2021 MINI Hardtop 2 Door Review
2021 MINI Hardtop 2 Door Review
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2021 Mini Hardtop 2 Door Review
byRyan ZumMallen
Contributor
Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.
Pros
- All engines blend quickness and fuel efficiency
- Nimble handling helps keep the Hardtop glued to the road
- Many available add-ons allow a high degree of personalization
- Upscale interior
Cons
- Ride can be stiff and choppy, especially with larger wheels
- Gas-powered Hardtop is pricier than most rivals
What's new
- New limited-production GP trim with 301 horsepower
- Manual transmission option is back after a one-year hiatus
- Expanded availability of Oxford Edition trim level
- Part of the third Hardtop generation introduced for 2014
Overview
It's been almost two decades since Mini returned to the U.S. market with its distinctive Cooper. The 2021 Mini Hardtop 2 Door, as the model is now known, is bigger and available in many more versions. Yet at its core it's meant to offer nimble fun and distinct style at a reasonable price.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 MINI Hardtop 2 Door Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.89 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$157/mo for Hardtop 2 Door Cooper
Hardtop 2 Door Cooper
vs
$157/mo
Avg. Compact Car
For 2021, Mini has introduced the most powerful Hardtop yet: the John Cooper Works GP. This limited-production model comes with a turbocharged engine that produces 301 horsepower (73 hp more than the standard JCW) and 331 lb-ft of torque. In our testing, the JCW GP ripped from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, which is impressively quick for a front-wheel-drive small car.
Not satisfied with just increasing power output, Mini upgraded almost every other component to improve overall performance. That includes adding a lower sport-tuned suspension, extra chassis reinforcements, more powerful brakes, and an engine oiling system to counteract sustained high-g cornering.
On the outside, a large rear wing distinguishes the GP from other Minis, and its lightweight 18-inch wheels are tucked into some rather bizarre-looking wheel arches. Inside, the John Cooper Works GP changes the Mini formula by eliminating the rear seats. That's right, the GP is a two-seater with a sturdy-looking cross brace where rear passengers typically sit.
It all sounds great, though the actual driving experience is somewhat disappointing. Check out our video on how the JCW GP compares to the Honda Civic Type R. The more humble Hardtop 2 Door models stay closer to the Mini script and are better for it. Some competing hatchbacks are more practical or more affordable — or both. But nothing can top the Hardtop 2 Door for providing retro fun with modern conveniences.
What's it like to live with?
We spent a full year with a Mini Cooper Hardtop 2 Door, shortly after the third-generation made its public debut. Over the course of 22,000 miles, we found plenty to like. There have been some changes since we tested that 2014 model, but the 2021 2 Door is still of the same generation and many of our observations still apply. Click here to read more about our time with the Mini Cooper.
Which Hardtop 2 Door does Edmunds recommend?
Step up to the Cooper S. This trim adds the punchy turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and upgraded sport seats. We would choose the midlevel Signature trim, not for the excessive panoramic sunroof but for its helpful automatic emergency braking and LED lighting.
2021 MINI Hardtop 2 Door models
The Mini Hardtop 2 Door comes in five main trim levels. The gas-powered Minis include the Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works (JCW) and John Cooper Works GP. Mini also offers the all-electric Cooper SE. From there, you can pick subtrims such as Classic, Oxford Edition, Signature and Iconic. You can consider them packages that essentially add features.
Cooper Hardtop 2 Door
Kicks things off with:
- Turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine (134 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque)
- Six-speed manual transmission or optional seven-speed automatic
- 15-inch alloy wheels
- Heated sideview mirrors
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Simulated leather seats
- 6.5-inch touchscreen
- Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door
Higher performance from:
- Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque)
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Additional driving modes
- Sport seats
John Cooper Works
Amps up the aggression with sporty accessories such as:
- More powerful 2.0-liter engine (228 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque)
- LED headlights
- Sport suspension
- 17-inch wheels
- Upgraded sport seats
John Cooper Works GP
A hardcore, dedicated sports model for track use that includes:
- High-output 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (301 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- GP-specific suspension tuning
- 18-inch wheels
- Larger brakes
- Digital instrument cluster
- No rear seats
- Large rear wing
Cooper SE
An all-electric model focused on efficiency. It has:
- 181-hp electric motor
- 110 miles of range
From here, you can add more features through packages and stand-alone options. The exact packaged features differ slightly depending on which main trim you pick, but broadly these packages include:
Oxford Edition
A budget-friendly package available on the Hardtop 2 Door base Classic trim that adds:
- 17-inch wheels
- Heated seats
- Panoramic sunroof
Signature
- LED headlights
- Heated front seats
- Keyless ignition and entry
Iconic
Includes the above, plus:
- Premium leather upholstery
- 8.8-inch touchscreen with navigation
- Head-up display
- Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
- Premium package
- Auto-dimming mirrors
- Harman Kardon sound system
- Satellite radio
Some of the packaged features are also available as stand-alone options. A Driver Assistance package (adaptive cruise control, parking sensors and automated parking system) is available with all three subtrims. Mini also offers a range of ways to customize your Hardtop with special wheel designs, unique exterior and interior trim, and special hood or roof graphics.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 MINI Hardtop 2 Door.
