MINI John Cooper Works vs Lexus RC
The MINI John Cooper Works is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 30 mpg combined versus 26 mpg for the Lexus RC, a 4 mpg advantage and costs about $350 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the MINI John Cooper Works leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
MINI John Cooper Works
Subcompact Cars · 56 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | MINI John Cooper Works | Lexus RC |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 30 mpg ✓ | 26 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 27 mpg ✓ | 22 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 37 mpg ✓ | 32 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,550 ✓ | $2,900 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 288 g/mi ✓ | 345 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI, SIDI | SIDI & PFI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AM-S7), Automatic (S8), Manual 6-spd | Automatic (S6), Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium | Premium |
| EPA class | Subcompact Cars | Subcompact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2025 |
| Configurations on record | 56 | 50 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
John Cooper Works vs RC: common questions
Which is better on gas, the MINI John Cooper Works or the Lexus RC?
The MINI John Cooper Works is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 30 mpg combined versus 26 mpg for the Lexus RC, a 4 mpg advantage and costs about $350 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the MINI John Cooper Works runs about $2,550 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,900 for the Lexus RC — a difference of roughly $350 per year.
What engines do the John Cooper Works and RC offer?
MINI John Cooper Works: SIDI & PFI, SIDI. Lexus RC: SIDI & PFI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the MINI John Cooper Works and the Lexus RC as Subcompact Cars, so they compete directly.
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