2021 MINI Convertible John Cooper Works
MSRP range: $38,400
2021 Mini Convertible Review
- 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
- Passenger space and cargo capacity are limited
- New Sidewalk special edition packages available
- Minor changes to optional equipment packages
- Part of the third Mini Convertible generation introduced for 2016
The 2021 Mini Convertible is one of just a few remaining small convertibles on sale. And it really lives up to its brand image as it is one of the smallest convertibles you can get. Drop the power-folding top and you've got a wide-open driving experience along with the nimble nature that you'd expect from a Mini.
Like the regular Mini Hardtop 2 Door that it's based on, the Convertible comes with one of three different engines to satisfy varying horsepower habits. It also offers a wide array of optional packages and styling enhancements. The rear seats are so small that they're effectively only good as parcel shelves, but on the upside you get stylish design elements that pay homage to Mini Coopers from years past. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our full take on all of the Mini Convertible's hits and misses.
Our verdict | |
The Mini Convertible is nearly as much fun to drive as its Mini Hardtop sibling. It also offers a high-quality and stylish interior and distinctive styling with plenty of options for customization. The John Cooper Works version is somewhat of a disappointment, however. | |
How does the Convertible drive? | |
We tested the Mini Convertible in the John Cooper Works (JCW) trim. This should be the top of the heap, but it doesn't feel much more special than the S trim. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took 6 seconds in our test car, which is quick for a convertible in this class. The Mini's turbocharged engine makes plenty of torque but lacks the fun, high-revving character of the Mazda Miata's engine. Panic braking from 60 mph yielded a best result of 119 feet, which is an average distance; we expected better. Most of the blame falls on the Mini JCW's somewhat narrow tires, which also limit its outright handling ability. We love its nimbleness, but less expensive Mini Convertible trims give you that as well. | |
How comfortable is the Convertible? | |
The expected stiff and sporty ride of a Mini is certainly present with the John Cooper Works version. While it's never unduly harsh, it can be jittery over less than smooth pavement. Our test car came with optional adaptive dampers, but we didn't feel there was enough of a difference between the Normal and Sport modes to warrant the extra expense. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, but rear seat passengers will likely complain about the vertical seat backs and lack of shoulder room. The Mini's top looks and feels well constructed but it lets in a lot of ambient noise and road noise when driving at highway speeds. In fact, when we tested interior noise levels, we found it's barely louder with the top down than when it's up. The John Cooper Works center exhaust produces some nice burbles and pops but can drone over extended periods of driving at a constant speed. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The somewhat long doors have a nice weight and provide ample access to the front seats but don't make it any easier to get into the back seats. If adults can squeeze in back there — it's somewhat easier with the top down — they'll likely be touching shoulders. The driver and passenger will have plenty of shoulder room and a surplus of headroom, making the compact Mini feel reasonably spacious. The Mini Convertible's controls are fairly easy to understand and use. The well-constructed folding cloth top sits more or less on the back of the Mini and, when down, blocks your rear visibility quite a bit. When it's up, there's decent visibility to the sides thanks to the tall windows and large outside mirrors. Visibility out the front is compromised because the rearview mirror takes up a lot of space on the narrow windshield. | |
How’s the tech? | |
A lot of the Mini Convertible's tech is lifted straight from parent company BMW. This isn't a bad thing as 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 rivals. Navigation and voice controls work well and proved genuinely helpful in certain situations. Wireless Apple CarPlay is standard, but the lack of Android Auto is surprising given it's in most of the Mini's rivals. Our test car's Harman Kardon audio system was strong enough to deliver good quality sound over the Convertible's elevated levels of interior noise. The adaptive cruise control works well and maintains tight gaps in traffic. We experienced no false alarms or overreactions from any of the other systems. But we were somewhat disappointed with the conservative tuning of electronic stability control, especially on a car that's supposed to be fun to drive. Thankfully, you can disable it. | |
How’s the storage? | |
It should come as no surprise that the Mini Convertible is not the most practical car. Its 7.6-cubic-foot trunk is small and not easily accessible. Ironically, the Mazda Miata's smaller trunk (4.6 cubic feet) is more practical and easier to use. Interior storage is slightly better and there's enough space for one person's personal belongings in the cubby in front of the cupholders and the cupholders themselves. If you spring for the wireless charging, you will lose most of your center armrest storage. Child seat anchors are provided in the back seat but only the smallest booster seats are likely to fit without a lot of fuss. | |
How’s the fuel economy? | |
The EPA estimates the Convertible JCW will return 28 mpg combined (25 city/33 highway) and our time with the Mini backs that up. Over our 115-mile evaluation route the drop-top Mini returned a solid 29.4 mpg with some fairly enthusiastic driving thrown in, just because. It should be noted that Mini recommends premium gasoline for the John Cooper Works Convertible. | |
Is the Convertible a good value? | |
