![number 2 number 2](https://blog.driveandbedriven.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/number-2.jpg)
2021 Mini Cooper Convertible
~ “A Top-Down Weekend Get-Away for Two” ~
![crop 592 424 1741 1161 0 Caribbean Aqua 014 scaled 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible driving top down (front 3/4 view) - Caribbean Aqua
BEST Road-Trip Cars of 2020](https://blog.driveandbedriven.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/crop-592-424-1741-1161-0-Caribbean_Aqua_014-scaled.jpg)
If you’re planning a “mini” weekend excursion for two (or four in a pinch), few cars are as quirky and free-feeling as the 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible.
When thinking of retro-inspired quirky compacts, three cars probably immediately come to mind: the Fiat 500, the Volkswagen Beetle, and the Mini Cooper. Surprisingly, only the latter has survived past the 2019 model year… It’s a dying segment, unfortunately. But, luckily, MINI is keeping it alive with their oh-so-iconic mini flair!
As far as occupancy goes, the 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible seats up to only 4-passengers, unlike its non-convertible twin which seats up to 5. But, at least your rear passengers will benefit from adjustable headrests (which isn’t too common among compact cars).
![Caribbean Aqua 097 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible Front Seats](https://blog.driveandbedriven.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Caribbean_Aqua_097-1024x683.jpg)
![Caribbean Aqua 098 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible Rear Seats](https://blog.driveandbedriven.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Caribbean_Aqua_098-1024x683.jpg)
![Caribbean Aqua 099 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible Adjustable Headrest](https://blog.driveandbedriven.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Caribbean_Aqua_099-1024x683.jpg)
Oh! And in about 18 seconds, the headroom suddenly becomes virtually limitless thanks to the power-retractable soft top. Just flip the toggle on the ceiling (or click the button via your key fob), and you’re all set!
![2021 Mini Cooper Convertible Roof Opening GIF 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible Caribbean Aqua - Soft Top Open and Close - GIF Animation
BEST Road-Trip Cars of 2020](https://blog.driveandbedriven.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/2021-Mini-Cooper-Convertible-Roof-Opening-GIF.gif)
Literally… THE SKY IS THE LIMIT with the Cooper Convertible!
~ Estimated Vehicle Pricing ~ |
$28,400 – $51,000 |
Powertrain / Fuel Efficiency / Range
For 2021, the Mini Cooper Convertible has two engines to pick from. Those engine options are:
- 1.5-Liter 3-Cylinder Turbo Engine ➞ 134-hp
- 2.0-Liter 4-Cylinder Turbo Engine ➞ 189-hp
![Caribbean Aqua 165 2021 Mini Cooper S Engine - 2.4L Turbo](https://blog.driveandbedriven.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Caribbean_Aqua_165-1024x683.jpg)
![Caribbean Aqua 166 2021 Mini Cooper S Engine - 2.4L Turbo](https://blog.driveandbedriven.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Caribbean_Aqua_166-1024x683.jpg)
![Melting Silver 155 2021 Mini Cooper S Engine - 2.4L Turbo](https://blog.driveandbedriven.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Melting_Silver_155-1024x683.jpg)
Driving enthusiasts who enjoy shifting their own gears will be happy to hear that a slick 7-speed automated-manual (DCT) and a precise 6-speed true-manual gearbox will be available on both engine options mentioned above.
![7 Speed DCT Automatic 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible S 7-Speed DCT Auto - 2021 Mini Cooper S](https://blog.driveandbedriven.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/7-Speed-DCT-Automatic_2021-Mini-Cooper-Convertible-S-1024x683.jpg)
![6 Speed Manual 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible S 6-Speed Manual Transmission - 2021 Mini Cooper S](https://blog.driveandbedriven.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/6-Speed-Manual_2021-Mini-Cooper-Convertible-S-1024x683.jpg)
Keep in mind that only front-wheel drive is available for 2021 convertible models. Nevertheless, as you expect from MINI, the Cooper Convertible is spry, nimble, and very much go-kart-like! After all, the Mini Cooper Convertible is riding on a short wheelbase and has a rather lightweight to lug around (approx. 3,000 lbs).
