VS
At a Glance
Power
201hp @ 5000
194hp @ 6000
Torque
221lb-ft @ 1450
139lb-ft @ 4400
Fuel
34 mpg est.
52 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the MINI Cooper and the Toyota Prius is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The MINI Cooper delivers 201hp @ 5000 while the Toyota Prius produces 194hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Cooper returns 34 mpg est. while the Prius uses 52 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $32,800 for the Cooper and $31,995 for the Prius. 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
MINI CooperCooper S Signature FWD 2026 - From $32,800
Toyota PriusXLE (Natl) 2026 - From $31,995
Performance
Power Output (hp)
201hp @ 5000
194hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
221lb-ft @ 1450
139lb-ft @ 4400
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.0 L/121ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Hybrid
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
7
—
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
34 mpg est.
52 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
28mpg
52 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
39mpg
52 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
11.6gal
11.3gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
152.6in
181.1in
Width (in)
68.7in
70.2in
Height (in)
57.2in
56.3in
Wheelbase (in)
98.2in
108.3in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3014lbs
3164lbs
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
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Prius
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Cooper
Fuel Economy
Prius
Value
Prius
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
MINI Cooper
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (34 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Toyota Prius
Better fuel economy (52 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($31,995)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Cooper or Prius?
The Cooper gets 34 mpg est. and the Prius gets 52 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Prius 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 Cooper or Prius?
The Cooper produces 201hp @ 5000 and 221lb-ft @ 1450 of torque while the Prius delivers 194hp @ 6000 and 139lb-ft @ 4400 of torque. The Cooper is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Cooper and Prius?
The Cooper starts from $32,800 and the Prius from $31,995. The Prius is cheaper by $805 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Cooper or the Prius?
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