MINI Convertible John Cooper Works 2022 Review

The Mini Convertible is the drop-top version of Mini's Hardtop 2 Door. We've been enjoying this fun-in-the-sun Mini since this generation debuted in 2016, but more recently it was starting to feel a little dated. Luckily, the 2022 Mini Convertible gets a significant refresh that should keep people's interest piqued.

The Convertible's front and rear fascias now incorporate a body-colored panel that runs to the edge of the chrome grille and bumper surrounds. Those surrounds — along with the badges, door handles and tailpipes — can now be ordered in a gloss black treatment to distinguish it from previous models, which had chrome-only frames. The interior is slightly revised as well with a new digital instrument panel and an 8.8-inch central display.

From a performance perspective, the Mini Convertible is outmatched against rivals such as the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang and Mazda Miata. But there's still enough charm here to make this Mini a satisfying pick for a reasonably priced drop-top. Check out our Expert Rating below for more details.

Which Convertible does MatoCar recommend?

The 2022 Mini Convertible is a small convertible available in three trim levels: Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works (also called JCW). They are mainly differentiated by the engine under the hood. There are also three subtrims — Classic, Signature and Iconic — that denote the amount of features on each vehicle.

The Cooper is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine (134 horsepower, 162 lb-ft of torque), while the Cooper S gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (189 hp, 206 lb-ft). Both models come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, though a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is available. The John Cooper Works upgrades the 2.0-liter engine (228 hp, 235 lb-ft) and equips the car with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Cooper In its standard Classic form, the Convertible Cooper comes with:

• 15-inch alloy wheels
• All-season tires
• LED headlights
• Automatic wipers
• Heated mirrors
• Height-adjustable front seats
• Imitation leather upholstery
• 8.8-inch touchscreen
• Six-speaker audio system
• Satellite radio
• Forward collision warning (alerts you of a possible collision with the car in front)
• Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
• Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)

Cooper S Every Cooper S comes with the above equipment, plus the more powerful engine and:

• 16-inch wheels
• Choice of all-season or summer performance tires
• Sport seats

John Cooper Works The John Cooper Works includes a more powerful version of the four-cylinder engine, plus:

• 17-inch wheels
• Performance sport seats
• Imitation suede/cloth combination upholstery

Mini also offers a wide array of subtrims and optional packages. Highlights include:

• Signature trim
• Larger wheels available at all trim levels as a no-cost option
• Adaptive suspension dampers or non-adjustable sport suspension (JCW only)
• Dual-clutch automatic is a no-cost option for Cooper and Cooper S models
• Wind deflector
• Keyless entry
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Heated front seats
• Premium package (requires Signature trim)
• Power-folding mirrors
• Auto-dimming rearview mirrors
• Heated steering wheel
• 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system (limited availability due to microchip shortage)
• Touchscreen Navigation package (requires Signature trim)
• Navigation system
• Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
• Iconic trim
• Contents of the Signature trim, Premium package and Touchscreen Navigation package
• Leather upholstery
• Wireless charging pad
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on a screen above the instrument panel)
• Driver Assistance package (requires Signature trim)
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Mini and the car in front)
• Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
• Sidewalk Edition (requires Cooper S in the Classic subtrim)
• 17-inch wheels
• Power-folding mirrors
• Keyless entry
• Unique interior veneers
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Heated front seats
• Gray leather upholstery
• 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system (limited availability)
• Navigation system
• Apple CarPlay

Some of the above items are available as standalone options. You can also add the adaptive dampers to the Cooper S. The Cooper S and JCW models are also available with the more comfort-oriented seats from the Cooper, if you prefer.