Model tested: 2025 Mini Cooper S hardtop 2-door
Engine: 2-liter twin turbo 4-cylinder
Transmission: 7-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Horsepower: 201
Torque: 221 lb.-ft.
EPA ratings: 28 mpg/city, 39/highway, 32/combined
Base price: $34,600
As tested: $37,295
Overview: The 2025 Mini Cooper S hardtop is the smallest of the “not as small as they used to be” Mini Cooper lineup. Our bias comes from owning several ’60s Minis that truly were diminutive. As the Mini Cooper S has grown, so have its amenities and technological advances. What hasn’t changed is the fun factor — a two-door Cooper S is a hoot to drive spiritedly and it’s also very comfortable when relaxed driving is desired. We took a pleasurable 400-mile trip in our test Mini and got over 42 mpg.
Walkaround: Mini Cooper styling has evolved, but it’s still readily identifiable as a Mini, especially in bold hues like Sunny Side Yellow — a color ideally suited to the Mini’s personality. High-tech, 17-inch wheels and low-profile tires give a performance look instead of a cheap, economy sedan vibe. The black roof houses a great panoramic glass roof, which brightens the interior. Fit and finish are in line with the Mini’s parent company, BMW.
Interior: The interior story is a classic good news-and-bad news scenario: great for two, not so great for four passengers. Front-seat room and comfort are excellent, as are ingress and egress. The back seat is best for very small children. Front legroom is super stretch-out, and the deep bolstered seats are very supportive and comfortable on a long trip. The extra-thick steering wheel and head-up display are pluses. The rear hatch opens high, and cargo capacity is fair with split fold-down seats. Interior small items storage is poor, so we used the back seat as a catch-all.
Behind the wheel: The raw “go-kart with doors” experience of first-generation Minis is gone, but handling dynamics are outstanding and much safer than the old days. Technology is good, even if it does require more space. Nimble is a great word for the Mini Cooper S — it easily slices through traffic and can be parked anywhere. Pacific Northwest backroads are a joy in the Mini and highway excursions are comfortable even if you can’t see over the SUV in front of you. Our overall fuel economy of 42.3 mpg was impressive.
Bottom line: The 2025 Mini Cooper S two-door hardtop isn’t for everyone, but it’s outstanding for two adults. The Mini Cooper lacks the multipurpose utility of big SUVs, but sometimes you just need fun, efficient transportation. When you need to move furniture, rent a truck, but when you want fun, comfort, style, safety and fuel economy, drive a Mini Cooper S.
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