2026 MINI Convertible Expert Review
Reviewed by Billy Rehbock
Small convertibles are increasingly rare, but Mini remains faithful to fans of open-top motoring. The 2026 Mini Convertible is offered with three powertrain options, including the sporty John Cooper Works variant. The Mini Convertible squares off against a small field of competitors including the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Ford Mustang.
What’s New
Mini introduced the current-generation Convertible for 2025, so the 2026 version is a near-complete carryover. However, customers can option the new John Cooper Works (JCW) Style package on the Convertible Cooper S variant, which includes a JCW Aero Body Kit, distinctive wheels, and adaptive suspension dampers.
If you step up to the Iconic trim and get the JCW Style package, Mini also equips paddle shifters and upgraded brakes. Additionally, the 2026 model year brings new sport stripe options for Cooper S models.
What We Think
Shoppers in the market for a convertible under $50,000 have limited choices, but those who go for the Mini Cooper soft-top are making a purchase we endorse.
The entry-level model should have decent acceleration, though the Cooper S is sprightlier. Those who want the hottest FWD convertible on sale should spring for the JCW, which receives unique gearing and navigation-based predictive shifting. An aggressive shift schedule helps the powertrain feel responsive and eager to get going.
Our first drive of the Mini Convertible was mostly on straight roads, but based on our impressions of the Hardtop Cooper variants, with their remarkable body rigidity, we’re expecting the drop-top model to be similarly nimble.
The Mini’s folding top is quick and simple, operating with the touch of a single button, and the round infotainment display has a responsive interface and even keeps track of your open-top time over the course of ownership.
The Mini Convertible’s shortcomings are mostly related to its size. Its second row is small, and the trunk is only big enough for a couple of small bags. Additionally, the available blind-spot monitoring range could be extended to better compensate for the folded top’s height.
Whether you choose the entry-level Convertible Cooper or the range-topping JCW, Mini’s open-top model has the emotional appeal and tech to back up its pricing. The 2026 Mini Convertible is proof that you don’t need to spend more than $50,000, or even $40,000, to have fun in the sun.
Top-Ranked Competitors:
Performance
All versions of the 2026 Mini Convertible are FWD with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, but tuning varies by model. Entry-level variants receive a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 developing 161 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, which Mini says is good for a 0–60-mph time of 7.9 seconds.
Next in the model line is the Cooper S, which is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo developing 201 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph drops to 6.7 seconds.
At the top of the range, there’s the 2026 Mini Convertible John Cooper Works, which receives upgraded fuel injectors, different cam profiles, and other tweaks to reach 228 hp and 280 lb-ft. The drastic hike in output over the Cooper S drops Mini’s claimed 0–60-mph time to 6.2 seconds.
MPGs and Range
Those who want to squeeze the most efficiency out of a 2026 Mini Convertible should stick with the base model. The lowest-output variant returns 27/37 mpg city/highway.
If you want more power, there isn’t much of an efficiency trade-off for the Cooper S; the sportier spec is rated at 26/36 mpg.
The JCW variant is the least efficient of the bunch, but not by much; Mini claims a fuel economy rating of 26/35 mpg.
All Mini Convertible variants are good for 348 miles of range.
Safety Features
Every 2026 Mini Convertible receives a small suite of active safety features, but more tech is available via packages or at higher trims.
Standard features include:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- LED headlights with cornering lights
- Front and rear parking sensors
The optional Driving Assistant Plus package bundles camera and radar-based steering assistance with lane keep assistance, and available Parking Assistant Plus detects and maneuvers into open parking spaces. Adaptive cruise control is reserved for the highest trim.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The whole point of the 2026 Mini Convertible is its compact dimensions, so it’s no surprise that the interior isn’t very spacious for second-row passengers. The trunk is also small, but not as tight as that of the Mazda Miata.
Technology
Infotainment
The 2026 Mini Cooper Hardtop receives a standard 9.4-inch circular central display, setting it apart from other models in its segment. The touchscreen includes features such as Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, navigation, and Mini’s Augmented View traffic information.
All convertibles use Mini Operating System 9, which offers standard voice commands, over-the-air updates, and digital key functionality. Unlike the Mini Cooper Hardtop, which has Mini’s full Comfort Access 2.0 system, you need to touch your key to the door handle to unlock the vehicle and then set your phone on the standard wireless charger to start driving.
While the central display provides instrument cluster functionality, all models also come equipped with a head-up display that provides redundant and additional information, ensuring the driver’s focus remains on the road.
Sound System
A six-speaker sound system is standard in the 2025 Mini Convertible. A 12-speaker arrangement from Harman Kardon is available as an upgrade.
Mini Experience Modes
The 2026 Convertible stands out among small cars with its available interior twin projectors. These projectors can display subtle graphics on the dashboard and door trim as part of the Mini Experience Modes feature. Users can personalize these graphics in the Mini app.
Value
Standard Features
The 2026 Mini Convertible Signature is equipped with 17-inch wheels and black mirror caps, and it’s offered with four paint colors. Inside the cabin, there’s a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, cloth upholstery navigation, and a head-up display.
Recommended Trim
Mini offers the 2026 Convertible with three powertrains: Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works. Each of those variants can be equipped at three trim levels: Signature, Signature Plus, and Iconic.
We suggest going for the Cooper S to get a nice balance of power and efficiency. Spring for the Iconic trim to get the most customization options, the Comfort Package Plus, navigation with augmented reality, adaptive cruise control, Parking Assistant Plus, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Pricing for models equipped in this way begins just over $43,000.
