What is the AAA Car Guide?
The AAA Car Guide helps consumers navigate the evolving automotive marketplace by ranking and rating the newest vehicles, including EVs. The Guide provides consumers with reviews, based on testing by AAA Engineers, highlighting how many advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are included in the vehicle, along with other criteria and information.
2023 Mini Cooper SE Hardtop 2 Door
VEHICLE TYPE | BASE PRICE | PRICE AS TESTED | Small Electric | $33,900 | $36,700 |
|---|
Overall Observations
In whatever flavor, Minis have always been fun to drive—it’s their signature characteristic—and the stylish SE electric version is no exception. To say it handles and drives much like a go-kart is no exaggeration. Its swift acceleration, responsive throttle, and quick steering add to the Mini’s fun factor. It features 1-pedal regenerative braking, too, with high and low settings.
The Mini’s electric drivetrain produces high fuel-efficiency numbers – 110 MPGe in combined city/highway driving. That’s a good thing, because the Mini’s range is also mini – an EPA estimated 114 miles, which limits its usefulness to around-town driving and short trips. In a perverse way, its limited range isn’t as bad as it might be, because the Mini’s overly firm – bordering on harsh – ride quality prevents it from being a car you’d want to take on long trips, anyway.
The Mini is one of the lowest-priced EVs on the market, but whether or not it’s a good value is up for debate. For one thing, it offers only limited ADAS features. Also – and not to play off its name too much – the Mini really is mini, with limited room for passengers, interior storage, and cargo, and a practically useless backseat. Plus, its appeal is further limited by its quirky interior styling and instrumentation.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strong Points
Weak Points
Strong Points
- Sporty, go-kart-like handling
- Excellent acceleration, throttle response, and steering feel
- One-pedal regenerative braking
- Stylish exterior
Weak Points
- Short EV range
- Lack of space for passengers and cargo
- Harsh, overly firm ride quality
- Limited ADAS features
AAA’s Recommendation: Whether you own an electric vehicle or a gas-powered car is up to you – and you should consider lots of factors in making that choice. No matter what type of vehicle you’re choosing, we recommend visiting a dealership, test driving one, and asking as many questions as possible to make an informed decision.