5 star(78%)
4 star(7%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(5%)
27 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
2 out of 5 stars
Fun but with faulty electronics and rattles galore
Aiden L, 09/25/2020
2020 MINI Hardtop 2 Door Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
Second 2dr S I’ve had (other was a 2013). While the iconic package looks great, the electronics were quite faulty; I was unable to use Apple CarPlay for the first four months of ownership, and I’ve had a variety of issues with the speakers. In addition, there are so many things that rattle, likes the HUD, something in the dash, in the trunk area, etc. I wanted to be a Mini guy, but the … poor quality vehicles (and even worse maintenance teams) make it very very difficult to consider. I’ve had the car 9 months, have driven less than 5k mi, and have taken it in for service more than five times already.
5 out of 5 stars
Very underestimated
Strider, 09/05/2022
2021 MINI Hardtop 2 Door Cooper SE 2dr Hatchback (electric DD)
It took a little convincing that the Mini Cooper SE was worth giving a go but I am so pleased I did! This has so much zip in it you can’t help but smile when you are driving it. Stopping at lights, so many other drivers underestimate how quick off the mark it is! The range is not an issue as it charges so quickly and also lasts longer than it’s initial estimation. Even on highways this … little beast seems to gain kms which goes against all logic. Such a fantastic car and I can’t wait to see what else Mini add to their lineup.
5 out of 5 stars
I love my Mini! :)
Justin, 09/27/2021
2017 MINI Hardtop 2 Door Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 6M)
I bought my 2017 Mini Cooper 2-Door Hardtop off a lease last year (in Summer 2020) with 38k miles. So far, she has been an absolute pleasure; the reviewer who said this is the kind of car you turn to look back at and smile when you park it is 100 percent on the money; this car isn't a practical decision but if you have that flexibility, it's worth the indulgence. My car has the base … Cooper engine and I still feel that oomph when I gun it; it's a blast!
My car has a few extras: heated seats, panoramic sunroof, and the 6.6" display that became standard in 2017 models; overall, this car feels much more deluxe than its price tag dictates. It is after all a BMW in British costume so you get the best of both worlds, and it drives like a video game dream; I find the curviest roads in upstate NY to zip down and my Mini never fails to deliver! Maintenance/service on this car are expensive; a couple of brake pads and a sensor replacement cost me $625 after just a few months of owning the car, but that's part of the deal for having a beautiful, comfortably appointed subcompact that still turns heads!
3 out of 5 stars
Fun & Sporty Meets Quirky Poor Build Quality
Jfold, 04/22/2022
2021 MINI Hardtop 2 Door John Cooper Works 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
I like my Mini but have fallen out of love with it. The biggest complaint is that after a year, the car has multiple rattles, and they are horrendously annoying. At the price point, I would expect a car with higher quality materials and surfaces and more thought placed into useable space. Instead the car has many hard plastic surfaces, a totally useless center armrest that houses a … wireless phone charger that is too small to fit most phones. The cup holders offer zero adjustment and are awkwardly placed. There is very little space to place things such as phone and sun glasses. is also Anything prior to MY 22 will also be missing basic options such as heated steering wheel and blindspot monitoring.
I do mostly like my Mini. It is a blast to drive, but between the multiple intermittent rattles, missing options (for a top of the line model), and quirky interior, I think there are better options out there.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 MINI Hardtop 2 Door, so we've included reviews for other years of the Hardtop 2 Door since its last redesign.
2021 MINI Hardtop 2 Door video
Honda Civic Type R vs MINI John Cooper Works GP: 0-60, Price, Specs, Interior & More
In this comparison, Alistair Weaver pits the two hottest hatchbacks you can get against each other: the Mini John Cooper Works GP and the Honda Civic Type R.
2021 Hardtop 2 Door Highlights
Hatchback
Cooper Oxford
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $22,400 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 30 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $157/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 8.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Hardtop 2 Door models:
- Parking Assistant
- Finds an available parallel parking spot and guides the Hardtop into the space with minimal driver input.
- Front and Rear Park Distance Control
- Sounds an alert as the Hardtop approaches an object in front of or behind the vehicle.
- Active Cruise Control
- Maintains a set distance between the Hardtop and the vehicle ahead while the cruise control system is active.
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall4 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall4 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat3 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover11.1%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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