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2018 MINI Hardtop

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Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

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2018 Cooper 2dr
most popular
Price:   -  From $21,600
2018 Oxford Edition 2dr Price:   -  From $21,600
2018 Cooper 4dr Price:   -  From $22,600
2018 Cooper S 2dr Price:   -  From $25,200
2018 Cooper S 4dr Price:   -  From $26,200
2018 John Cooper Works 2dr Price:   -  From $31,800

Overview

Buyers who want the quintessential Mini experience naturally gravitate to the charming Hardtop. The small hatchback, available in a traditional three- or a more versatile five-door body, delivers plenty of personality, spunky performance, and unmistakable style for the price of some conventional compacts.

What's New for 2018

A rear-view camera and rear parking sensors are now standard.

MINI Hardtop

Choosing Your MINI Hardtop

The Hardtop starts out with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that develop 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The standard six-speed manual transmission features automatic rev-matching, as does the optional six-speed automatic ($1,250). Even with the base engine, the Hardtop is quick for its class – low-end torque is a particular strong point – and achieves an EPA-estimated 32 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving, or 30 mpg with the automatic.

The available 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo in the Cooper S provides a boost to 189 hp and 207 lb-feet of torque. The automatic yields slightly better efficiency in this case, 28 mpg combined versus 26 mpg with the manual. There's also a high-output version of the 2.0-liter reserved for the John Cooper Works models that delivers 228 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque without any loss of efficiency.

Two-door versions offer 34 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the four-door maxes out at 40.7 cubic feet. These figures are typical for a subcompact hatchback.

Trim levels differ mainly in engine and other performance hardware:

MINI Hardtop

Cooper

Gets the 1.5-liter engine, plus an electronic limited-slip differential, keyless ignition, automatic headlights and wipers, leatherette upholstery with cloth inserts, a cooled glovebox, and heated mirrors. The six-speaker infotainment system features HD radio, smartphone integration, and a 6.5-inch infotainment display. The Cooper rolls on 15-inch alloy wheels as standard. Prices start at $22,450 for the three-door (including an $850 destination charge), and $23,450 for the four-door.

MINI Hardtop

Cooper S

Carries the 189-hp 2.0-liter engine, along with a hood scoop, adjustable driving modes, sport seats, dual center-mounted exhaust tips, 16-inch wheels, and LED fog lights. The two-door Cooper S starts at $26,050, while the four-door is priced from $27,050.

MINI Hardtop

John Cooper Works

Comes with the more powerful 2.0-liter, an firmer suspension, Brembo front brakes, and 17-inch wheels. The outside receives LED headlights and an aerodynamic body kit. The steering wheel and seat upholstery are also unique. The JCW is available as a two-door only, starting at $32,650.

Mini offers a huge array of options a la carte, although the best are packaged together. The Cold Weather Package ($750) adds heated front seats and power-folding and auto-dimming side mirrors. The $1,750 Technology Package tacks on navigation, a high-resolution 8.8-inch display, and an automated parking system. The Premium Package kicks up the luxury quotient with a panoramic sunroof, a Harman Kardon sound system, keyless access, and ambient interior lighting.

The Cooper can get a Sport Package ($2,000) with a driver-adjustable suspension, sport seats, 16-inch wheels, and unique exterior accents. The Cooper S is available with a Sport Package of its own, adding 17-inch wheels and the adjustable suspension for $1,500. John Cooper Works Interior ($600) and Exterior ($3,250) packages are available on the Cooper and Cooper S and add some of the range-topping model's visual flair without compromising the lesser trims' more relaxed driving character.

The Fully Loaded Package for the Cooper ($5,250) and Cooper S ($4,750) combines the contents of the Technology, Premium, and Sport packages. (Cold Weather remains optional.)

Several different types of upholstery are available on all models, ranging from $750 to $2,250 – customers are also free to customize the cabins with stylish trim pieces on the dash and doors. Dual hood stripes (in black or white) are offered for $100 and are easily matched to the no-cost contrasting roof. Buyers can also choose from of a wide range of graphics and dress-up items like red hubcaps ($75), full-roof decals ($305), and rearview mirror caps ($100). All three models are available with a large variety of wheel options priced from $0 to $2,000.

