Compare the2025 Mazda MX-5 MiataVS 2025 MINI Cooper Convertible

The MX-5 Miata’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the Cooper Convertible.

The MX-5 Miata has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the Cooper Convertible’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the MX-5 Miata has standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert, helping the driver avoid collisions. MINI charges extra for Cross Traffic Warning on the Cooper Convertible.

Both the MX-5 Miata and the Cooper Convertible have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights and rearview cameras.

Mazda’s powertrain warranty covers the MX-5 Miata 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than MINI covers the Cooper Convertible. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the Cooper Convertible ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are almost 6 times as many Mazda dealers as there are MINI dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the MX-5 Miata’s warranty.

The MX-5 Miata’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 20 more horsepower (181 vs. 161) than the Cooper Convertible’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

For better maneuverability, the MX-5 Miata’s turning circle is 5.6 feet tighter than the Cooper Convertible’s (30.8 feet vs. 36.4 feet).

The Mazda MX-5 Miata may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 700 to 750 pounds less than the MINI Cooper Convertible.

The MX-5 Miata is 7.7 inches shorter in height than the Cooper Convertible, making the MX-5 Miata much easier to wash and garage and drive (lower center of gravity).

The MX-5 Miata's optional power retractable hardtop allows a seamless transition from an open car, to a completely sealed coupe. The Cooper Convertible doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.

The engine in the MX-5 Miata is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Cooper Convertible. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

The MX-5 Miata’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them. MINI does not offer a locking feature on the Cooper Convertible’s standard power windows.

The MX-5 Miata’s standard Advanced Keyless Entry and Start allow you to unlock the doors from either outside door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. start/stop switch standard on the Cooper Convertible only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the car.

The Cooper Convertible’s cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The MX-5 Miata Grand Touring’s standard adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

Compared to the MINI Cooper Convertible, the Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries with its standard integrated Homelink® universal remote controlled from the rear view mirror.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Mazda MX-5 Miata, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata outsold the MINI Cooper Convertible by almost four to one during 2024.