“I was hesitant because I am a large person but the driving experience overshadows some of the other things. It is fun to drive. I like being able to fit any parking spot. . We moved to a house with a smaller garage and it is great.”
2017 MINI Hardtop: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2017 MINI Hardtop is a light equipment update rather than a redesign. Its main change is that the former Media Package becomes standard on every 2 Door and 4 Door trim.
About the 2017 MINI Hardtop
3rd generation Hardtop (F56 2 Door / F55 4 Door), pre-refresh year; the 2 Door launched for 2014, the 4 Door joined for 2015, and 2017 sits before the later facelift.
MINI presents the Hardtop as its core small hatchback: distinctive styling, quick steering, and the brand’s trademark go-kart-like handling in a compact city-friendly footprint. The appeal is less about maximum cargo space and more about personality, agility, and a cabin that feels more upscale than many small hatchbacks. The 4 Door broadens everyday usefulness, while the 2 Door keeps the classic MINI shape and feel.
The Cooper is the everyday version, with a 134-hp turbocharged three-cylinder engine and a premium-feeling cabin. The 189-hp Cooper S adds stronger acceleration and driving modes, while the 228-hp John Cooper Works is the focused performance model with stronger Brembo front brakes, LED headlights, sport seats, and a more aggressive body kit.
What changed, by category
Tech
Every Hardtop 2 Door and 4 Door trim gains the former Media Package as standard. It brings a 6.5-inch infotainment screen, MINI Connected, Bluetooth audio streaming with voice command, and a front center armrest with storage.
2017 MINI Hardtop specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3-Cyl, Twin Turbo, 1.5 Liter / 3-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Twin Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Steptronic / Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 28 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 36–37 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 134 hp | 187–189 hp | 228 hp |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 8.7–13.1 cu-ft | 8.7–13.1 cu-ft | 8.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 30.8–32.3 in | 30.8–32.3 in | 30.8 in |
| Seats | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Hill Start Assist | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2017 MINI Hardtop compared with the 2016 model?
The main change is that the former Media Package becomes standard across the 2017 Hardtop 2 Door and 4 Door lineup. It adds a 6.5-inch screen, MINI Connected, Bluetooth audio streaming with voice command, and a front center armrest.
Was the 2017 MINI Hardtop redesigned?
No, the 2017 MINI Hardtop was not redesigned. It remains part of the third generation and carries over its engines, structure, and core exterior styling with a modest equipment update.
Did every 2017 MINI Hardtop get the larger screen and Bluetooth audio streaming?
Yes, every 2017 Hardtop 2 Door and 4 Door trim gets the 6.5-inch Visual Boost screen, MINI Connected, Bluetooth audio streaming with voice command, and a front center armrest as standard equipment.
Did the 2017 MINI Hardtop receive new engines?
No, the 2017 MINI Hardtop carries over its engine lineup. The Cooper has a 134-hp turbocharged three-cylinder, the Cooper S has a 189-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, and the John Cooper Works has a 228-hp turbocharged four-cylinder.
Is the 2017 MINI Hardtop meaningfully different from the 2016 model?
Only slightly. The 2017 model’s main advantage is that the 6.5-inch infotainment system, connected services, Bluetooth audio streaming with voice command, and front center armrest are standard across the lineup; the core vehicle otherwise carries over.
2017 MINI Hardtop Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 MINI Hardtop.
4.5
2017 MINI Hardtop
(559 reviews)
“This was my return to minicooper, and I've been loving it. A more powerful upgrade to my last car, I'm able to easily accelerate on the few occasions I need to get onto highways. Mini Cooper has made driving a lot more fun. I didn't know I needed it until I had it, if that makes sense.”
“The MINI is a complete package, contemporary/retro styling, very strong interior, excellent performance (sport mode does it), superior mileage considering the performance, excellent road car and perfect city car. Size matters!”
Sources
- press.bmwgroup.com — Detail / T0261253EN US / Model Year 2017 Mini Lineup Pricing And Equipment Updates
- press.bmwgroup.com — Detail / T0271590EN US / Model Year 2018 Mini Lineup Pricing And Equipment Updates
- press.bmwgroup.com — Detail / T0182482EN US / More Mini More Possibilities: The New Mini Hardtop 4 Door
- press.bmwgroup.com — Detail / T0198104EN US / Pure Driving Fun More Extreme Than Ever: The New Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop