cooper) is the undisputed icon of the Mini lineup, but its diminutive size means it's not practical for all buyers. Thankfully, Mini offers a range of models that are more passenger- and cargo-friendly. They include the 2022 Mini Clubman, a hatchback/wagon with more room than the 4 Door Hardtop but without the lifted height and extra mass of the Countryman SUV.
Unlike the Hardtop and Countryman — which each come with a three-cylinder engine standard — the Clubman is only available in spicy and blazin' flavors. The base Cooper S model is good for nearly 200 horsepower, while the John Cooper Works trim bumps output to over 300 hp. The result is a small car that is sporty and engaging no matter how you spec it — especially if you select the returning-for-2021 manual transmission.
Read Edmunds' Expert Rating below to see how the Mini Clubman stacks up against other hot compacts from Honda, Hyundai and Volkswagen.
Our verdict | |
The Cooper Clubman John Cooper Works (JCW), which is what we tested, is the quickest and most powerful model in the Clubman lineup. It's all about performance and entertainment. But that comes at the expense of other things, including your wallet. And while it has tons of personality and respectable performance, the Clubman JCW isn't any more entertaining than the significantly less expensive Clubman S. | |
How does the Clubman drive? | |
The Clubman JCW uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes an impressive 301 hp. At our test track, it propelled our test car from 0 to 60 mph in a rather outrageous 4.7 seconds. Using launch control, the Clubman JCW blasts off the line, cracking off shifts and even getting some tire chirp on the 1-2 upshift. It feels quick in routine driving too, with plenty of low-end torque and a responsive gas pedal. Around turns, the Clubman JCW is relatively composed, but it doesn't have the go-cart feel of older Minis. The steering is heavier than you might expect, but it feels good and responsive. Even with all-wheel drive, there is a mild amount of torque steer. In general, the handling isn't markedly different or more enjoyable than that of a Cooper Clubman S. | |
How comfortable is the Clubman? | |
Mini spent a lot of time tuning the suspension and handling. Unfortunately, the engineers have tuned it for performance, with no regard for comfort and refinement. The Clubman JCW is stiff. Uncomfortably so. It crashes over bumps, and potholes will rattle your teeth. The firm and oddly padded seat doesn't help much either. Yes, the bolsters do a great job of keeping you planted on winding roads, but it only compounds the ride-quality issue. It's not all bad inside. When it's not sending shockwaves through your spine, the Clubman JCW is actually fairly quiet and refined. The turbocharged engine makes a nice-sounding growl even if much of it is prerecorded and piped in through the speakers. The climate control works well and has air vents for the rear passengers. | |
How’s the interior? | |
Despite its minuscule proportions (pun intended), the Mini Clubman JCW is relatively spacious inside. The upright, semi-boxy design means there's plenty of headroom and shoulder room. Legroom is a bit less than what you'll find in some rivals, but it's still relatively good, especially compared to the standard Hardtop. Those upright windows help with visibility too. It's easy to see out in every direction. The driving position is pretty good. The compact size means the controls are well placed, and it's not difficult to settle into a comfortable driving position. The square doors make in-and-out pretty easy. It's not quite as spacious as a Honda Civic or a VW Golf, but we're impressed given just how small the Clubman JCW is on the outside. | |
How’s the tech? | |
This is where you really notice parent company BMW's influence. A lot of the Clubman JCW's tech is ripped straight from the BMW parts bin. The infotainment system is basically BMW's with a colorful Mini-themed interface. It's easy to navigate and looks a bit more premium than some rival systems. Navigation and voice controls work well, and having turn-by-turn direction in our test car's optional head-up display was great. Our tester's Iconic trim came with Apple CarPlay, but the lack of Android Auto was disappointing. The driver aids have been influenced by BMW too. The adaptive cruise control works well, maintaining tight gaps and holding speed up- or downhill. The lane keeping system will bounce the car between the lane markers somewhat, but overall the Clubman's driver aids are pretty refined. | |
How’s the storage? | |
The Clubman JCW's 17.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats is less than what you get from a Hyundai Veloster N, Honda Civic Type R or VW Golf R. That said, the area is low and boxy, so it's more usable than it seems. There's also a good bit of underfloor storage. The split barn-style rear doors make getting things in and out easy too. And the cargo area expands to a much more competitive 47.9 cubic feet if you fold down the seats. Up front, there are decently sized door pockets and some small bins for your personal items. Got small kids to take along? The rear seat is tight for installing a child safety seat, but no smaller than anything else in the class. | |
How’s the fuel economy? | |
