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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 4 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Base Price | $30,253–$36,533 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.0/10, the 2018 Mini Cooper S earns a Good rating among the hatchbacks we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 7.4/10. It's a capable but unexceptional hatchback — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.7/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.2/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.4/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology comes in at 7.3/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $30,253–$36,533, 24 MPG, seating 4, the Mini Cooper S sits in the mid-market bracket of the hatchback segment. The value score of 6.6/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2018 Mini Cooper S, but it needs the right buyer. Its reliability and value scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2018 Mini Cooper S ranks #82 of 99 hatchbacks in the Carivo database — better than 18% of the segment. Its 7.0/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $30,253 starting price is about 30% above the segment's median of $23,280.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Hatchback ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Mini Cooper S scores 6.9/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.0 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.3/10 | $38,001 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.3/10 | $38,001 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.3/10 | $36,895 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.1/10 | $35,788 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.2/10 | $34,681 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.2/10 | $33,574 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.1/10 | $32,467 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.0/10 | $31,360 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 7.0/10 | $30,253 | |
| 2017 | 6.9/10 | $29,147 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 6.9/10 | $28,040 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 6.9/10 | $26,933 | Read review → |
We rate the 2018 Mini Cooper S's reliability 6.7/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
It scores 7.0/10 overall, ranking #82 of 99 hatchbacks in our database (better than 18% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2018 Mini Cooper S starts at $30,253 and ranges up to $36,533 across trims (MSRP when new). At 24 MPG, expect roughly $2,188/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Mini models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.