Abstract In this paper, the performance improvement potentials of R1234yf mobile air conditioning (MAC) system under various operation conditions were studied based on thermodynamic cycle analysis. The effects of superheat at evaporator outlet, subcooling at condenser outlet and compressor efficiencies on system performance were analyzed. It was found that superheat was few benefits for both system coefficient of performance (COP) and cooling capacity. Increasing subcooling from 1K to 10K at condenser outlet, system cooling capacity and COP could be improved by 15% if compressor consumption power was fixed. The isentropic efficiency of the compressor was a key factor in system COP improvement. It was concluded that adding an internal heat exchanger and improving compressor efficiencies would be good options for the future R1234yf MAC system enhancement.