MINI Cooper vs Lexus RC
The MINI Cooper is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 110 mpg combined versus 26 mpg for the Lexus RC, a 84 mpg advantage and costs about $2,200 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the MINI Cooper leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | MINI Cooper | Lexus RC |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 110 mpg ✓ | 26 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 119 mpg ✓ | 22 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 100 mpg ✓ | 32 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $700 ✓ | $2,900 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 272 g/mi ✓ | 345 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI, SIDI, 1.6 | SIDI & PFI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AM-S7), Manual 6-spd, Automatic (A1) | Automatic (S6), Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Electricity | Premium |
| EPA class | Subcompact Cars | Subcompact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2025 |
| Configurations on record | 135 | 50 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Cooper vs RC: common questions
Which is better on gas, the MINI Cooper or the Lexus RC?
The MINI Cooper is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 110 mpg combined versus 26 mpg for the Lexus RC, a 84 mpg advantage and costs about $2,200 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 $2,900 for the Lexus RC — a difference of roughly $2,200 per year.
What engines do the Cooper and RC offer?
MINI Cooper: SIDI & PFI, SIDI, 1.6. Lexus RC: SIDI & PFI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the MINI Cooper and the Lexus RC as Subcompact Cars, so they compete directly.
More Cooper comparisons
Comparison id: mini-cooper-vs-lexus-rc