GREEN CHOICE

Mini Cooper

Name: 2012 Mini Cooper
Brand: Mini

EPA MPG: 29 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 29 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

Despite being the least-expensive Mini, the base Mini Cooper with a manual transmission is our top-scoring variant. It outscores the faster turbocharged Cooper S and larger Clubman due to its better ride and fuel economy. Even with its base engine, the Mini is a joy to drive with excellent handling and braking. Fuel economy is impressive at 33 mpg overall, but it requires premium fuel. A slightly choppy ride and high interior noise levels grate on a long trip. The rear seat is small and many controls are overly complicated and unintuitive. Bluetooth is standard on all models. An all-new model debuted for 2014.

2012 Sports Cars & Convertibles Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Mini Cooper

vs. Similar Cars

Audi A5

BMW 1 Series

BMW 3 Series

Cadillac CTS

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Acceptable

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Acceptable

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mini vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

View all Owner Satisfaction

Mini vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Mini vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Acceptable

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

2012 Sports cars 4/5-seat Ratings

2012 Mini Cooper

$3,675 - $7,400

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Audi A5

$5,750 - $9,850

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Audi S4

$9,825 - $9,975

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Audi TT

$8,875 - $18,250

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 BMW 1 Series

$6,600 - $9,025

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 BMW 3 Series

$6,575 - $13,575

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 BMW 6 Series

$8,025 - $10,675

EPA MPG NA

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Cadillac CTS

$4,350 - $22,175

EPA MPG 21 mpg

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2012 Chevrolet Camaro

$7,775 - $24,900

EPA MPG 18 mpg

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2012 Dodge Challenger

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2012 Fiat 500

$3,025 - $4,875

EPA MPG 33 mpg

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2012 Ford Focus

$2,825 - $5,050

EPA MPG 32 mpg

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2012 Ford Mustang

$7,425 - $34,100

EPA MPG 20 mpg

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2012 Honda Civic

$3,875 - $8,525

EPA MPG 31 mpg

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2012 Honda Civic Si

$ NA

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

$4,800 - $6,675

EPA MPG 20 mpg

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2012 Hyundai Veloster

$4,550

EPA MPG 31 mpg

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2012 Jaguar XK

$10,900 - $24,050

EPA MPG NA

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2012 Mercedes-Benz CL

$12,450 - $18,200

EPA MPG NA

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2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse

$4,550 - $8,150

EPA MPG 19 mpg

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2012 Nissan GT-R

$54,325 - $54,625

EPA MPG NA

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2012 Porsche 911

$41,350 - $85,250

EPA MPG NA

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Subaru Impreza WRX/STi

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volkswagen Eos

$5,500 - $5,550

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volkswagen GTI

$6,400 - $6,925

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volkswagen Golf R

$ NA

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volkswagen Jetta

$3,975 - $5,375

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volvo C30

$6,825 - $7,750

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volvo C70

$6,675

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

2-door hatchback

wagon

convertible

coupe

2 front, 2 rear

Front

1.6-liter 4 turbo (181 hp)
1.6-liter 4 (121 hp)
1.6-liter 4 turbo (208 hp)

6-speed automatic
6-speed manual

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2025-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned Mini Cooper is immediately recognizable and retains its charm, agility, and fun-to-drive nature, But alas, a manual transmission is no longer available. You can choose between two-door, four-door, and convertible body styles, and all are available in standard, sportier S, and ultra-sporty John Cooper Works versions. The 201-hp, 2.0-liter turbo-four in the two-door Cooper S we tested makes punchy power and sounds sporty. The standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission shifts quickly but causes uneven power delivery at low speeds. Fuel economy is commendable at 33 mpg overall. Handling is super agile, but the ride is stiff and choppy. The redesign brings a minimalist cabin but is still adorned with whimsical details and has a premium vibe. The large, circular center screen acts as the infotainment and climate functions interface, and is augmented by a head-up display--vital, due to the lack of a separate driver's instrument screen. BSW, RCTW, and adaptive cruise control are optional.

2014-2024

2014 Redesign Year

The redesigned 2014 Cooper grew wider and longer, rides better, and has more normal controls. Improved ride and better noise isolation make it more suitable for longer drives and up to date connectivity for the time was welcomed. Even with these improvements, the Mini's frisky character and unmatched charm remain intact. The base turbocharged three-cylinder is surprisingly powerful, and the turbo four-cylinder in the S is strong. We got 31 mpg with the base car, and 30 in the S. While the automatic works well, the manual transmission better fits the Mini's nature. If you want a fun little car, go for the base Mini. But if you want something really sporty, check out the Cooper S. Beyond that, keep things simple. New features for 2016 include an available Sports package with driver-adjustable suspension settings. Updates for 2020 included standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

2007-2013

2007 Redesign Year

We really enjoy the Mini Cooper's excellent handling and performance. Nimble, quick and more refined, this 2007 redesign continues to be a lot of fun to drive. However, the ride quality of our S model test car was very stiff. Further, the design compromises practicality with its tiny rear seat and small trunk. This is a car you get because it's fun, rather than because it's practical. The larger and somewhat more practical Clubman arrived in 2008 with a small third door and a useful back seat.

2002-2006

2002 Redesign Year

The Mini Cooper is fun to drive and has plenty of head- and legroom up front. This version uses a small four-cylinder engine, paired with a slick manual, a CVT in early versions, or a responsive six-speed automatic. Handling is agile, with quick, precise steering and very little body roll. However, the ride can be choppy. The base engine lacks oomph, but the Cooper S, in early supercharged or later turbocharged form, is quick. A short windshield limits visibility, the rear seat is tiny, and the stylized controls and gauges are a confusing jumble. But if you're looking for a car with character, the Mini Cooper has lots of it.