CarsDirect Tip

The basic Cooper outperforms most cars in this class, so we recommend driving one before deciding whether an upgrade to the sportier S or JCW is in order. Note that the JCW's sport suspension can get harsh in daily driving, but MINI allows buyers to "downgrade" to the standard suspension at no cost.

Get your price on a MINI Hardtop »

author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Contributing Editor

Small, nimble, and backed by BMW, the Mini Hardtop maintains its core constituency by delivering attractive variations on its iconic theme and a timeless look, while delivering premium features few mainstream models match.

Best Value

The 2018 Mini Hardtop offers an expressive style and is available as a three- or five-door hardtop. A convertible is marketed separately.

We like the Hardtop three-door with a starting price of $22,450, including an $850 destination charge. It is ideal for city dwellers who want the best blend of style and price in this timeless classic – and to be frank, the five-door makes the back seat easier to access, but it's not so much roomier that we'd pay the extra $1,000.

Standard features include a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, 15-inch silver aluminum wheels, dual power remote heated side mirrors, front and rear anti-roll bars, a tilt and telescopic steering column, cloth seats, air conditioning, a six-speaker audio system, and satellite radio. A six-speed manual transmission is standard while a six-speed auto adds $1,250 to the starting price.

The Mini Hardtop is available in Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works grades. We recommend the base Cooper model, but also recognize that for some people nothing less than a turbocharged four-cylinder engine will do as found in the Cooper S and John cooper Works. For those owners, consider the Cooper S before stepping up to the high-price JCW – the performance gap is smaller than Mini's marketing would have you believe.

Mini is renowned for its approach to customization. While there are option packages that bundle popular features together, virtually every piece of equipment is available as an a la carte option. Put simply, a Mini is the most customizable, factory-built vehicle this side of a Porsche. We'd suggest focusing your funds on functional equipment rather than the bevy of cosmetic items – the Fully Loaded Package is a smart place to start. It bundles some of the most popular gear from the other available packages together into a single tick of the box. But speaking of aesthetics, it's tough to get away without dropping some coin. Mini only offers one standard color – Moonwalk Grey. Of the 11 other available colors, one demands $1,000, while each of the others adds $500 to the price tag. At least Mini's iconic contrasting roof is still a no-cost option.

  • Model: 2018 MINI Hardtop 2-Door
  • Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder
  • Output: 124 hp/162 lb. ft.
  • Transmission: Six-speed manual
  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
  • MPG: 28 city/38 highway
  • Options: Fully Loaded ($5,250; LED headlights, upgraded wheels, panoramic moonroof, dynamic damper control, sport seats, navigation, parking assistant, and a Harman/Kardon audio system)
  • Base Price: $22,450 (including $850 destination charge)
  • Best Value Price: $27,700

Performance

MINI Hardtop

The base 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine won’t wow you for its straight-line speed (although off-the-line torque is genuinely surprising, almost diesel like), but drivers receive ample compensation when carving up corners and while darting in and out of traffic. When it comes to braking, the Mini Hardtop comes to a firm stop.

You have a choice of six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions. If you insist on an automatic, we recommend upgrading your engine choice with it.

If you want more power, the Cooper S with its muscular 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 189 horsepower, while the performance-oriented John Cooper Works edition serves up 228 horsepower.

Interior and Exterior

The Mini Hardtop offers a contemporary take on the original 1960s theme. Fortunately, Mini doesn’t depart too far from the tried-and-true look in delivering a modern classic. Whether shopping the three-door or the five-door model, you’ll find an endless supply of customization options, including special paint schemes.

The current look reflects a redesign undertaken three years ago with its now longer nose, upright windshield, and lighting touches on the front fenders. Subtle differences separate Mini models, but an iconic theme remains.

Inside, the Mini Hardtop offers room for four. The front seats are comfortable for the driver and passenger, but most will find rear space lacking, even in the five-door model. Consider that space ideal for children or you can fold-down the rear seat to gain additional storage space.

Overall, the interior offers a “class above” look with its stylish cabin marked by a circular theme common throughout — instrument gauges, center console, door handles and beyond. The cabin is sufficiently insulated and ride comfort is generally better than any other small car on the market, a far cry from Minis of old.

The Best and Worst Things

The Mini Hardtop successfully brings the brand's traditional styling forward to the 21st Century. Even though it’s been back on the market in the US for about 15 years, it's still a head turner. The base engine is thrifty, but it’ll disappoint anyone looking for a performance edge. That’s where the Cooper S comes in as a better choice.

Right For...

MINI Hardtop

Anyone desiring a timeless classic. There’s nothing else like the Mini out there.

Wrong For...

The budget-minded consumer. Sure, a base model without the common trappings won’t break your bank, but Mini it's dangerously easy to inflate even a Cooper's price to something absurd – it's very easy to take a base model and puff it up to north of $30,000.

The Bottom Line

The Mini Hardtop can be had in three- and five-door body styles with performance ranging from mild to wild. Prices can climb fast too, but package offerings bundle the best features for a reasonable cost.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.5L I-3 / 134 HP / 162 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Standard: 6-spd man w/OD
Available: 6-spd Steptronic w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
28 / 38 / 33 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
4
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.5L I-3 / 134 HP / 162 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
28 / 38 / 33 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
10.6 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$40
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
38.0 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
Exterior Length
151.1 "
Exterior Width
68.0 "
Exterior Height
55.7 "
Front Headroom
40.3 "
Rear Headroom
36.9 "
Front Legroom
41.4 "
Rear Legroom
30.8 "
Front Shoulder Room
50.6 "
Rear Shoulder Room
47.8 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
2,605 Lbs. / 2,675 Lbs.
Wheel Base
98 "
Turning Radius
17.7 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
2 Doors
Wheels
15.0 " Silver Aluminum / 16.0 " Silver Aluminum / 18.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum / 17.0 " Silver Aluminum / 18.0 " Silver Aluminum / 17.0 " Black Aluminum / 16.0 " Black Aluminum / 17.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Clearcoat Monotone With Stripe / Clearcoat Two-tone / Metallic Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers
Body-colored / Body-colored With Chrome Insert
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Surround / Chrome
Rear Spoiler
Lip / Wing
Exhaust
Stainless Steel With Polished Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
4
Seat Trim
Sensatec Leatherette / Leatherette / Cloth/leatherette / Cloth/leather / Leather / Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket / Sport Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way / 8-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
6-way / 8-way
Front Armrests
6-way / 8-way
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm/hd, Seek-scan / Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
6 / 10 Harman/kardon
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt Style
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Express Open/close
Rearview Mirror
Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver And Passenger
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
1
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver And Passenger
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Directionally Adaptive
Parking Sensors
Rear / Parking Assistant With Front & Rear Pdc Automated
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Major Components Months
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months
48 Months / Unlimited Miles
Corrosion Perforation
144 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2018 MINI Hardtop for Sale

1 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
MINI
Cooper
Color: Red
Price

$15,998

Mileage

61,925 mi

Map location icon

CarMax Norco - Offering Express Pickup and Home Delivery (49 mi)

Phone: (833) 659-1382

Other MINI Hardtop Listings

We have expanded the search to include other MINI Hardtop years that you might be interested in.

MINI
Cooper S
Color: Orange Metallic
Price

$21,471

Mileage

34,738 mi

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Gardena Nissan (6 mi)

Phone: (424) 260-5446
MINI
John Cooper Works
Color: Midnight Black
Price

$37,999

Mileage

5,503 mi

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BMW & Mini Cooper of DTLA (11 mi)

MINI
Cooper
Color: British Racing Green
Price

$20,998

Mileage

20,257 mi

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BMW & Mini Cooper of DTLA (11 mi)

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