The Clubman JCW is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class. The EPA estimates it'll get 26 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That bests the Civic Type R and Veloster N, both of which get 25 mpg combined. We observed 28.5 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation route, so the EPA's estimates seem realistic. | |
Is the Clubman a good value? | |
Whether the Clubman JCW is a good value or not depends on just how big of a Mini fan you are. A base Clubman JCW starts at $40,250, but it lacks features such as adaptive cruise control, leather upholstery and even Apple CarPlay, though those can all be added on if you select one of the higher trims. Our loaded test vehicle was $48,100, significantly more than any other hot hatch around. That said, it does feel more premium than most rivals, and a lot of the cost goes toward the JCW's sporty tuning. Mini also includes three years of scheduled service and four years of roadside assistance, both better than most. | |
Wildcard | |
Despite the torquey turbocharged engine, all-wheel-drive traction and nimble handling, the Clubman JCW doesn't have that constant sense of fun you'll find in other hot hatches. The ride is so stiff on most roads that you spend more time avoiding potholes than you do dipping into the engine's copious torque curve. On the upside, it oozes as much personality as its Mini brethren. It looks distinct both inside and out, and it seems to revel in all the little touches including the two-tone paint, color-changing ambient lighting and Union Jack outlines in the taillights. | |
Which Clubman does Edmunds recommend?
MINI Clubman models
The 2021 Mini Clubman is a small hatchback/wagon available in three main trim levels: Cooper S Clubman, the all-wheel-drive Cooper S Clubman All4 and the performance-focused John Cooper Works All4. Each of those is broken into three subtrims: Classic, Signature and Iconic. It's a little confusing, but the main takeaway here is that the main trims vary by powertrain while the subtrims determine what features you get.
2021 MINI Clubman John Cooper Works ALL4 pricing
in Ashburn, VA
2021 MINI Clubman John Cooper Works ALL4 Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $39,500
- MPG & Fuel
- 23 City / 31 Hwy / 26 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: all wheel drive
- Transmission: 8-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 301 hp @ 5000 rpm
- Torque: 331 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 168.3 in. / Height: 56.7 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: 79.4 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 70.9 in.
- Curb Weight: N/A
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 17.5 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Clubman safety features:
- Parking Assistant
- Guides the Clubman into a parallel parking spot with minimal driver involvement.
- Park Distance Control
- Alerts you as the Clubman approaches an object while backing up.
- Active Driving Assistant
- Keeps a set distance between the Clubman and the vehicle in front when cruise control is active.
Mini Clubman vs. the competition
2021 Mini Clubman
2021 Mini Countryman
Mini Clubman vs. Mini Countryman
In the Mini lineup, the Clubman is one step up in size from the classic Mini Hardtop (also referred to as the Mini Cooper). The Mini Countryman is even larger than the Clubman and currently sits as the biggest Mini on the market. That said, the Countryman, as a subcompact SUV, is still pretty small compared to most crossovers out there. For occasionally sitting four people, the Clubman will probably offer sufficient room. But if you'll frequently fill the car with passengers, the Countryman is the way to go.
Mini Clubman vs. Volkswagen Golf GTI
The OG hot hatch proves to be the perfect foil for the Mini Clubman. The Volkswagen Golf GTI is tough to beat, offering saucy handling, strong acceleration and — in sharp contrast to the Clubman — a comfortable ride every day. The Clubman Cooper S models compete with the Golf GTI, while the JCW variant stacks up against the high-performance Golf R.
Mini Clubman vs. Hyundai Veloster
The Hyundai Veloster is a funky three-door hatchback that costs a lot less than the others listed here. While the standard engine isn't anything to write home about, the turbocharged four-cylinder of the aptly named Turbo models launches the Veloster hard off the line. The even sportier Veloster N might be one of the best deals in the hot hatch market today.
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FAQ
Is the MINI Clubman a good car?
What's new in the 2021 MINI Clubman?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 MINI Clubman:
- Price of base Cooper S Clubman lowered by $1,000
- Six-speed manual transmission standard on Classic trim; optional on others
- Signature trim includes touchscreen package with navigation and Apple CarPlay
- Part of the second Clubman generation introduced for 2015
Is the MINI Clubman reliable?
Is the 2021 MINI Clubman a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 MINI Clubman?
The least-expensive 2021 MINI Clubman is the 2021 MINI Clubman John Cooper Works ALL4 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $39,500.
Other versions include:
- John Cooper Works ALL4 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $39,500