2019 MINI
What’s new
- Reconfigured options structure, with new Classic, Signature and Iconic trims
- Apple CarPlay now available
- Updated infotainment system interface
- Part of the third Mini Cooper Convertible generation introduced for 2016
Pros & Cons
- Three different engines blend speed, thrill and fuel efficiency
- Excellent handling makes it quick and fun in turns and curves
- The interior looks classy and upscale
- Available add-ons offer high degree of personalization
- The ride quality can be stiff and rough, especially with larger tires
- More expensive than most rivals
- Cargo capacity is very limited
Which Convertible does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
7.4 / 10Energetic engines and lively handling make the 2019 Mini Convertible one of the most enjoyable drop-tops to drive. Factor in a classy interior, retro charm, and endless possibilities for personalization and the Mini Convertible turns into being a particularly distinctive one as well.
The Mini Convertible is an exceptionally fun car to drive, whether it's powered by the base three-cylinder engine, the 189-hp midlevel engine, or the highly caffeinated 228-hp turbo four-cylinder in the John Cooper Works trim. The Mini always feels playful and engaging, its tires firmly embedded in the asphalt.
The Mini's extensive paint, interior and performance combinations are what truly set it apart, giving owners a degree of personalization that you'd otherwise associate with luxury brands such as Bentley. Want 18-inch wheels, an illuminating dashboard trim and a Union Jack design stitched into the seat headrests? Done. But there's a catch: The car is also pricier than its rivals. The convertible's base price is just a starting point for a bottomless options list, and the price can escalate with shocking quickness. (Lest we forget, Mini is owned by BMW and follows similar wallet-busting options strategies.)
While no other small convertible can match the Mini's level of customization, there are others worth considering, notably the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the Fiat 124 Spider, and even the Volkswagen Beetle convertible. But even among this group, the Mini Convertible's charm and likability stand out. It's that good.
2019 MINI Convertible models
The 2019 Mini Convertible is a compact convertible that seats four and is available in base Cooper, Cooper S and high-performance John Cooper Works trims. The base Cooper trim serves as a great starting point for customization, but the attractive base price can escalate quickly with desirable options. The Cooper S adds larger wheels and more power and performance, while the John Cooper Works is the highest performer of the bunch, with a cranked-up turbo engine and sophisticated sport suspension.
This year, Mini is also offering three subtrim levels (Classic, Signature and Iconic) that add an increasing number of features. A wide variety of styling, performance and luxury upgrades are available on most versions.
The Cooper starts with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine (134 horsepower, 162 pound-feet of torque) paired with a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. A six-speed automatic transmission is optional.
Standard features for the starter Classic subtrim include a power-operated fabric convertible roof (which functions like a sunroof), 15-inch alloy wheels, an electronic limited-slip differential, automatic headlights and wipers, heated mirrors, push-button ignition, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a cooled glovebox, cruise control, premium vinyl upholstery, and 50/50-split folding rear seatbacks.
Technology highlights include a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone app integration, a 6.5-inch display screen, and a six-speaker sound system with HD radio, a USB port and an auxiliary input jack.
The Cooper S adds a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (189 hp, 207 lb-ft of torque), a hood scoop, dual center-mounted exhaust tips, 16-inch wheels with run-flat tires (regular tires are optional), LED foglights and sport front seats.
The John Cooper Works trim ratchets up the performance index with a hotter turbo four-cylinder engine (228 hp, 236 lb-ft), 17-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, LED headlights, an aerodynamic body kit, a rear spoiler, a sport steering wheel and special seats with cloth upholstery. The standard suspension is available as a no-cost option for the JCW.
Features added by the Signature subtrim differ slightly from the base Cooper, S and JCW. But in general, it adds keyless entry, heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control. Cooper models get 16-inch wheels, Cooper S versions get 16- or 17-inch wheels, and JCW models get adaptive dampers. Mini's Active Driving Assistant suite of safety features — forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam control — is also included on Cooper S and JCW models. Selecting the Signature trim also opens the door to additional paint choices, interior dashboard appliques and upholstery choices.
The Signature's Premium package further adds power-folding mirrors, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, chrome exterior trim, LED headlights and foglights, cornering lights, satellite radio and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
The Iconic trim includes those upgrades, plus leather upholstery, a navigation system, the Active Driving Assistant package, wireless charging, Apple CarPlay and an 8.8-inch touchscreen.
Many of the above options can be ordered separately, as can various exterior and interior styling modifications. A Driver Assistance package for the Iconic trim adds front parking sensors and an automated parallel parking system.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Mini Cooper S Convertible (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 6-speed manual | FWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2016, the current Mini Convertible has received some revisions, including standard rear parking sensors and a standard rearview camera. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Mini Convertible
Scorecard
| Overall | 7.4 / 10 |
| Driving | 8.0 |
| Interior | 7.0 |
Driving
8.0Acceleration
7.0Braking
9.0Steering
7.5Handling
8.5Drivability
7.0Comfort
Seat comfort
7.5Ride comfort
8.5Noise & vibration
7.5Climate control
7.0Interior
7.0Ease of use
7.5Getting in/getting out
6.5Driving position
8.0Roominess
8.5Visibility
6.0Quality
Convertible top
Utility
Small-item storage
6.0Cargo space
Child safety seat accommodation
5.0Technology
Sponsored cars related to the Convertible
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2019 MINI Convertible.
Trending topics in reviews
- handling & steering
- road noise
Most helpful consumer reviews
We have a 2019 mini convertible which is a blast to drive and handles like a go cart. My biggest complaint is the noise. Very loud, particularly on the expressway. Trucks drown out conversation.
Features & Specs
| Cooper S 2dr Convertible 2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $30,900 |
| MPG | 23 city / 32 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Horsepower | 189 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Cooper 2dr Convertible 1.5L 3cyl Turbo 6M | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $26,900 |
| MPG | 28 city / 37 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Horsepower | 134 hp @ 4400 rpm |
| John Cooper Works 2dr Convertible 2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $36,900 |
| MPG | 22 city / 31 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Horsepower | 228 hp @ 5200 rpm |
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Convertible safety features:
- Parking Assistant
- Finds an available parallel parking spot and guides the Mini into the space with minimal driver input.
- Front and Rear Park Distance Control
- Sounds an alert as the Mini approaches an object in front of or behind the vehicle.
- Active Driving Assistant
- Maintains a set distance between the Mini and the vehicle in front while the cruise control system is active.
Mini Convertible vs. the competition
Mini Convertible vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Miata has long been the standard by which small, fun convertibles are measured. It's no racehorse, but the Miata has good midrange power — once it gets up to speed — and its power is very well-balanced with the car's light mass. The combination yields a car that is as fun cruising a coastal highway as it is zipping through some open turns. Its most obvious downside compared to the Mini is that it seats just two passengers.
Mini Convertible vs. Audi A3
The Audi A3 convertible may be the Mini's closest rival, at least in terms of feature set and performance potential. Like the Mini, the A3 offers a delightful blend of balance and sporty handling, along with a zippy turbocharged engine and a refined interior. Neither offers much in the way of cargo or rear passenger space, but the A3 holds the advantage when it comes to infotainment technology and the availability of all-wheel drive.
Mini Convertible vs. Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
Arguably offering as much charm as the Mini, the Beetle convertible is also a car continuing a beloved lineage in a modern context. Both cars offer snappy performance and decent fuel economy, but your passengers will enjoy more elbow room in the Beetle. But like the Mini, the Beetle suffers from a deficit of interior cargo space and poor sightlines to the rear. The VW's interior isn't quite as savvy as the Mini's either, and the personalization options aren't nearly as broad
FAQ
Is the MINI Convertible a good car?
