2026 Mini Lineup: The John Cooper Works Way
Changes for the 2026 Mini lineup aren't as sweeping as they were a year ago, when the brand essentially reset its full product range. We also expected that lineup to expand, but tariff concerns made sure the Chinese-built Aceman small electric SUV and the next Cooper electric hatchback would have to wait at least a little longer.
The 2026 Mini lineup sees minor updates with a John Cooper Works Style package for the Cooper S models, adding sporty features for $1,200. Black Sport Stripes and a Digital Key Plus app are introduced. The Countryman gets new wheel options and similar upgrades.
This summary was generated by AI using content from this MotorTrend article Read Next
That's OK, though—this year's crop is fresh enough, and benefits from some nice upgrades. Read on to see those changes for 2025 Mini cars and SUVs. 2026 Mini Cooper Hardtop
The John Cooper Works Style package injects a little racy flair into every S model this year. For the two- and four-door Cooper S hardtop, that means Dynamic Damper Control adaptive damping, package-specific wheels, and a JCW Aero Body Kit that features revised bumpers and rocker panels, all for $1,200. With the Iconic trim, enhanced braking and steering wheel paddle shifters are also included.
Black Sport Stripes become available for both JCW and non-JCW Cooper S models this year, and $250 remains the price for that add-on. Lastly, all Minis that are equipped with keyless entry and start, and those manufactured after July 1, 2025, will come with a new smartphone-based Digital Key Plus app that will offer the same functions.
Read Our Experts' Full Mini Cooper Hardtop Review 2026 Mini Cooper Convertible
The John Cooper Works Style package offered for the Cooper S Hardtop is also available for the Cooper S Convertible at the same $1,200 price. This package includes JCW aero kit, adaptive dampers, and wheels exclusive to the package. Improved braking and paddle shifters come with the Iconic trim, too. Additionally, for 2025 Black Sport Stripes are now available on non-JCW versions of the convertible.
Open-top Coopers built after July 1 with Comfort Access keyless entry and start will use a slightly different digital key arrangement than hardtops. Whereas fixed-roof models exchange one key fob for two cards, the 2026 Convertible gets to keep both key fobs and gains two cards.
Read Our Experts' Full Mini Cooper Convertible Review
Black 18-inch Asteroid Spoke wheels wrapped in all-season tires are a new no-cost option this year for the Countryman S AWD with Signature Plus or Iconic trims in Classic or Favoured style. The JCW Style package is also available for the Countryman S, adding aero, wheels, and dampers like the Cooper, but at a more expensive $1,400.
As with others, the Iconic trim paired with the JCW package features enhanced braking and paddle shifters integrated with the steering wheel. Mini's SUV lineup also gets the optional $250 Black Sport Stripes, with or without JCW trim.
Countryman models built on or after July 1, 2025 with Comfort Access will get Digital Key Plus, which lets you unlock and start your car with your phone. The crossover loses one of its two key fobs and gets a Setup Card and Service Card.
As for the Countryman SE ALL4, Mini says the switch to the new model year will happen later in 2025 to coincide with a few other product updates expected to happen at that time. Considering the all-electric Countryman was completely redesigned last year, we're not expecting huge changes for 2026. The new SUV looks and feels premium, but range and charging could be better, and the infotainment system operates slowly.
MotorTrend Ranked: #6 in luxury subcompact SUVs (2025 model)
Read Our Expert's Full Mini Countryman Review 2026 Mini Lineup: What's New 2026 Mini Cooper Hardtop: Minor update
2026 Mini Cooper Convertible: Minor update
2026 Mini Countryman: Minor update
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