Cars Similar To The Mini Cooper (8 Alternatives in 2022)

In a market boasting pick-ups and SUVs, small cars like the Mini Cooper stand out easily. Made famous by pop culture and its own motor racing pedigree, this British brand has been creating an impression since the ‘60s.

And the latest third-gen model showed up nearly a decade ago. In the US, the Mini Cooper range is priced between $28,600 and $37,800.

But we have compiled a list of the top 8 alternatives to the Mini Cooper with different price tags and features that you wouldn’t want to miss. So let’s take a look!

1. Kia Soul ($19,790 – $24,090)

Similarities Between the Kia Soul and the Mini Cooper

Like the Cooper, the Kia Soul gets a monocoque chassis with independent front suspension and is powered by gas engines driving the front wheels via automatic transmissions. Their four-pot variants also share comparable highway MPG figures.

The two also get driver-oriented cabins that integrate different trim bits and interesting accents to liven up the mood. Easy-to-use infotainment systems and comfortable front seats are common as well.

Other comparable features in both cars are Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, Forward Collision Warning with Pedestrian Detection, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, and multiple airbags.

How Does the Kia Soul Separate Itself from Cooper?

The Kia Soul is a subcompact crossover rather than a hatchback with a boxy, intimidating exterior. It’s also larger, and its practical design makes ingress & egress easier too.

The interior of the Soul has more room for people and cargo, while its standard 5-door configuration is more ergonomic and user-friendly. Its high seating position also allows for better visibility.

The Soul’s ride quality is better than the Mini; it offers more creature comforts even in its base avatar. Lastly, the Kia also packs more standard safety aids.

Here are the Kia Soul’s other strengths:

• Far cheaper to buy
• Features a larger infotainment screen
• Better city MPG
• Gets a larger fuel tank
• Longer warranty coverage

If you want a small practical crossover with a quirky personality and decent handling characteristics, then the Kia Soul is worth checking out. Here’s its detailed specifications table:

2. Honda Civic ($25,450 – $30,550)

Similarities Between the Honda Civic and the Mini Cooper

Like the Mini, the Civic is also a unibody construction that utilizes fully independent suspension. It comes with a 1.5-Liter Turbocharged gas engine that powers the front wheels via an automatic or a manual gearbox.

The cars are of a comparable height, while their base automatic variants share similar MPG figures as well. Moreover, they also weigh about the same.

The Civic can also be had with split-folding rear seats, a modern & stylish dashboard design, a digital gauge cluster, and a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay connectivity.

What Makes the Honda Civic Stand Out?

The Civic hatchback is considerably bigger than the Mini Cooper, despite being more contemporary and coupe-like in its form factor. It also gets a larger liftgate with easier boot access.

Speaking of which, the Civic’s trunk and passenger compartment are also considerably more spacious. The suave and intelligent design of the air-con vents is far more upscale than the Mini’s traditional units.

Even the base trim of the Civic gets Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Warning & Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, and Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keeping Assist System.

Here are some more of the Civic’s USPs:

• Costs considerably less than the Mini
• Its base variant makes more power
• Gets Android Auto as standard
• Features a larger infotainment display
• Its roof can carry up to 154 pounds

If you want a well-built and fuel-efficient popular family car, then the Honda Civic is worth your time. Check out this car’s specifications table below:

3. Mazda MX-5 Miata ($27,650 – $32,650)

Similarities Between the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Mini Cooper

The MX-5 Miata is also a monocoque construction with two doors. Its gas powerplant spins two wheels via either a manual or an automatic gearbox.

The Mazda also gets all-around independent suspension, a similar-sized fuel tank, and a comparable maximum output. The manual version’s city MPG is close to the Mini’s, and their ground clearance is similar too.

On the inside, the MX-5 Miata also feels sporty and snug. Similarly, the seats of the Mazda feel supportive yet comfortable as well.

Where Does the Mazda MX-5 Miata Take the Lead?

The MX-5 Miata is a convertible sports car with a long hood, flared wheel arches, and a low-slung ride height. It’s also lighter than the Mini while boasting a near 50:50 weight distribution.

The Miata has a shorter turning radius too. And its engine sends the power exclusively to the rear wheels. The interior is positively minimalistic, and its equipment list is stronger than its Mini competitor.

Here are some more of the MX-5 Miata’s fortes:

• Predictable controls
• Much cheaper
• Faster to 60 mph in manual form
• Gets even more standard safety features

For those who want a thoroughbred and reliable two-door sports car, then the Mazda MX-5 Miata will keep you happy. Check out this car’s specifications table below:

4. Subaru WRX ($29,605 – $42,395)

Similarities Between the Subaru WRX and the Mini Cooper

Both cars are based on a unibody construction and feature independent suspension all around. The WRX is also a compact car, with its gas engine being mated to either a manual or an automatic gearbox.

The WRX also gets supportive front seats, while the steering wheel here also gets contrast stitching. The Subaru also hosts comparable features like LED headlamps, split-folding rear seats, cruise control, and a touchscreen infotainment screen.

Where Does the Subaru WRX Stand Out From the Mini Cooper?

While the Mini has a good motorsport history, Subaru’s is even richer. Furthermore, the WRX looks much more sporty and rugged than the Cooper.

The WRX is not only faster in its base form but also fun to drive on rougher surfaces and capable of being refined on most occasions. It’s also available in more exterior colors.

Here are WRX’s other niceties:

• Gets AWD as standard
• Sports a larger passenger and cargo volume
• Extremely reliable drivetrain
• Gets more standard exterior colors

If you like an affordable family sedan that comprises capability, a roomy cabin, and punchy performance, then the WRX is a good deal. Here’s this Subaru’s specifications table:

5. Volkswagen Golf GTI ($30,180 – $38,720)

Similarities Between the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Mini Cooper

Just like the Mini Cooper, the VW Golf is also a compact car that’s been around for a long time. It, too, sports a unibody construction with fully independent suspension on all four corners.

Comparable to the Mini, the Golf GTI is mainly powered by a gasoline engine that spins the front wheels via a manual or an automatic gearbox. In their manual avatars, both cars return similar fuel economies.

Both get similar features like a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, a digital instrument cluster, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED ambient lighting, and Forward Collision Warning & Autonomous Emergency Braking.

What Stand-Out Features Does the Golf GTI Have?

The Golf GTI is larger than the Mini Cooper, giving it a bigger boot. Even in its base iteration, the GTI looks sportier and more athletic than the Cooper.

The VW hatchback also gets a red brake caliper, Sport Suspension, a front Limited-Slip Differential, and an Electronic Differential Lock. Moreover, the cabin of the Golf GTI is roomier and more practical as well.

Below are some more of the Golf GTI’s positives:

• Gets a ton of driver-aids as standard
• Sports a larger fuel tank
• Comes with Android Auto
• Faster than the Mini

If you want a frugal, sporty family hatchback with a comfortable cabin, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is the car for you. Check out this car’s specifications table below:

6. Hyundai Veloster N ($32,500)

Similarities Between the Hyundai Veloster N and the Mini Cooper

Like the Mini Cooper, the Veloster N is a hatchback as well. The latter is also a unibody design with disc brakes & independent suspension all around.

The Mini Cooper alternative’s height is similar, and it can also be had with gas engines that drive the front wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The interior of the Veloster N also feels sporty and is meant for four people, while its infotainment display is comparable in size to the Mini.

Which Are the Hyundai Veloster N’s Unique Features?

The Veloster N is only available in a sporty 3-door format, and it gets plenty more aero touches on the outside. It is also larger in almost every dimension.

The Hyundai offers more cargo space, and supportive Sport Seats with color-matching seatbelts come as standard. Its interior is also simpler and more ergonomic, while the touchscreen is easier to use as well.

Here are Veloster N’s other strengths:

• Much sportier to drive
• Gets state-of-the-art driver aids as standard
• Comes with Android Auto as well
• Faster than the Mini
• Offers longer warranty coverage

If you’re hunting for an excellent value-for-money hot hatchback that’s also practical for daily use, the Veloster N must be on your shortlist. Let’s check out its specifications table:

7. Mercedes-Benz A-Class ($33,950 – $35,950)

Similarities Between the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and the Mini Cooper

The A-Class is also a premium nameplate featuring a monocoque chassis and fully independent suspension. It comes with a gas engine that primarily drives the front wheels and is mated to an automatic transmission.

The Mini Cooper alternative is just as tall, and its engine’s output and fuel economy figures are similar as well. Also, the A-Class is just as quick to 60 mph as the Mini.

Both cars get a comparable boot space, while their interiors feel equally upscale and stylish. They get similar features like heated front seats, split-folding rear seats, a touchscreen infotainment screen, and Apple CarPlay.

How Does the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Stand Out?

Unlike the Mini Cooper, the A-Class is a sedan. It’s not only longer and wider, but it also comes with a longer wheelbase.

The Mercedes-Benz is comparatively posher, and its overall design exudes more class and sportiness. Its twin digital screens are also better than the Mini’s displays.

Here are the A-Class’s other strong suits:

• More comfortable seats
• Gets plenty more standard equipment
• Available in more standard colors
• More affordable at the high-end
• Boasts a larger fuel tank

If you’re searching for a premium compact car that’s fun to drive and looks great, then the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is worth your attention. Here’s the A-Class’s specifications table:

8. Audi A3 ($34,900 – $40,500)

Similarities Between the Audi A3 and the Mini Cooper

The A3 is also a premium marque built on a monocoque chassis. It gets independent suspension, four-corner disc brakes, and a gas engine with an automatic gearbox that drives the front wheels.

Both cars get comparable boot space and exterior height. The 2.0-liter version of the A3 is just as quick as the Mini, with their automatic variants sharing similar MPG figures.

The cabin of the Audi feels just as upmarket and features dual digital screens, too. Both get fancy trim bits and similar equipment like Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking.

What Differentiates the Audi A3 From the Cooper?

The Audi A3 is a sedan and is, therefore, a bigger car than the Mini Cooper. Its interior is also a touch more spacious and generally more comfortable.

Furthermore, the A3’s interior looks and feels very modern, while the design is super sleek yet sporty. Audi’s Quattro AWD system makes for great driving characteristics even in inclement conditions.

Below are the Audi A3’s other USPs:

• Gets larger & higher-definition displays
• Android Auto is offered as standard
• Rides better
• Gets a larger fuel tank
• Can seat 5 people

If you want a well-equipped, comfortable, and tech-laden compact sedan, then the Audi A3 is worth a hard look! Here’s Audi’s specifications table:

These are some of the top alternatives to the Mini Cooper. Each competitor brings certain advantages that will suit prospective buyers. We suggest you check out each one of them and take them out on a test drive before signing the dotted line. And if you’re looking for car alternatives to Toyota RAV4, we’ve got you covered there as well!