Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2025 Mini Cooper S
Our scoring places the 2025 Mini Cooper S at 7.3/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this hatchback. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 7.6/10. 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 score reliability at 7.0/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.4/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.4/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.6/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $38,001–$48,104, 31 MPG, seating 4, the Mini Cooper S sits in the mid-market bracket of the hatchback segment. The 7.1/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 1 year old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.
Our take: The 2025 Mini Cooper S is a passable hatchback but not a standout one. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
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 →
How It Ranks Among Hatchbacks
The 2025 Mini Cooper S ranks #49 of 99 hatchbacks in the Carivo database — better than 52% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $38,001 starting price is about 63% above the segment's median of $23,280.
$0 — 3 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Cooper S Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2022 Mini Cooper S scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2025's 7.3 — 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.
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
Broad dealer network supports easy servicing and parts availability
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
NHTSA Recalls — 2025 Mini Cooper S (3 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Electronic stability control (esc) 12/02/2024 · 24V104000
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2025 BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of…
Electronic stability control (esc) / Control module 18/09/2024 · 24V697000
BMW of North America (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 X1, 2024-2025 X5, 2025 X6, 2023-2025 X7, 740i, 760i, 2024 XM, 530i, 540i, i7, 750e, X2, 2024-2025 i5, 2024 Rolls Royce Spectre, 2025 MINI Countryman S ALL4, JCW Countryman ALL4, and 2025 MINI…
Service brakes, hydraulic / Power assist / Electric / Control module 01/07/2026 · 26V422000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 Mini Cooper S, Mini Countryman S All4, X2, 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre, 2023-2025 i7, 7 Series, X7, 2024-2025 i5, 5 Series, 2023-2024 XM, X1, 2024-2025 X6, and X5 vehicles. The integrated brake (IB)…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2025 Mini Cooper S that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2025 Mini Cooper S
Is the 2025 Mini Cooper S reliable?
We rate the 2025 Mini Cooper S's reliability 7.0/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2025 Mini Cooper S have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2025 Mini Cooper S worth buying?
It scores 7.3/10 overall, ranking #49 of 99 hatchbacks in our database (better than 52% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2025 Mini Cooper S cost?
The 2025 Mini Cooper S starts at $38,001 and ranges up to $48,104 across trims (MSRP when new). At 31 MPG, expect roughly $1,694/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Cooper S years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 12 Cooper S model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.3/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2025 Mini Cooper S have?
The documented issues for the 2025 Mini Cooper S are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Electronic stability control (esc), Service brakes, hydraulic (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Mini Cooper S
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More Mini Reviews
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