The Mini Cooper is a subcompact luxury crossover featuring a unique old-school exterior. It offers insane fuel economy and decent engine performance across six trim levels. For the 2024 models, pricing ranges between $26,795 and $46,455. Although the brand upholds durability and occupants’ comfort, some drivers may prefer alternatives. If you’re one of them, we’ve got the best cars similar to Mini Cooper for you to pick from.
The Best Cars Similar To Mini Cooper
We have compiled a list for you if you’re looking for cars similar to Mini Cooper. Check them out below to find a fantastic subcompact crossover that suits you.
1. Hyundai Veloster N
The Veloster N is Hyundai’s new hot hatch. It is popular because it has three doors. This feature gives it a smooth coupe-like appearance while still allowing easy and safe access for passengers climbing into the rear seat. The interior is comfortable, offering tangible head and legroom for rear and front-seat occupants. You also get a decent trunk space under the tailgate. An 8.0-inch intuitive display lets you access Hyundai’s Blue Link Connected Care and Remote package.
The car runs on a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 275 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual is the standard transmission that feeds the FWD. Moreover, you can spend an extra $1,500 on an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, adding an over-boost function to increase torque by up to 18 pound-feet temporarily. The base setup accelerates from zero to 60 mph in merely 5.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 155 mph. Also, it earns 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway.
All Hyundai N cars have a mode selector that lets you choose between the Eco, Normal, Sport, and N driving modes. Furthermore, the N Custom mode lets you customize your preferred settings for the engine’s throttle response, standard adaptive dampers, limited-slip differential, selectable engine rev matching, stability control, steering weight, and exhaust. Hyundai ended the Veloster N line in 2022, with the latest model starting at about $33,595 for a new unit.
2. Toyota GR Corolla
Nowadays, you will see some Toyota cars tagged GR, don’t worry, it’s just a more practical version. The GR Corolla is nothing like a normal Corolla, aside from sharing some interior components. Inside, you get a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, push-start button, heated seats and steering wheel, aluminum pedal covers, ambient lighting, and automatic climate control. Its standard 8.0-inch infotainment screen offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
This car is one of the fastest cars similar to Mini Cooper. It runs on a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine tuned to deliver up to 300 horsepower. This engine relies on a standard six-speed manual transmission to power the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system. With this system, you can toggle between different power distribution modes. The 60/40 front-to-rear split is ideal for everyday driving, while the 30/70 allows for drifting antics. Furthermore, a 50/50 split option provides maximum traction for racing.
While fuel economy is average at 21 MPG in the city and 28 on the highway, 4.9 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph is an exemplary feat. Lastly, front and rear limited-slip differentials are available for all trim levels. A new 2024 Toyota GR Corolla ranges between $37,595 and $46,235, depending on the trim and options.
3. Volkswagen Golf GTI
The GTI is in its eighth generation after the 2022 redesign. This upgrade bolstered looks and interior spacing, along with practicality and tech offerings. Inside, the GTI is a blend of modern and epic designs. Its dash sports a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster display. Depending on the trim, you can choose between an optional 10.0-inch and a standard 8.0-inch infotainment system.
Crucial safety features like automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control are offered as standard. For the 2024 models, the primary engine is the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which is good for 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, but you can choose the optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Either setup will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 5.8 seconds.
The Golf GTI is also rated among the best cars for long-distance travel. Its much-appreciated dynamics are owed to the revised suspension, electronically controlled limited-slip differential, and brake-based torque vectoring. For fuel efficiency, this car delivers 25 MPG in the city and 34 on the highway (via the EPA). A new 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI will set you back at least $33,190. Pricing can go up to $42,050, depending on the trim and extra features you opt for.
4. BMW X2
Among cars similar to Mini Cooper, the X2 offers the best combination of comfort and performance. Its interior is modern and features lots of cool tech, including a toggle switch for a gear selector. On the dashboard, you get a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.7-inch screen for infotainment. Additionally, you can opt for a remote start, heated front seats, and a steering wheel.
All X2s run on a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine that pairs with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This engine delivers 241 horsepower for the base trims, while the Motorsport M35i xDrive takes things up a notch. This trim packs bolstered engine internals and extra boost pressure to take power output up to 312 horsepower. Also, it achieves a higher top speed of 155 mph and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in only 4.4 seconds. Meanwhile, the base setup is only good for 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph.
Regarding gas mileage, the base trim levels earn 24 MPG in the city and 33 on the highway. The M-variant only drops 1 MPG. Some standard X2 features include 19-inch wheels, a giant infotainment display, LED headlights, and active blind spot detection. The 2024 BMW X2 ranges between $42,995 and $52,395, depending on your preferred trim.
5. Kia Soul
Kia’s Soul is the closest cars similar to Mini Cooper in terms of looks. It shares the same boxy unibody exterior but with more modern touches. Also, its interior offers more passenger room and cargo space. Along with a standard 8.0-inch infotainment screen, you get ambient lighting, a smartphone charging pad, a head-up display, push-button ignition with keyless entry, and heated front seats and steering wheel. You can also opt for a larger 10.3-inch infotainment display.
The car relies on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates only 147 horsepower. Also, a continuously variable automatic transmission and Front-wheel drive are standard. This setup requires at least 8.0 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph, and its top speed is 130 mph. Despite this lethargic performance, the Soul is only good for 27 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway.
Furthermore, the sporty GT-line trim features driver-assistance features as standard, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Depending on your preferred trim, you can get a new 2024 Kia Soul for between $21,565 and $25,865.
6. Lexus NX 250
The Lexus NX is a subcompact SUV known for its incredible luxury interior. The base NX250 model, which is among the best cars similar to Mini Cooper, runs on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine puts out up to 203 horsepower, which is over 70 ponies less than all other trims. You can have this car as either front—or all-wheel drive with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission.
Regarding performance, the NX 250 is slow yet offers a comfortable ride for occupants. It has a top speed of 124 mph and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds. Furthermore, it has a maximum payload capacity of 2,000 pounds, which is impressive for its category of cars. Fuel efficiency is a bit above average, with 26 MPG in the city and 33 on the highway. Interior fitting and safety tech are the only outstanding aspects of this car.
A 9.8-inch infotainment display is standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Some cool optional features include a panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, an ambient interior lighting system with 64 different color choices, and black open-pore wood trim. Lastly, a new Lexus NX 250 will set you back only $40,605.
7. Volvo XC40
The XC40 is another impressive subcompact SUV among the Mini Cooper alternatives. It is famous for its durability and a substantial suite of standard smart safety features. Its interior is roomy and comfortable, with leather accents and a 9.0-inch Volvo Google-based Infotainment display. This system is intuitive and controls just about everything in the cabin. Along with its good looks and smart interior, many drivers will favor the XC40 because of its 3,500-pound payload capacity. Insane performance right there!
Speaking of performance, the XC40 takes only 6.1 seconds to hit 60 mph from zero. It also reaches a top speed of 135 mph thanks to its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 247 horsepower. This engine pairs with a 48-volt hybrid system and relies on a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission to power all four wheels (AWD). According to the EPA, this setup earns 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.
For the 2024 model year, the lineup features a new Plus trim level. For $5,000, you can upgrade and add a 360-degree surround-view camera, cabin air purifier, 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, LED fog lights, a power-folding rear seat, and a crystal gear selector. The 2024 Volvo XC40 starts at $41,795 and gets as high as $50,595, depending on your preferred trim level.
8. Audi Q3
Are you in the market for a Mini Cooper alternative with the goal of finding one offering a quiet interior and a balanced ride-and-handling equation? The latest Audi Q3 answers all, plus adaptive cruise control across all trims. All Q3s run on a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Moreover, it delivers 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque in the base 40 variant, then 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet in higher-end 45 trims.
The Quattro all-wheel drive system is standard for both trims and relies on an eight-speed automatic transmission. It takes about 7.3 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph for the ’45’ trims. Furthermore, its ride quality is top-class thanks to the comfort-tuned suspensions and precise steering wheel. Regarding gas mileage, 22 MPG in the city and 29 on the highway are poor, considering the engine’s performance. Worse still, you lose 1 MPG when you opt for the more powerful engine trim level, which is still slow.
Inside, you get eight-way power-adjustable front seats and lumbar support for the driver. Also, the standard 8.8-inch touchscreen MMI infotainment system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can opt for a 10.1-inch display with the same content. The top optional features include SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless charging, and a 15-speaker, 680-watt Sonos stereo system. The 2024 Audi Q3 price starts at $38,595 and goes up to $43,795, depending on the trim and extra features you opt for.
9. Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 is a compact crossover like most Mini Cooper alternatives. Mazda offers the CX-30 with a posh interior, sports-tuned chassis, and lots of standard safety features. The top offerings are automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. You can control the 10.3-inch infotainment system sprouting from the center of the dashboard using a rotary knob on the center console.
Many drivers favor the optional turbocharged engine, which delivers 256 horsepower, but it’s only available for the more expensive trims. The standard CX-30 engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that delivers only 191 horsepower. A smooth six-speed automatic transmission and an AWD system are standard. The turbo engine accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, while the non-turbo engine manages 8.1 seconds.
The EPA estimates that the base setup has a gas mileage of 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. Meanwhile, the turbo four setup delivers 22 and 30 MPG, respectively. Top trims also offer an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, a power sunroof, silver-painted 18-inch wheels, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and keyless entry. The price range for a new 2024 Mazda CX-30 is from $26,415 to $38,220, depending on the trim level.
10. Nissan Kicks
Nissan Kicks is one of the cheapest cars similar to Mini Cooper. In this case, cheap means less offerings. The 2024 models enjoy standard additions like a new 8.0-inch infotainment display, adaptive cruise control, 17-inch wheels, and a center console armrest. Under the hood, you get a lethargic inline four-cylinder engine that generates only 122 horsepower. This engine pairs with a CVT automatic and FWD as standard. As expected, there is no AWD upgrade.
The car offers decent steering feedback and ride quality but lacks throttle response. Its zero-to-60 acceleration time is the slowest on this list, at 9.7 seconds. Also, it has a top speed of 110 mph. If you’re looking to save money, a gas mileage of 31 MPG in the city and 36 on the highway will go a long way. The only issue is how long it takes you to get there. Plus, maintenance costs are at a minimum.
The 2024 Nissan Kicks starts at $22,730 and can get as high as $25,290, depending on the trim you choose.
Conclusion
Many drivers love the Mini Cooper for its distinctive retro look. You will also enjoy the fun go-kart-like handling it offers. However, the design may not be a good fit for some applications. This is why we selected some cars that share the Cooper’s best traits. The cars we listed are similar to Mini Cooper yet offer some extra advantages thanks to the more flexible exterior designs. There’s a car for every need and lifestyle on this list. Hope you found yours.
