Archived model-year dossier
2021 MINI Cooper
The 2021 Mini Cooper gets its second refresh, with a standard 8.8-inch display, new wheels including an 18-inch pulse-spoke design, and the Oxford Edition opened to all buyers. NHTSA lists 4 recalls and no complaints. EPA rates the range 26 mpg to 108 MPGe combined, and the electric Cooper SE gets 110 miles of range.
Configurations13
Model/option labels7
Combined efficiency26–108 MPG/MPGe
Electric range110 mi
Decision answers5
What changed on the 2021 Mini Cooper
GRR (opens in a new tab) says the core Mini models get their second refresh for 2021, a refresh and not a new generation, with a standard 8.8-inch central display with a refreshed interface and new wheels including 18-inch pulse-spoke items. AutoIndustriya (opens in a new tab) adds that the exterior changes include new wheel options and more color options.
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says Mini expanded availability of the value-oriented Oxford Edition, once limited to recent college graduates and military members, to everyone. The base three-cylinder engine is rated at 31 mpg combined and returned 38 mpg in its 200-mile highway test with the six-speed manual, while the 2.0-liter in the Cooper S is rated 27 to 30 mpg combined. BMW Blog (opens in a new tab) says the electric Cooper SE adds steering wheel heating as standard and a new multimedia main menu with live widgets.
Recalls and problems owners report
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2021 Mini Cooper, and no owner complaints. 20V283000 covers the air bag control module on 2021 Mini Hardtop 2 Door models, and 21V554000 covers seat belts on a list of BMW models that includes the Mini. Two more, 24V302000 and 24V612000, cover the high-voltage battery on 2020-2024 Cooper SE models.
Consumer Reports (opens in a new tab) has an overview page for the year.
2021 Cooper against the BMW 2 Series
EPA rates the 2021 Mini Cooper at 26 mpg to 108 MPGe combined and $700 to $3,000 a year in fuel, with 110 miles of range on the electric SE. The BMW 2 Series lists 24 to 28 mpg combined at $2,750 to $3,250. The gas Mini has the better top-end mpg, and the SE is far cheaper to fuel.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2021 MINI Cooper: 6 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | 0–60 mph | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper Oxford | 1.5-liter 3-cylinder (Turbo) | Manual, 6-Spd | FWD | 134 | 162 | 7.3 s | 26 / 37 / 30 mpg | 4 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Cooper | 1.5-liter 3-cylinder (Turbo) | Manual, 6-Spd | FWD | 134 | 162 | 7.3 s | 26 / 37 / 30 mpg | 4 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Cooper SE | Electric Motor | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | FWD | 6.9 s | 4 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | |||
| Cooper S | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Manual, 6-Spd | FWD | 189 | 207 | 6.5 s | 23 / 33 / 27 mpg | 4 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| John Cooper Works | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Manual, 6-Spd | FWD | 228 | 236 | 5.9 s | 23 / 33 / 27 mpg | 4 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| John Cooper Works GP | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport | FWD | 301 | 5.9 s | 24 / 30 / 26 mpg | 4 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Payload | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper Oxford | 2,707 lb | 151.1 in | 55.7 in | 98.2 in | 5.6 in | 11.6 gal | 40.3 in | 41.4 in | 816 lb | P205/45R17 |
| Cooper | 2,707 lb | 151.1 in | 55.7 in | 98.2 in | 5.6 in | 11.6 gal | 40.3 in | 41.4 in | 816 lb | P205/45R17 |
| Cooper SE | 3,153 lb | 151.4 in | 55.7 in | 98.2 in | 5.6 in | 40.3 in | 41.4 in | 816 lb | P205/45R17 | |
| Cooper S | 2,824 lb | 151.9 in | 55.7 in | 98.2 in | 5.6 in | 11.6 gal | 40.3 in | 41.4 in | 816 lb | P205/45R17 |
| John Cooper Works | 2,855 lb | 152.5 in | 55.7 in | 98.2 in | 5.6 in | 11.6 gal | 40.3 in | 41.4 in | 816 lb | P205/45R17 |
| John Cooper Works GP | 2,855 lb | 152.5 in | 55.7 in | 98.2 in | 5.6 in | 11.6 gal | 40.3 in | 41.4 in | 816 lb | P205/45R17 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2021 MINI Cooper trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | Cooper Oxford | Cooper | Cooper SE | Cooper S | John Cooper Works | John Cooper Works GP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | ||||||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Surround-view camera | Opt | – | – | – | – | – |
| Front and rear parking sensors | – | Opt | – | Opt | Opt | – |
| Rear parking sensors | Std | Std | Opt | Std | Std | – |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | ||||||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | – | Opt | Std | Opt | Opt | – |
| Bluetooth | – | Opt | Std | Opt | Opt | – |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | – | Opt | Std | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Premium audio system | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | – |
| Real-time traffic information | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Satellite radio | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | – | Opt | Std | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Emergency and security services | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | ||||||
| Heated front seats | Opt | Opt | Std | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Opt | – | – |
| Panoramic moonroof | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | – |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | ||||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Opt | Std | Opt | – |
| Fog lights | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | – | Opt | – | – | Std | – |
| Roof rails | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | – |
| Power-folding mirrors | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | – |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | – | Opt | – | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | – |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
13 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42526Cooper Convertible | 1.5L 3-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S7) | Premium | 28 | 37 | 31 | N/A |
| 42718Cooper Convertible | 1.5L 3-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveManual 6-spd | Premium | 26 | 37 | 30 | N/A |
| 42530Cooper Hardtop 2 door | 1.5L 3-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S7) | Premium | 28 | 37 | 31 | N/A |
| 42719Cooper Hardtop 2 door | 1.5L 3-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveManual 6-spd | Premium | 26 | 37 | 30 | N/A |
| 42531Cooper Hardtop 4 door | 1.5L 3-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S7) | Premium | 28 | 37 | 31 | N/A |
| 42720Cooper Hardtop 4 door | 1.5L 3-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveManual 6-spd | Premium | 26 | 37 | 30 | N/A |
| 42527Cooper S Convertible | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S7) | Premium | 26 | 34 | 29 | N/A |
| 42528Cooper S Convertible | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveManual 6-spd | Premium | 23 | 32 | 26 | N/A |
| 42532Cooper S Hardtop 2 door | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveManual 6-spd | Premium | 23 | 33 | 27 | N/A |
| 42565Cooper S Hardtop 2 door | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S7) | Premium | 26 | 35 | 30 | N/A |
| 42533Cooper S Hardtop 4 door | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveManual 6-spd | Premium | 23 | 33 | 27 | N/A |
| 42566Cooper S Hardtop 4 door | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S7) | Premium | 26 | 35 | 30 | N/A |
| 42634Cooper SE Hardtop 2 door | Electric motor / not listedEV | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1) | Electricity | 115 | 100 | 108 | 110 mi |
Model-specific answer center
5 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2021 MINI Cooper versus the 2020 MINI Cooper?
Model year
Against the 2020 MINI Cooper: Transmissions added: Manual 6-spd. Certification records went from 7 to 13. Midpoint combined efficiency moved from 68.5 to 67.0 MPG/MPGe. Federal recall campaigns on file went from 2 for the 2020 to 2 for the 2021.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02How quickly does the 2021 MINI Cooper accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
Performance
The 2021 MINI Cooper's 0-60 mph time is 5.9 seconds on the John Cooper Works and John Cooper Works GP up to 7.3 seconds on the Cooper Oxford and Cooper, across 6 trims. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q03How do the 2021 MINI Cooper trims differ from one another?
Trims
The Cooper SE has Bluetooth audio streaming, Bluetooth, heated front seats and 2 more as standard equipment over the Cooper. The Cooper S has alloy wheels and rear parking sensors as standard equipment over the Cooper SE. The John Cooper Works has 228 hp against 189 and a rear spoiler as standard equipment over the Cooper S. The John Cooper Works GP has 301 hp against 228 and heated front seats, leather seats, proximity keyless entry and satellite radio as standard equipment over the John Cooper Works.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q04What brake fluid, refrigerant and key-fob battery does the 2021 MINI Cooper use?
Maintenance
The 2021 MINI Cooper owner's manual names a CR2032 coin-cell battery in the key fob. Source: 2021 MINI Cooper owner's manual. The 2020 model year has the same figure.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q05What size wheels does the 2021 MINI Cooper have?
Wheels and tires
The 2021 MINI Cooper's wheel diameter is 17 inches on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2020 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2021 MINI Cooper.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the MINI Cooper across model years.
Ownership desk
Problems and maintenance decisions worth checking next.
Warning lightsRed brake warning light: first checksStop driving →Starting and chargingHow to jump-start a 12-volt vehicle safelyDepends →Engine and coolingBlue, white or black exhaust smoke: what it suggestsSoon →Transmission and drivetrainClicking from the front axle while turningSoon →Brakes, tires and steeringVehicle drifts or pulls to one sideSoon →Climate and electricalOne power window does not workRoutine →