VS
At a Glance
Power
186hp @ 6000
228hp @ 5000
Torque
186lb-ft @ 4000
280lb-ft @ 1500
Fuel
30 mpg est.
32 mpg est.
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/122ci
Choosing between the Mazda Mazda3 and the MINI Cooper is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Mazda Mazda3 delivers 186hp @ 6000 while the MINI Cooper produces 228hp @ 5000. On fuel, the Mazda3 returns 30 mpg est. while the Cooper uses 32 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $25,550 for the Mazda3 and $38,900 for the Cooper. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Mazda Mazda32.5 S Auto FWD 2026 - From $25,550
MINI CooperJohn Cooper Works FWD 2026 - From $38,900
Performance
Power Output (hp)
186hp @ 6000
228hp @ 5000
Torque (lb-ft)
186lb-ft @ 4000
280lb-ft @ 1500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/122ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
6
7
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
30 mpg est.
32 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
26 (Est)mpg
27mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
34 (Est)mpg
37mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
13.2gal
11.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
175.6in
152.6in
Width (in)
70.7in
68.7in
Height (in)
56.7in
57.2in
Wheelbase (in)
107.3in
98.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3117lbs
3047lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
—
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
MINI Cooper
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Cooper
Fuel Economy
Cooper
Value
Mazda3
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Mazda Mazda3
Lower starting price ($25,550)
Higher fuel consumption (30 mpg est.)
MINI Cooper
Better fuel economy (32 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Mazda3 or Cooper?
The Mazda3 gets 30 mpg est. and the Cooper gets 32 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Cooper is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Mazda3 or Cooper?
The Mazda3 produces 186hp @ 6000 and 186lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the Cooper delivers 228hp @ 5000 and 280lb-ft @ 1500 of torque. The Cooper is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Mazda3 and Cooper?
The Mazda3 starts from $25,550 and the Cooper from $38,900. The Mazda3 is cheaper by $13,350 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Mazda3 or the Cooper?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider