2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door John Cooper Works

Price Range: $35,900 ^{Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.}

MINI Hardtop 2 Door John Cooper Works 2dr Hatchback Exterior

+13

The Mini Cooper maintains a lot of what made the original Mini so popular. It's fun to drive and has easy-to-reach limits, and its diminutive size makes it a great city car. But the drawbacks include a serious lack of storage, lackluster fuel economy and a convoluted infotainment system. Unless practicality is a low priority for you, the Mini's faults may be too glaring to ignore.Read full review

26 Owner Reviews

29 mpg

Combined MPG

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$33,108

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2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door Review

byMark Takahashi^{Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.}

Pros

All engines blend quickness and fuel efficiency
Nimble handling helps keep the Hardtop glued to the road
Many available add-ons allow for personalization
Upscale interior

Cons

Ride can be stiff and choppy, especially with larger wheels
Gas-powered Hardtop is pricier than most rivals
Rear seats are a vestigial appendage
Android Auto is not offered

What's new

A new Resolute Edition debuts with exclusive paint and interior colors
Last year's Classic and Signature Plus subtrims have been discontinued
Minor shuffling of features between trim levels
Part of the third Hardtop generation introduced for 2014

Overview

Considering how much time we spend in our cars, doesn't it make sense to choose a vehicle that makes us happy? If you're looking to add some fun and personality to your commute, we suggest the 2023 Mini Cooper 2 Door. This spritely little hatchback inherits a lot of the charm of the original Minis from the 1960s, infused with modern engineering and technology from parent company BMW.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door John Cooper Works 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) 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 $3.98 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$171/mo

$161/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Coming off a styling refresh last year, the Mini Cooper 2 Door returns with only minor changes, including a new Resolute Edition that only brings some color palette revisions. There are also some feature content changes that may evolve over the year as supply chain issues persist. You can count on the Mini Cooper to continue to offer its unique blend of playfulness and performance.

The Mini Cooper 2 Door is showing its age, though, as it was last redesigned nine years ago. In that time, more refined, comfortable and convenient hatchback rivals have come and gone. We suggest checking out newer competitors that include the Mazda 3, Honda Civic and Volkswagen GTI before committing to a new Mini. These fresher alternatives are easier to live with and benefit from newer technology features, but they lack the Mini's personality. Add in its many customization options and the Mini should attract even more extroverts, but keep an eye on how those pricey options affect the bottom line.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Average

7.4

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the Hardtop 2 Door drive? The Mini presents like it might have more style than substance, but in fact the opposite is true in the handling department. It is its own small bundle of fun, even if it is less powerful than almost any of its competitors. Our test Mini Cooper S, equipped with the quick-shifting automatic transmission, scooted from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. That's a full half-second slower than the Volkswagen Golf GTI with its dual-clutch automatic but bests the manually shifted Honda Civic Si.

When hauling yourself down from speed, the Cooper S is lacking compared to rivals. It took us 120 feet to stop from 60 mph. The Golf GTI needed just 103 feet and the Civic Si 106 feet. The brake pedal feel is too soft and far from communicative — simply put, the brakes are the Mini's biggest dynamic fault. Its steering and handling, on the other hand, are twitchy and alive and give the Mini a stout handling character that almost reminds us of the Minis of old. Its performance is both easy to access and fun to dig into, and we like that about this generation of Mini.

Comfort

7/10

How comfortable is the Hardtop 2 Door? Minis have always been known for their harsh ride, and the Hardtop doesn't change that. Even the smallest road imperfections incessantly make their way into the cabin. Our test car produced lots of road and wind noise too. The Mini does claw some comfort points back, however. The front seats are very comfortable and fit a range of body sizes. There's also enough headroom for drivers who are above average height to fit in easily.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? Everything inside the Mini is easy to reach. The doors are long and the openings are large enough to make getting into the front seats a breeze and the back only a small hassle. We also like the Mini's driving position, which feels low down and in the heart of the car.

