MINI Cooper vs Toyota Corolla
The MINI Cooper is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 110 mpg combined versus 52 mpg for the Toyota Corolla, a 58 mpg advantage and costs about $500 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the MINI Cooper leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2027
Toyota Corolla
Compact Cars · 112 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | MINI Cooper | Toyota Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 110 mpg ✓ | 52 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 119 mpg ✓ | 53 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 100 mpg ✓ | 52 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $700 ✓ | $1,200 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 272 g/mi | 170 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI, SIDI, 1.6 | SIDI & PFI, Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; 1-mode, SIDI & PFI; 3-mode |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AM-S7), Manual 6-spd, Automatic (A1) | Automatic (AV-S10), Automatic (variable gear ratios), Manual 6-spd |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Electricity | Regular, Premium |
| EPA class | Subcompact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 135 | 112 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Cooper vs Corolla: common questions
Which is better on gas, the MINI Cooper or the Toyota Corolla?
The MINI Cooper is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 110 mpg combined versus 52 mpg for the Toyota Corolla, a 58 mpg advantage and costs about $500 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 $1,200 for the Toyota Corolla — a difference of roughly $500 per year.
What engines do the Cooper and Corolla offer?
MINI Cooper: SIDI & PFI, SIDI, 1.6. Toyota Corolla: SIDI & PFI, Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; 1-mode, SIDI & PFI; 3-mode.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
The EPA classifies the MINI Cooper as Subcompact Cars and the Toyota Corolla as Compact Cars, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.
More Cooper comparisons
Comparison id: mini-cooper-vs-toyota-corolla