What's new in the 2019 MINI Convertible?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2019 MINI Convertible:
- Reconfigured options structure, with new Classic, Signature and Iconic trims
- Apple CarPlay now available
- Updated infotainment system interface
- Part of the third Mini Cooper Convertible generation introduced for 2016
Is the MINI Convertible reliable?
Is the 2019 MINI Convertible a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2019 MINI Convertible?
The least-expensive 2019 MINI Convertible is the 2019 MINI Convertible Cooper 2dr Convertible (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 6M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $26,900.
Other versions include:
- Cooper S 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $30,900
- Cooper 2dr Convertible (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $26,900
- John Cooper Works 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $36,900
What are the different models of MINI Convertible?
More about the 2019 MINI Convertible
The reasons to like the Mini Convertible go on and on: It's fun to drive, easy to park and cheap to run, and its cabin offers a near-luxury experience. Plus, the roof folds down, which makes any car more enjoyable. But what really sets the Mini Convertible apart are the options for customization. Whether you want leather seats, an adaptive suspension or sideview mirrors painted up like British flags, Mini is happy to oblige. When it comes to having it your way, no other small convertible can match the Mini: The possible combinations number in the millions, with your budget your only limit.
Besides customization, there are a lot of reasons to recommend the Mini Convertible, chief among them the powertrain lineup. Engine choices include a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder that produces 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque and a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder, tuned for 189 hp and 207 lb-ft in the Cooper S. In the John Cooper Works edition, the 2.0-liter engine packs 228 hp and 236 lb-ft. All provide plenty of power and all are reasonably fuel-efficient, with EPA ratings ranging from a high of 32 mpg combined (28 city/37 highway) for the three-cylinder version with the manual transmission down to 25 mpg combined for the manual-equipped John Cooper Works.
And the Mini offers plenty of grip to go with its zip. Some cars hug the road; the Mini feels as if it was glued there. Small and light, the Mini Convertible is a big-time smile generator in the curves and very easy to park in town. The convertible is surprisingly quiet with the top down. The one caveat is that the ride can be very harsh, especially if you order your Mini Convertible with larger wheels or the sport-tuned suspension. The John Cooper Works model is particularly hard-riding, but the optional adaptive suspension helps a great deal.
The cabin is nicely finished, built with materials significantly better than what we're used to seeing in a subcompact car. The gauges are crisp, and we love the big 8-inch central display screen. Front seating is excellent. But this being a convertible, there are trade-offs: The back seat and the trunk are tiny. Visibility to the rear is restricted when the top is up.
Mini offers the convertible in three trim levels. The Cooper is nicely outfitted and affordable, provided you go easy on the options. The Cooper S adds more power and a sportier demeanor. The John Cooper Works turns the Mini Convertible into a road-going racer. From there, you'll have a plethora of stand-alone options available to create the Mini you like best. Edmunds can help you find your perfect 2019 Mini Convertible.
2019 MINI Convertible Overview
The 2019 MINI Convertible is offered in the following styles: Cooper S 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), Cooper 2dr Convertible (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 6M), and John Cooper Works 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M).
What do people think of the 2019 MINI Convertible?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2019 MINI Convertible and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2019 Convertible 3.0 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2019 Convertible.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2019 MINI Convertible and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2019 Convertible featuring deep dives into trim levels including Cooper S, Cooper, John Cooper Works, etc. with careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Read our full review of the 2019 MINI Convertible here.Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2019 MINI Convertible?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on new cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which 2019 MINI Convertibles are available in my area?
2019 MINI Convertible Listings and Inventory
Simply research the type of used car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap used cars for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2019 MINI Convertible.
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2019 [object Object] Convertible for sale near you.
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Find a new MINI Convertible for sale - 5 great deals out of 13 listings starting at $15,211.
Find a new MINI for sale - 8 great deals out of 8 listings starting at $21,449.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2019 MINI Convertible and all available trim types: Cooper S, Cooper, John Cooper Works. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2019 MINI Convertible include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2019 MINI Convertible?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out MINI lease specials