MINI Cooper vs Ford Mustang
The MINI Cooper is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 110 mpg combined versus 26 mpg for the Ford Mustang, a 84 mpg advantage and costs about $1,650 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the MINI Cooper leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Ford Mustang
Subcompact Cars · 133 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | MINI Cooper | Ford Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 110 mpg ✓ | 26 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 119 mpg ✓ | 22 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 100 mpg ✓ | 33 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $700 ✓ | $2,350 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 272 g/mi ✓ | 341 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI, SIDI, 1.6 | 5.2, 5.0, SIDI & PFI, with Stop-Start |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AM-S7), Manual 6-spd, Automatic (A1) | Automatic (AM-S8), Manual 6-spd, Automatic (S10) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Electricity | Premium, Regular |
| EPA class | Subcompact Cars | Subcompact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 135 | 133 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Cooper vs Mustang: common questions
Which is better on gas, the MINI Cooper or the Ford Mustang?
The MINI Cooper is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 110 mpg combined versus 26 mpg for the Ford Mustang, a 84 mpg advantage and costs about $1,650 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the MINI Cooper runs about $700 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,350 for the Ford Mustang — a difference of roughly $1,650 per year.
What engines do the Cooper and Mustang offer?
MINI Cooper: SIDI & PFI, SIDI, 1.6. Ford Mustang: 5.2, 5.0, SIDI & PFI, with Stop-Start.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the MINI Cooper and the Ford Mustang as Subcompact Cars, so they compete directly.
More Cooper comparisons
Comparison id: mini-cooper-vs-ford-mustang