Fuel economy for the 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible varies depending on specific configurations. For your convenience, reference the fuel economy table below:
Engine | Transmission | MPG* |
1.5 Turbo (3-Cylinder) | 7-Speed DCT | 28 / 36 / 31 |
1.5 Turbo (3-Cylinder) | 6-Speed Manual | 26 / 37 / 30 |
2.0 Turbo (4-Cylinder) | 7-Speed DCT | 26 / 34 / 29 |
2.0 Turbo (4-Cylinder) | 6-Speed Manual | 23 / 32 / 26 |
Also, MINI notes that the 2021 Cooper Convertible has an 11.6-gallon fuel tank capacity.
![Caribbean Aqua 049 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible Rear Driving](https://blog.driveandbedriven.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Caribbean_Aqua_049-1024x682.jpg)
![Side of 2021 MINI Cooper S Convertible Driving Fast 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible Side View Driving](https://blog.driveandbedriven.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Side-of-2021-MINI-Cooper-S-Convertible-Driving-Fast-1024x576.jpg)
![Caribbean Aqua 036 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible Rear 3/4](https://blog.driveandbedriven.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Caribbean_Aqua_036-1024x683.jpg)
QUICK MARCUS MATH: In theory, after some quick number crunching, the most fuel-efficient configuration for 2021 Cooper Convertible should be able to achieve slightly over 400 miles of range on one full tank of gas (in the most ideal driving conditions).
Cargo Versatility
When it comes to cargo space, let’s just say the Mini Cooper Convertible lives up to its “MINI” name… Pun absolutely intended! Check out the cubic volumes below:
- Soft-Top Lowered ➞ 5.7-cubic feet
- Soft-Top Raised ➞ 7.6-cubic feet
![2021 Mini Cooper Convertible Trunk Space GIF 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible Trunk Space - Seats Folding and Suitcase - GIF Animation
BEST Road-Trip Cars of 2020](https://blog.driveandbedriven.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/2021-Mini-Cooper-Convertible-Trunk-Space-GIF.gif)
Before you start cringing at the sub-double-digit numbers, it is important to note that this was once extremely competitive with the now-defunct Volkswagen Beetle Convertible and now-extinct Fiat 500 Cabriolet…
Discontinued competitors at a glance:
- 2019 Fiat 500 Cabriolet (Behind 2nd Row) ➞ 5.4-cubic feet
- 2019 VW Beetle Convertible (Behind 2nd Row) ➞ 7.1-cubic feet
As you can see, both of those discontinued retro-inspired quirky compact convertibles also had cargo capacities well below 10-cubic feet.
Is trunk space a BIG deal-breaker for you when road trippin’?
✎ Comment down below! ✎
Safety
![Caribbean Aqua 093 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible at beach - Half of rear (vertical/portrait image) - Caribbean Aqua Blue
BEST Road-Trip Cars of 2020](https://blog.driveandbedriven.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Caribbean_Aqua_093-683x1024.jpg)
As far as safety tech goes, MINI packs the 2021 Cooper Convertible with commendable safety technologies as long as you’re willing to pay. MINI, by no means, is behind when it comes to advanced safety tech; they just don’t offer that much as standard equipment (which is honestly typical for most British/German brands). Nonetheless, notable safety enhancement features include:
- Standard Automatic Emergency Braking
- Optional Adaptive Cruise Control
- Optional MINI Park Assist… Yes! It totally parks itself!
Although the 2021 model has not yet been tested by the IIHS, the 2019 model was tested, and it received a Top Safety Pick for 2018.
Multi-Media Connectivity & In-Car Entertainment
![Caribbean Aqua 107 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible - Circular infotainment system - Android Auto?
