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Hyundai INSTER vs MINI Cooper
Selected trim01Change trim203 mi · 42 kWh · £23,755
Selected trimCooper EChange trim190 mi · 40.7 kWh · £26,155
At a glance
In this comparison, Hyundai INSTER leads on family practicality, while the MINI Cooper leads on motorway range, charging speed and running costs.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Hyundai INSTER if...
- you need the most family-friendly option with good safety and space
Choose the MINI Cooper if...
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
- you need the fastest charging of these options
- you want the lowest running costs - from just 1.8p per mile on off-peak electricity
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The MINI Cooper leads in the most categories, but each car here has its strengths.
Value
Hyundai
6
MINI
5.7
Too close to call
Motorway RangeMINI
Hyundai
3.8
MINI
4.4
FamilyHyundai
Hyundai
6
MINI
4.4
ChargingMINI
Hyundai
3.6
MINI
5.2
Cost Per MileMINI
Hyundai
6.9
MINI
8.5
City Driving
Hyundai
8.8
MINI
9
Too close to call
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | Hyundai INSTER01 | MINI CooperCooper E |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £23,755 (better) | £26,155 |
| Official range | 203 miles (better) | 190 miles |
| Boot space | 280 L (better) | 210 L |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 30 min | 28 min (better) |
| 0-62 mph | 11.7 sec | 7.8 sec (better) |
Size Comparison
View:
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Hyundai INSTER
MINI Cooper
Length
Hyundai INSTER3,825mm-33mm
MINI Cooper3,858mm
Width
Hyundai INSTER1,610mm-146mm
MINI Cooper1,756mm
Height
Hyundai INSTER1,575mm
MINI Cooper1,460mm-115mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | Hyundai INSTER01 | MINI CooperCooper E |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3,825 mm | 3,858 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,610 mm (better) | 1,756 mm |
| Width with mirrors out | 1,875 mm (better) | 1,944 mm |
| Height | 1,575 mm | 1,460 mm |
| Turning circle | 10.6 m | 10.4 m (better) |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 790 mm spare (better) | 644 mm spare |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | Hyundai INSTER01 | MINI CooperCooper E |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 | Not available |
| Rear legroom | Not available | 778 mm |
| ISOFIX child-seat points | 4 | Not available |
| Boot space (seats up) | 280 L (better) | 210 L |
| Boot space (seats down) | 1059 L (better) | 800 L |
| Frunk | Not available | 0 L |
| Towing capacity (braked) | 0 kg | 0 kg |
How each stacks up
Percentile ranks against UK EVs of the same body style.
Hyundai INSTER
- Uses 143 Wh/km on the WLTP cycle, more efficient than 85% of hatchback EVs we track.
- 1,610 mm wide, below our 1,750 mm narrow-car threshold.
MINI Cooper
Not enough peers to make confident percentile claims.
Full specifications
| Specification |  Hyundai INSTER 01 |  MINI Cooper Cooper E |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3.83m | 3.86m+33mm |
| Width | 1.61m | 1.76m+146mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 1.88m | 1.94m+69mm |
| Height | 1.57m | 1.46m-115mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.58m | 2.53m-54mm |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 280L (better) | 210L |
| Boot (seats down) | 1059L (better) | 800L |
| Seats | 4 | Not available |
| Rear Legroom | Not available | 778mm |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 10.6m | 10.4m (better) |
| Kerb Weight | 1,349kg (better) | 1,615kg |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 42kWh (better) | 40.7kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | 203 mi (better) | 190 mi |
| Max DC Charge | 73kW | 75kW (better) |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £23,755 (better) | £26,155 |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Available | 2025+ | 2024+ |
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | Hyundai INSTER01 | MINI CooperCooper E |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 203 miles (better) | 190 miles |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 145 miles | 158 miles (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 30 min | 28 min (better) |
| Max rapid charge rate | 73 kW | 75 kW (better) |
| Home AC charging | 10.5 kW | 11 kW (better) |
| Energy consumption | 143 Wh/km | Not available |
| Usable battery capacity | 42 kWh (better) | 36.6 kWh |
| Battery chemistry | NMC | NMC |
| Battery architecture | Not available | 400V |
| Heat pump | Standard | Not available |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | Hyundai INSTER01 | MINI CooperCooper E |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 11.7 sec | 7.8 sec (better) |
| Power | 71 kW | 135 kW (better) |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 290 Nm (better) |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests.
Hyundai INSTER
01
MINI Cooper
Cooper E
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
Hyundai INSTER
All 3 videos
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
New and used prices
Current pricing and recent used-market behaviour.
| Measure | Hyundai INSTER01 | MINI CooperCooper E |
|---|---|---|
| Used market price from | £18,900 | £28,900 |
| Average used price | £18,990 | £28,900 |
| Active used listings trackedIndependent UK dealer listings seen in the last 90 days. | 20 listings (better) | 2 listings |
| Saving vs RRP | £4,765 below new | At or above new price |
| Recent used-price trend | Up 10.5% over ~6 months | Broadly flat |
Used prices are indicative figures gathered from independent UK dealer listings and change frequently.
