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The 2027 MINI Cooper Convertible seats four passengers and returns 37 MPG highway, while the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata seats two and tops out at 34 MPG highway. Both are purpose-built convertibles with four-cylinder engines, but they take very different approaches to performance and everyday use. This page compares key differences in performance, seating, technology, efficiency, dimensions, and ownership so you can compare the two open-air vehicles and explore current MINI Cooper Convertible inventory at MINI of Grand Rapids.
The 2027 MINI Cooper Convertible may appeal to buyers who need four-passenger seating, want a broad standard technology package, or plan to use their convertible for a wider range of everyday driving. The 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata may appeal to drivers who prioritize a standard manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, and a two-seat sports-car layout. The two vehicles simply emphasize different priorities.
| Category | 2027 MINI Cooper Convertible (Cooper C) | 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata (Sport) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L TwinPower Turbo 4-cyl | 2.0L SKYACTIV-G 4-cyl |
| Horsepower | 161 hp | 181 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 151 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic | 6-speed manual (standard) |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 7.9 sec | 5.7 to 6.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 130 mph | 139 mph |
| City MPG | 27 | 26 |
| Highway MPG | 37 | 34 |
| Combined MPG | 30 | 29 |
| Seating | 4 | 2 |
| Cargo | 5.2 cu ft | 4.6 cu ft |
| Length | 152.8 in | 154.1 in |
| Height | 56.3 in | 48.8 in |
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Infotainment Screen | 9.4″ circular OLED | 8.8″ display |
The MINI Cooper S Convertible produces 201 hp, while the JCW Convertible produces 228 hp, compared with 181 hp for the Miata Sport listed here.
The Miata’s 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque are delivered through a naturally aspirated engine with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard. The Miata pairs its naturally aspirated engine with a standard 6-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. Kinematic Posture Control is also included.
The MINI Cooper Convertible responds differently. Its TwinPower turbocharged engine generates peak torque of 184 lb-ft from 1,450 RPM to 4,500 RPM. The MINI uses a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, while the Miata uses a standard 6-speed manual transmission. Transmission preference is therefore one of the clearest differences between the two vehicles. At the JCW level, the MINI Convertible adds JCW Dynamic Damper Control, JCW Sport Brakes with red calipers, paddle shifters, and a 7-speed Sport Dual Clutch Transmission.
This is one of the clearest differences between the two vehicles. The Miata is a two-seater, while the MINI Cooper Convertible provides four seats with 30.8 inches of rear legroom. Front occupants in both vehicles have different packaging. The MINI provides 41.4 inches of front legroom and 39.8 inches of front headroom. The MINI also carries 5.2 cubic feet of cargo compared with the Miata’s 4.6 cubic feet.
The MINI Cooper C Convertible includes several comfort features as standard equipment. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, a convertible wind deflector, and multi-color ambient lighting are standard on the Cooper C Convertible. The Miata Sport does not include heated seats or automatic climate control as standard. Those features appear at the Grand Touring level.
The MINI uses a 2D-Knit Fabric Dashboard and Vescin/cloth seat upholstery across the listed configurations. The Miata Sport uses cloth bucket seats, with leather-trimmed seats arriving on the Grand Touring.
The MINI Cooper Convertible uses a 9.4-inch circular OLED display with MINI Operating System 9.
Standard technology on every Cooper Convertible trim includes MINI Head-Up Display, MINI Navigation with real-time traffic, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant, MINI ConnectedDrive Services, personal eSIM 5G, Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM with 360L and a one-year Platinum Plan, and MINI Digital Key for compatible smartphone lock, unlock, and start functionality.
The Miata Sport’s 8.8-inch display includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are listed on higher Miata trims. Navigation is available on the Grand Touring. SiriusXM is on Club and above.
The Miata Sport includes Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Attention Alert, Vehicle Exit Warning, and Secondary Collision Reduction as standard equipment.
The MINI Cooper C includes LED headlights with automatic high beams, front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, and MINI Assist eCall with SOS button. Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Frontal Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking, and Rear Collision Prevention are available through the Signature Plus package with Active Driving Assistant. Standard driver-assistance equipment differs between the two vehicles and should be compared by trim.
The MINI Cooper Convertible carries a 4-year / 50,000-mile limited warranty and a 4-year / unlimited-mileage roadside assistance program. A 12-year / unlimited-mileage rust perforation warranty is also included. The Miata’s basic warranty is 3 years / 36,000 miles, shorter than the MINI’s in both time and mileage. The Miata carries a 5-year / 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The MINI Cooper C has the higher EPA city, highway, and combined ratings in the configurations compared here. The Cooper C returns 27 city / 37 highway / 30 combined MPG, while the Miata returns 26 city / 34 highway / 29 combined MPG.
The MINI Cooper C includes a head-up display, navigation, wireless connectivity, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, a wind deflector, and SiriusXM with a one-year subscription. Availability of comparable features differs across the Miata trim lineup. The MINI also includes remote software upgrade capability across the lineup.
Choose the 2027 MINI Cooper Convertible if:
Choose the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata if:
For buyers comparing these two convertibles, the MINI Cooper Convertible offers four-passenger seating, higher EPA fuel-economy ratings in the base configurations compared here, and a broad standard technology package. The Miata emphasizes a two-seat layout, rear-wheel drive, and a standard manual transmission.
Browse current 2027 MINI Cooper Convertible inventory at MINI of Grand Rapids to see available Cooper C, Cooper S, and JCW configurations. MINI of Grand Rapids serves buyers throughout the Grand Rapids area and beyond. Schedule a test drive for an available MINI Cooper Convertible to experience it in person.
Yes. The 2027 MINI Cooper Convertible seats four with 30.8 inches of rear legroom. The 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a two-seater with no rear seating.
The MINI Cooper C Convertible has the higher EPA city and highway ratings in the configurations compared here. It is rated at 27 city / 37 highway MPG, compared with 26 city / 34 highway MPG for the Miata.
No. The 2027 MINI Cooper Convertible is paired exclusively with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic across the lineup. The JCW adds a Sport Dual Clutch Transmission. The Miata offers a 6-speed manual as standard across its lineup.
At the Cooper C level, the Miata’s 181 hp is higher than the MINI’s 161 hp. The Cooper S produces 201 hp and the JCW produces 228 hp, compared with 181 hp for the Miata.
The MINI Cooper Convertible includes a 4-year / 50,000-mile limited warranty, a 4-year / unlimited-mileage roadside assistance program, and a 12-year / unlimited-mileage rust perforation warranty.
Yes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the 2027 MINI Cooper Convertible lineup. The 9.4-inch circular OLED display runs MINI Operating System 9 with touch and voice control.
The MINI Cooper Convertible offers four-passenger seating, 5.2 cu ft of cargo capacity, and higher EPA city and highway fuel-economy ratings in the configurations compared here. The Miata uses a two-seat layout with 4.6 cu ft of cargo capacity and a standard 6-speed manual transmission. Which better fits daily use depends on seating, transmission, and space priorities.