BEST Road-Trip Cars of 2020](https://blog.driveandbedriven.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Caribbean_Aqua_107-683x1024.jpg)
When it comes to the infotainment system, MINI embeds it in a quirky, yet visually-appealing circular dashboard layout. As far as screen sizes go, your STANDARD screen is 6.5-inches (which is quite small by today’s standards)… But, if you’re willing to splurge, MINI offers a more acceptably-sized 8.8-inch interface in higher-end trim levels.
As can be expected from a British/German brand like MINI, entry-level models won’t get you much in terms of interior tech goodies. But, if you’re willing to check a few option boxes, you’ll be relatively pleased by the array of OPTIONAL multimedia goodies available. Some of these OPTIONAL goodies include:
- Apple CarPlay
- Sirius XM radio
- Wireless Smartphone Charging
- Built-in MINI Navigation
Unfortunately, Android Auto is still not available. No matter how much extra money you’re willing to throw towards your new MINI, it won’t be available… Sadly.
But, with that to the side, can we just admire how mesmerizing this view is! Just imagine sitting in this MINI while facing crashing ocean waves? I can seriously smell the sweet air and salty sea. Talk about, “Paradise on wheels!”
![Caribbean Aqua 090 scaled 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible white ivory interior, Aqua Caribbean blue exterior - facing beach
BEST Road-Trip Cars of 2020](https://blog.driveandbedriven.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Caribbean_Aqua_090-scaled.jpg)
Luckily, MINI has you covered in the audio department!
![Caribbean Aqua 115 scaled Harman-Kardon-Audio-System-2021-Mini Cooper Convertible](https://blog.driveandbedriven.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Caribbean_Aqua_115-scaled.jpg)
Music aficionados will greatly appreciate the optional 12-speaker High-Definition Harmon Kardon Premium Audio System. Yes! 12 SPEAKERS! That’s a whole lot of speakers for any type of car, let alone a compact two-door car!
And hey! If you’re all about expressing your personality, nothing can match cruising down your favorite beach coastline (top-down in a MINI), and blaring the song below. FEELIN’ BLESSED, NEVER STRESSED! ♫
![Sundays Best Song Cover Surfaces - Sunday's Best - Song Album Cover](https://blog.driveandbedriven.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Sundays-Best-Song-Cover.jpg)
Continue reading to discover our other song selections.
![Offer Ends Soon Try Now 1 Offer Ends Soon Try Now 1](https://blog.driveandbedriven.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Offer-Ends-Soon_Try-Now-1.jpg)
41 thoughts on “Top 3 BEST New Road-Trip Cars of 2020 Counted Down!”
I’m really impressed with how well this article is written and how it got me thinking about going on a road trip even though it hasn’t crossed my mind in the past. But I definitely like the hybrid because the less you gotta worry about the car, being the gas or the people in it… the trip becomes 100x more enjoyable
Thanks so much, man! Glad you enjoyed it. I honestly was never really considering road tripping either, but when Dawn presented me with this sweet collab idea, it got me thinking!
Indeed! Hybrids are definitely superior when it comes to maximizing how far you can travel without having to refuel. Which, in turn, surely makes your trip more enjoyable! Thanks for your insight and support. I have some really cool ideas cooking up in the kitchen. So definitely stay tuned! 🙂
Also, keep up your music career, bro. Can’t wait for the next single!!!
Interesting read. Good job.
Thanks for stopping by, Ghady! I’m so happy you enjoyed this write-up. Can’t wait for your next video to drop this Friday!!! Hopefully, we can collab again in the future. That would be super sick! 🙂
Great job a lot of good information on road trip.
Much appreciated. I truly appreciate you taking the time to read this article. I tried my best to jam pack it with tons of useful information. More content is on its way!
This was a very helpful and insightful blog. I’ve really wanted to take a road trip for my birthday so this helped a lot.
Jeremiah, I really appreciate your support! Glad you found it to be helpful and insightful. That sounds like so much fun! Birthday road-trip!!! Yayyy!
My dream is to have an RV road trip (with me driving) when I turn 21. That would be so awesome! Can’t wait. Just a couple more years… Haha! Thanks again for your encouragement, man!
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