Visibility is also surprisingly good. The Mini's roof pillars are thin enough that they don't obstruct a driver's view and there are practically no blind spots to speak of. It also has a surprisingly airy cabin for such a small car and never feels cramped inside even with other passengers on board.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Save as much as $3,642 with Edmunds ^{Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $3,642 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the John Cooper Works trim.}

2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door John Cooper Works pricing in Ashburn, VA

Edmunds suggests you pay

Build & Price

Technology

7/10

How’s the tech? Because Mini is owned by BMW, a lot of the Cooper's interface mimics a last-generation iDrive setup. That means there's a rotary control flanked by shortcut buttons and a touchscreen. The circular element that the screen sits inside means a very wide, almost letterbox-shaped screen that's compromised. We know the central speedometer is a classic Mini touch, but it might be time to move on from that design motif.

Aside from that, the infotainment is relatively easy to get used to. The shortcut buttons work well, and it has wired and wireless Apple CarPlay but lacks Android Auto. Driver aids are limited too. You can't get blind-spot warning or adaptive cruise control, for example.

Storage

6.5/10

How’s the storage? As you might have guessed, storage is minimal. The cargo area behind the rear seats is just 8.7 cubic feet, which simply pales in comparison to something like a Volkswagen Golf GTI. If you fold the seats down, you get enough storage for bigger items like a set of golf bags, but the seats don't fold flat and the parcel shelf is a pain to remove. The entire process of making the Mini's rear hatch area a usable storage space can only be described as a burden.

There are two cupholders up front, but they're small. That in tandem with a tiny center console and minuscule door pockets means small-item storage is also far from ideal. Fitting a car seat isn't exactly simple either, and having to squeeze one between the rear pillar and a folded front seat is an exercise in extreme patience. All in all, don't expect the Mini to match the practicality of a bigger hatch like the Golf or a sedan like the Honda Civic Si or Hyundai Elantra N.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the Cooper S will get 31 mpg combined, which is pretty good for a sporty car. Unfortunately, we've found it difficult to match that number in real-world driving.

Value

7.5/10

Is the Hardtop 2 Door a good value? The Mini is competing with far superior performance machines like the Golf GTI and the Elantra N in terms of price. The Mini feels better built than the Hyundai, and the most recent GTI has lost some of the interior quality its predecessor had, making the Mini a nicer place to be in the end. Its performance doesn't quite stack up when you look at the numbers, but in the real world it would be hard to notice the difference. Mini's warranty coverage is generally on par with other small-hatch manufacturers. Mini also offers three years/36,000 miles of free maintenance, which helps elevate its ownership experience over other brands that compete in this space.

Wildcard

9/10

There's something permanently fun about a Mini. It's like nothing else on the road. Add to that a lengthy list of customization options and you end up with a car that has significantly more personality than most cars. It's also fun to drive, has easy-to-approach limits, and with a manual transmission, we think it would make an excellent first car for any budding enthusiast.

Which Hardtop 2 Door does Edmunds recommend?

The midrange Cooper S trim gets our recommendation since it delivers more performance than the base model without the stiffer ride of the John Cooper Works version. We'd also suggest opting for the manual transmission for even more driver engagement, and if you don't know how to drive a stick shift, this is a great car to learn on.

Compare 2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

MINI Hardtop 2 Door Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.4

26 reviews

5(65%)

4(19%)

3(4%)

2(12%)

1(0%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Great little car - The cheapest BMW you can buy

A Fortner, 09/16/2022

2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door John Cooper Works 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

I think this Mini Cooper JCW great car. It’s really it’s own thing, and doesn’t compare to other cars like the GTI/Golf R. It’s just different. I’ve owned both of those Volkswagens. They both had more power, but the power band was very narrow so that you had to constantly shift, and they couldn’t put the traction down. They also have this weird thing where they lift up in the front when …

JCW the Mini Hell Kitty

gvas, 03/26/2023

2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door John Cooper Works 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

I love this car. I used to have Hellcat now i have a Hellkitty. Its all good.

