Against 381 other 4-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the Cooper beats their 26.3 mpg average by 5.7 mpg, about $260 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2002, the 1.5L 3-cyl (2014–2015), does 32.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2L 4-cyl (2016–2026), 29.3: $129 a year apart.
Every Mini Cooper engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 3-cyl | 29 / 38.5 | 2014–2015 | $1,182 | |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 26.5 / 34.6 | 2002–2015 | $1,284 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 26 / 34.8 | 2016–2026 | $1,311 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.100 |
| Fuel per year | $1,200 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,000 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2024–2026 | −$260 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,587 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Mini Cooper gives up 12 mpg in town: 39 on the highway against 27 in the city, $437 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 27 mpg | $1,422 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 39 mpg | $985 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +12 mpg (44%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Cooper changed over the years
The Cooper peaked in 2026 at 32 mpg (27 city, 39 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2002 at 25 — 7 mpg apart, or $336 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 model gains 2 mpg against 30 for the 2025.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 27 / 39 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2025 | 26 / 36 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2024 | 27 / 36 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2023 | 27 / 36 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2022 | 27 / 36 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2021 | 26 / 34 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2020 | 26 / 34 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2019 | 25 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2018 | 25 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2017 | 25 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2016 | 25 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2015 | 27.5 / 36 | 2 | $1,259 | |
| 2014 | 28 / 36.5 | 2 | $1,219 | |
| 2013 | 29 / 36 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2012 | 29 / 36 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2011 | 29 / 36 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2010 | 28 / 37 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2009 | 28 / 37 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2008 | 28 / 37 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2007 | 27 / 36 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2006 | 24 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2005 | 24 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2004 | 25 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2003 | 25 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2002 | 22 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 27 EPA ratings of the Mini Cooper — 3 engines across 2002–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,587. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Mini Cooper get?
32 mpg combined, 27 city and 39 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2002 the Cooper has averaged 29.9 mpg.
Is the 2026 Cooper more efficient than the 2025?
Yes: 32 against 30 mpg combined, about $80 a year less to run.
Which Cooper year has the best gas mileage?
The 2026, at 32 mpg combined (27 city, 39 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
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