Calculate your real costs
For a useful running-cost comparison, factor in your mileage, charging access and current petrol or diesel car alongside the EV estimate.
Compare with petrol or diesel
Compare purchase price, energy, road tax and maintenance with a petrol or diesel alternative.
Calculate company-car tax
Work out monthly Benefit-in-Kind using current and future HMRC rates.
Cost per mile
Compare EV charging costs per mile with petrol and diesel using your charging options.
Check a lease quote
Assess the effective monthly cost alongside the list price and expected depreciation.
Safety & ownership confidence
Euro NCAP - Hyundai INSTER 01
Tested 2025
Adult Occupant70%
Child Occupant81%
Vulnerable Road Users70%
Safety Assist67%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Euro NCAP - MINI Cooper Cooper E
Tested 2025
Adult Occupant83%
Child Occupant82%
Vulnerable Road Users81%
Safety Assist77%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | Hyundai INSTER01 | MINI CooperCooper E |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | 160,934 km | 160,934 km |
Buying options
Get a quote
Hyundai INSTER
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
MINI Cooper
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Live used listings
Active inventory from independent UK dealers.
Hyundai INSTER
- £18,9902026Cars2View
- £18,9902026Cars2View
- £22,9902026Cars2View
MINI Cooper
- £28,9002025EV ExpertsView
Frequently asked questions
Is the MINI Cooper worth the extra £2,400 over the Hyundai INSTER?
The MINI Cooper costs £2,400 more than the Hyundai INSTER. For that premium it adds 64 kW more power and a 3.9s quicker 0-62mph time. The Hyundai INSTER is not just cheaper - it also offers 70 litres more boot space. On EVcarsguide's combined category scores, the MINI Cooper comes out ahead overall.
Which is cheaper to own over 5 years, the Hyundai INSTER or the MINI Cooper?
The Hyundai INSTER is £2,400 cheaper to buy. Running costs are almost identical - about £144 a year either way, at 8,000 miles on an off-peak home tariff. Add 5 years of charging and the Hyundai INSTER comes out roughly £2,320 cheaper overall. These figures cover list price and home charging only - insurance, servicing, tyres and depreciation will move the real total.
What are the Hyundai INSTER and MINI Cooper like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 145 miles for the Hyundai INSTER and 158 miles for the MINI Cooper - effectively matched, and both well below their WLTP figures because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. Both rapid-charge to 80% in a similar time, around 28-30 minutes.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the Hyundai INSTER or the MINI Cooper?
The Hyundai INSTER is the easier car for tight UK car parks: it is 146 mm narrower than the MINI Cooper. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 790 mm of total clearance for the Hyundai INSTER and about 644 mm of total clearance for the MINI Cooper.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the Hyundai INSTER or the MINI Cooper?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 84% battery health for the Hyundai INSTER and 84% for the MINI Cooper. That is close enough that capacity loss should not decide between them. Both use NMC-type cells, so for daily use keep the charge limit near 80% to slow degradation. Both batteries carry a 8-year manufacturer warranty.
Go deeper on each car
Visit the full model pages for owner feedback, expert reviews, used prices and battery-health information.
Compare against other rivals
Compare similarly sized and priced electric cars before finalising your shortlist.
More Hyundai INSTER comparisons
More MINI Cooper comparisons
See both cars in our rankings
EVcarsguide scores every verified EV on price, range, family use and running costs. Here is where this pair appears.
Where the Hyundai INSTER and MINI Cooper rank among EVs under £30,000Where the Hyundai INSTER and MINI Cooper rank among EVs under £40,000Where the Hyundai INSTER and MINI Cooper rank among the best small electric carsWhere the Hyundai INSTER and MINI Cooper rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the Hyundai INSTER and MINI Cooper rank among the best city EVsWhere the Hyundai INSTER and MINI Cooper rank among the cheapest EVs to run
If neither is quite right
Explore other verified electric cars that may better suit the priorities this pair does not meet.
Further reading
Explore buying and ownership guides to help you choose between these electric cars.
GuideBuying a Used Hyundai INSTER (2025-on): 42 vs 49 kWh, Recalls & What to Pay
A used Hyundai INSTER buyer’s guide: the 01, 02 and Cross compared, real-world range, the coolant valve recall, the Tech Pack, warranty left, what to pay and a printable checklist.
GuideBuying a Used MINI Cooper E / SE (2024 on): Which Battery, Recalls & What to Pay
A used 2024-on MINI Cooper E and Cooper SE buyer’s guide: 40.7 vs 54.2 kWh, how to tell it from the older MINI Electric, the battery and brake recalls, warranty, real-world range, what to pay against new stock and a printable checklist.
Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .