The 2022 MINI Hardtop receives a cosmetic refresh, supplemented by a dose of technology. The hatchback's exterior wears updated front and rear fascias, standard LED headlights, and piano black trim. The newly available Multitone Roof features a color gradient of blue, aqua, and black.
The interior gains ambient lighting, a fresh dash design, digital instrumentation, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen. Lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection are now standard.
The MINI Hardtop once again comes in four trim levels: Copper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works. All models except the SE are available in three subtrims: Classic (base), Signature, and Iconic. The SE comes in Signature, Signature Plus, and Iconic subtrims.
Pricing starts at $23,750 and climbs to $33,750 for the John Cooper Works before options.
Each 2022 MINI Hardtop trim gets it own turbocharged engine — or an electric motor in the case of the SE.
| Engine Type | Trim | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
| 1.5L Turbo 3-Cylinder | Cooper | 136 hp | 162 lb-ft | 31 mpg |
| 2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder | Cooper S | 192 hp | 206 lb-ft | 30 mpg |
| Electric Motor | Cooper SE | 184 hp | 270 lb-ft | 108 MPGe |
| 2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder | John Cooper Works | 231 hp | 235 lb-ft | 29 mpg |
The gas engines start out with a six-speed manual transmission. A seven-speed automatic is optional on the Cooper ($1,500) and Cooper S ($1,750). The John Cooper Works can be equipped with an eight-speed automatic for $1,500.
The Cooper SE carries a single-speed transmission and can travel up to 110 miles on a full charge. Recharging a fully depleted battery takes about 5 hours on a Level 2 home charger. With the SE's standard DC fast charging capability, drivers can get 80 percent charge in 36 minutes at a Level 3 charging station.
All Hardtop models feature front-wheel drive.
The MINI Hardtop is a subcompact hatchback with room for four. The Cooper and Cooper S are available in a four-door configuration ($1,000), which permits seating for five.
Two-door models can accommodate 8.7 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seat, and 34 cubic feet with it folded. The four-door does much better, offering 13.1 cubes with the rear seat in use, and 40.7 with it down.
Every MINI Hardtop comes with rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, and front collision mitigation with automatic braking and pedestrian detection. The Iconic subtrim also gets a head-up display.
The $750 Driver Assistance Package tacks on adaptive cruise control and an automated parking system. This package is standard on the Cooper SE Iconic only.
Two features found elsewhere in the class, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist, aren't available on any MINI Hardtop.
The standard infotainment system consists of an 8.8-inch touchscreen, six speakers, a USB port, and HD and satellite radio. To get anything else on gas models, buyers must advance to the Iconic subtrim, which includes navigation, wireless device charging, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and Apple CarPlay.
Navigation and Apple CarPlay are standard on the Cooper SE. Upgrading to the SE Signature Plus brings the Harman Kardon system and wireless charging. Note that Android Auto isn't offered at all.
In standard Classic trim, the Cooper comes with leatherette seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic wipers, full LED exterior lighting, and 15-inch alloy wheels.
Moving up to the Signature model ($4,000) brings a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, proximity key access, 16-inch wheels, and a storage compartment under the cargo floor.
The Cooper Iconic ($8,000) adds genuine leather seats, a heated steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a universal home remote, power-folding side mirrors, and 17-inch wheels.
Hardtop Cooper S — From $27,750
The Cooper S Classic carries the 192-hp 2.0-liter engine, plus selectable driving modes, front sport seats, and standard 16-inch wheels. Like the regular Cooper, the S is available in Signature and Iconic trims.
Hardtop Cooper SE — From $30,750
The electric-powered Cooper SE starts out in Signature trim, which for this model includes the heated steering wheel, but not the panoramic sunroof.
For that, buyers have to upgrade to the Signature Plus ($4,000), which also adds premium cloth and leatherette upholstery, the auto-dimming review mirror, and the power-folding side mirrors. Leather seats can be added for $500.
The SE Iconic ($7,000) gets standard leather, a vehicle alarm, a black headliner, and the Driver Assistance Package at no extra cost.
Hardtop John Cooper Works — From $33,750
The John Cooper Works packs the 231-hp 2.0-liter engine, plus a sport-tuned suspension, additional seat bolstering, and standard 17-inch wheels. Here, the Signature trim ($3,000) includes an adaptive suspension, and the Iconic ($7,000) comes with 18-inch wheels.
Compare Hardtop Trims Side-By-Side
While every MINI Hardtop offers sprightly performance for the price, the Cooper S provides the best balance of fun and affordability. The Signature and Iconic trims offer some attractive extras, but they come at a price that pushes the boundaries of what buyers are willing to pay for a car this size.
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