2025 Mini Cooper

Although BMW purchased the Mini brand in the 1990s and modern examples are much larger than their mid-20th century forebears, Mini retains a lot of its retro cool British sensibility. Some vehicles are still assembled in the UK. The sporty Mini Cooper is one of the smallest vehicles on the market, with a go-kart-like character that makes it exceptionally fun to drive. The larger Countryman competes with small SUVs, and John Cooper Works editions add even more power and more raucous handling. Mini sells both gas and electric versions (branded as “SE”) of every vehicle. Manual transmissions are no longer offered. Until recently, Mini had a checkered reliability history—several older models sat near the bottom of our reliability ratings. However, newer Minis have been among the most reliable on the market. Buyers of used models should pay careful attention to which model and year they choose.

The redesigned, fifth-generation Mini Cooper, launched only as a 2-door hatchback, is immediately recognizable, but that familiar styling houses a transformed interior. The cabin is more minimalist than before; there is no instrument panel, just a large, circular center screen. A head-up display is available, with augmented reality that can overlay navigation directions atop roads. The base Cooper produces about 156 hp from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and the sportier Cooper S creates 201 hp from a turbocharged version of that engine. The automaker claims 0-60 mph sprints can tick by in 6.3 seconds. Both engines are matched to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.