See all 26 reviews of the MINI Hardtop 2 Door

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2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door videos

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2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door Features & Specs

Type:

John Cooper Works

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$35,900
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$171/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	8.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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MINI Hardtop 2 Door vs. Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 is as fun to drive as the Mini and benefits from a more refined interior and styling that still manages to turn heads. We suggest stepping up to the turbocharged engine, which also comes with all-wheel drive — a rarity among hatchbacks. You may not get as many customization options as the Mini, but you'll enjoy more cargo and passenger space.

Compare MINI Hardtop 2 Door & Mazda 3 features

MINI Hardtop 2 Door vs. Honda Civic

The Honda Civic Hatchback should be plenty sporty for most drivers, though it's not as engaging as the Mini until you step up to the more expensive Civic Type R. There is the comparably fun Civic Si, but it's only offered in a sedan body style. Either Civic model will provide more space for cargo and rear passengers than the Mini.

Compare MINI Hardtop 2 Door & Honda Civic features

MINI Hardtop 2 Door vs. Volkswagen GTI

When it comes to fun hatchbacks, the VW GTI essentially wrote the book. The GTI is more powerful than the John Cooper Works model, delivers similar handling performance, and is also more comfortable and spacious. It may not have the extroverted personality of the Mini, but the GTI makes up for it with a high-quality interior.

Compare MINI Hardtop 2 Door & Volkswagen GTI features

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Hardtop 2 Door safety features:

Automatic Emergency Braking: Detects objects in the vehicle's path and can automatically apply the brakes if the driver doesn't intervene quickly enough.
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 stars

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	4 / 5
Driver	4 / 5
Passenger	5 / 5
Side Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	4 / 5
Side Barrier Rating	Rating
Overall	4 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	3 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings	Rating
Front Seat	5 / 5
Back Seat	3 / 5
Rollover	Rating
Rollover	4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result	No Tip
Risk Of Rollover	11.1%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test	Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test	Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated	Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original	Good
Side Impact Test – Updated	Not Tested
Roof Strength Test	Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Good

FAQ

Is the MINI Hardtop 2 Door a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 Hardtop 2 Door both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.4 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Hardtop 2 Door has 8.7 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 Hardtop 2 Door. Learn more

What's new in the 2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door:

A new Resolute Edition debuts with exclusive paint and interior colors
Last year's Classic and Signature Plus subtrims have been discontinued
Minor shuffling of features between trim levels
Part of the third Hardtop generation introduced for 2014

Learn more

Is the MINI Hardtop 2 Door reliable?

To determine whether the MINI Hardtop 2 Door is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Hardtop 2 Door. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Hardtop 2 Door's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 Hardtop 2 Door and gave it a 7.4 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 Hardtop 2 Door is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door?

The least-expensive 2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door is the 2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door John Cooper Works 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $35,900.

Other versions include:

John Cooper Works 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $35,900

Learn more

What are the different models of MINI Hardtop 2 Door?

If you're interested in the MINI Hardtop 2 Door, the next question is, which Hardtop 2 Door model is right for you? Hardtop 2 Door variants include John Cooper Works 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of Hardtop 2 Door models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door John Cooper Works

Pricing

2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Save as much as $3,642 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $3,642 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the John Cooper Works trim.

Edmunds suggests you pay

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Hardtop 2 Door does Edmunds recommend?

MINI Hardtop 2 Door Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Great little car - The cheapest BMW you can buy

JCW the Mini Hell Kitty

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2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door videos

The Cheapest EVs You Can Buy Today | Most Affordable Electric Cars & SUVs for 2024

2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door Features & Specs

Compare the MINI Hardtop 2 Door

MINI Hardtop 2 Door vs. Mazda 3

MINI Hardtop 2 Door vs. Honda Civic

MINI Hardtop 2 Door vs. Volkswagen GTI

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Hardtop 2 Door safety features:

NHTSA Overall Rating 4 out of 5 stars

IIHS Rating

FAQ

Is the MINI Hardtop 2 Door a good car?

What's new in the 2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door?

Is the MINI Hardtop 2 Door reliable?

Is the 2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door?

What are the different models of MINI Hardtop 2 Door?

Related 2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door John Cooper Works info

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Save as much as $3,642 with Edmunds ^{Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $3,642 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the John Cooper Works trim.}