In its John Cooper Works trim, we're inclined to say no. Our test car stickered at $46,250 (including destination fees), which puts it at nearly the same price as a Mustang GT convertible and at least$10k more than a similarly equipped Mazda Miata. The Mini is well built, with tight panel gaps and good quality materials, and feels more luxurious than other convertibles. But less expensive versions of the Mini, such as the Cooper S, are just as well built and perform nearly as well. Standard warranty coverage is about average for the class, with both bumper to bumper and powertrain coverage coming in at 4 years/50,000 miles. But Mini also offers four years of roadside assistance with unlimited mileage and three years of free maintenance. | |
Wildcard | |
You're effectively guaranteed a fun and nimble driving experience in the Mini Convertible. But the JCW trim doesn't offer much beyond what you'd get from a regular Mini. The extra power is nice, but the JCW isn't especially fast. And while it does have nimble handling, it doesn't feel any more engaging than a Cooper S model. The quirky styling and detail touches that have come to define Mini are still there and serve as a nice visual reminder of how fun this little car will be once you're out of the weekday traffic jam. But at times it feels like it's been laid on a little thick in the JCW. We're all for the Mini driving experience, but we'd prefer ours in a more basic and less expensive spec. | |
Which Convertible does Edmunds recommend?
The Cooper S is our favorite Mini Convertible. It comes with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, which provides impressive acceleration, as well as interior goodies such as sport seats.
MINI Convertible models
The 2021 Mini Convertible is a two-door compact convertible. It technically seats four passengers but the rear seat is quite small, limiting its usefulness. It's available in three versions: the base Cooper, the sportier Cooper S and the high-performance John Cooper Works.
Save as much as $845 with Edmunds Click on the model you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal.
2021 MINI Convertible John Cooper Works pricing
in Ashburn, VA
John Cooper Works
2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A
Edmunds suggests you pay$38,405
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $38,400
- MPG & Fuel
- 25 City / 33 Hwy / 28 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 11.6 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 4 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: 8-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 228 hp @ 5200 rpm
- Torque: 236 lb-ft @ 1250 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 152.5 in. / Height: 55.7 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: 76.1 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 68.0 in.
- Curb Weight: N/A
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 7.6 cu.ft.
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 it.
- Active Driving Assistant
- Equips the vehicle with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking to help avoid accidents and lessen the severity of a crash.
Mini Convertible vs. the competition
2021 Mini Convertible
2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Mini Convertible vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda Miata provides a near-perfect balance of fun, affordability and driver engagement. It's more entertaining to drive than the Mini and has a more straightforward interior design. But you can't customize it nearly as much as the Mini Convertible. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Mini Convertible vs. Ford Mustang
If you want more space in a convertible, the Ford Mustang might just be right for you. It's bigger than the Mini, so it's not as easy to park, but the Mustang has a roomier back seat and a bigger trunk. The Mini feels much more nimble and enjoyable around tight turns, but the Mustang is pretty entertaining as well.
Mini Convertible vs. Audi TT
Is it time to pull out all the stops and go for the full top-down luxury experience? Take a closer look at the Audi TT Convertible. Sure, the Audi is considerably more expensive than the Mini, but it's also significantly more powerful, and it feels much more upscale. And, if you live in an area with a lot of inclement weather, the TT's standard all-wheel-drive system could come in handy.
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FAQ
Is the MINI Convertible a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 Convertible both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.2 out of 10. You probably care about MINI Convertible fuel economy, so it's important to know that the Convertible gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Convertible has 7.6 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a MINI Convertible. Learn more
What's new in the 2021 MINI Convertible?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 MINI Convertible:
- New Sidewalk special edition packages available
- Minor changes to optional equipment packages
- Part of the third Mini Convertible generation introduced for 2016
Is the MINI Convertible reliable?
To determine whether the MINI Convertible is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Convertible. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Convertible's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 MINI Convertible a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 MINI Convertible is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 Convertible and gave it a 7.2 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 Convertible is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 MINI Convertible?
The least-expensive 2021 MINI Convertible is the 2021 MINI Convertible John Cooper Works 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $38,400.
Other versions include:
- John Cooper Works 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $38,400
What are the different models of MINI Convertible?
If you're interested in the MINI Convertible, the next question is, which Convertible model is right for you? Convertible variants include John Cooper Works 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of Convertible models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more