The Countryman is the standard Mini Cooper's beefier big brother (or sister). First introduced in 2010, this subcompact Mini crossover rides a little higher, seats five, and is available with all-wheel drive. The second generation was introduced in 2017 and has carried on since with the next generation launching for 2024. For 2023, changes include:
* The Spacesaver Spare Tire is now only available as a standalone option.
* The MINI Untamed Edition will be available on the Countryman including the MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 plug-in hybrid model.
* Apple CarPlay is now standard.
* The Driver Assistance package has been modified to include Park Assist and Head-Up Display.
* Active Cruise Control has been separated from the Driver Assistance Package and made a standalone option allowing the Driver Assistance package to be ordered regardless of the type of transmission.
The Countryman is available in three primary models that include the Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works ALL4. Cooper and Cooper S models are available in either front or all-wheel drive while the John Cooper Works ALL4 model is exclusively all-wheel drive. Base Cooper models come with a turbocharged 1.5L 3-cylinder with 134 horsepower and 162 lb-ft. Of torque. Cooper S models get a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 189 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. Cooper SE models get the turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine and an electric motor with a combined 221 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of torque. And the John Cooper Works model is the most powerful with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. All models come standard with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic standard, an 8-speed automatic on the AWD or a 6-speed automatic on the Plug-in Hybrid.
Prices for the Countryman start at $32,650 for a base FWD Cooper and climb as high as $43,800 for an AWD John Cooper Works model. Competition includes other subcompact crossovers like the Alfa Romeo Tonale, BMW X1, Buick Encore GX, Fiat 500X, Mazda CX-30, Subaru Crosstrek, and the Volkswagen Taos. I spent a week in a Cooper S Countryman ALL4 that checked in at $45,250 and here's what stood out...
Exterior (+)
Despite its age, the exterior of the Countryman maintains true to its Mini style. Up front is the traditional Mini face with round headlights outlined with LED daytime running lights. The lower fascia has some harder edges with integrated fog lights, mixed finishes, and higher ground clearance. The side profile highlights the taller stance of this model with taller doors and a higher roofline. Body cladding outlines the wheel wells for a more rugged, crossover vibe and the available roof rack gives it the crossover feel. Traditional door handles are much appreciated and easy to grab. Around back, the LED taillights feature a striped Union Jack lighting signature as a nod to its British heritage while Countryman is spelled out across the bottom of the hatch. Dual exhaust inlets are tucked inside the lower bumper cover.
My test model came with the Untamed Edition package ($1,500) which added 18" two-tone Untamed spoke wheels, black roof/mirror caps, black roof rails, ALL4-style exterior trim and more inside. It's a package that will give your Countryman more character all around. There is a variety of color choices, roof & mirror cap options, striping, and wheel designs to really personalize your Countryman. Overall proportions are good and when paired with the right color/graphics combination, this is a trendy-looking little crossover that will stand out in the parking lot.
Powertrain (+)
I spent time with the turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine which churns out 189 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. I also had the AWD model that comes with the 8-speed automatic. It will get from 0-60 MPH in about 7.2 seconds which is decent and feels peppy. Comparatively, the John Cooper Works model cuts that time down to 4.9 seconds while the base 1.5L AWD increases it to 9.6 seconds. So, among the offerings, the Cooper S offers a good middle ground. Once cruising on the highway, the turbocharger adds a nice boost when you want to pass other vehicles or merge into traffic.
Driving dynamics are decent and better than most of the competition, although not as engaging as the smaller (lower) Mini Cooper. I still enjoyed my drive time in the Countryman as it is pretty nimble and easy to maneuver. It's stiffer in its handling than some competitors and less of a cruiser. The suspension is forgiving over road imperfections and road noise is kept to a minimum. Available drive modes include sport, mild, and green which will adjust the overall dynamic accordingly. Overall, it feels composed and well-grounded with good visibility. It still has the heart of a Mini which makes it fun to drive.
Fuel Economy (+/-)
When it arrived with a full 16.1-gallon tank the Countryman offered a driving range of around 500 miles. EPA estimates are 23/31/26 MPG city/highway/combined. The various available engines will differ slightly from these numbers but are all in the same ballpark. Premium fuel is recommended, which will drive overall costs up. If fuel economy is important to you, consider the PHEV version of the Countryman which offers a 73 MPG-equivalent with electrification.
Interior (+)
Hopping inside, you'll be treated to a very traditional Mini interior that is modern and upscale. Mini uses a mix of materials and finishes to create a space that is unique. Everything is built well and of high quality. The Untamed Edition features unique upholstery, anthracite headliner, and unique trim accents. The layout includes a 5.5" dynamic frameless digital instrument cluster with modern graphics and fonts for speed, driving modes, and more. At the center of the dash is the Mini circle display which includes a rectangular 8.8" narrow touchscreen in the center. The system integrates with Apple CarPlay, but not Android Auto. A volume knob is present below the center of the screen easily within reach of the driver. Below the circle display are three more circular knobs for climate control and a series of five toggle switches. The toggle switches include the start/stop control for the vehicle along with other various vehicle controls such as parking sensors, auto start/stop function, and traction control. I love seeing these retro style switches modernized in a vehicle like this which adds to its overall vibe.
It's also available with a wireless device charging pad at the center under the dash. The center console is home to two cup holders and a joystick-like electronic gear shifter. The shifter is a perfect blend of tradition and modernization. It even offers an electronic 'manual' gear selection which imitates a manual transmission well. Other available features include a head-up display that is projected on a small pop-up display ahead of the steering wheel which is easily visible. And to complete the interior vibe is an available panoramic moonroof which provides plenty of natural light to highlight all the unique accents and features. The overall vibe feels current and trendy with the technology you'd come to expect.
Seats (+)
The Countryman accommodates five passengers, but it is ideal when those in the back are smaller children. It is tight for three adults to fit across the back, but reasonable for three children (not in car seats). The back seat does recline and slides to further accommodate passengers. Up front there is a good amount of head, leg and shoulder room for both. It comes standard with synthetic upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Both power adjustable and genuine leather seats are available along with heated seats and a heated steering wheel. A quick visit to miniusa.com to build your own will reveal a variety of leather colors and patterns to choose from in various shades of black, brown, gray, blue, and even green like my Untamed Edition interior. The seats themselves are comfortable and supportive. They are well-cushioned and easy to adjust for visibility.
Cargo (-)
There is 17.6 cubic feet of cargo space in the back and 47.6 cubic feet of space with the seats folded down. This may be large by Mini's standards, but it's small compared to other subcompact crossovers. Thankfully, the rear floor does open to reveal additional hidden storage underneath. There are also a variety of storage nooks throughout the interior for smaller items.
Safety (+/-)
The Countryman doesn't have as many standard safety features as some competitors, but does include a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Other available driver assist features include the head-up display, parking assist and an adaptive cruise control.
Final Statement
If you're looking for something out of the box in the popular subcompact crossover segment, then look no further than the Mini Cooper Countryman. This high-riding Mini brings all the character, quality, and style to a larger Cooper. With a variety of personalization options including colors, roofs, wheels, interior patterns, accents, and more... this is a vehicle that can mirror your own personal vibe. It's fun-to-drive, built well, and feels premium. The Countryman is the more practical Mini Cooper.
First Impression Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2023 Mini Cooper S Countryman ALL4
Exterior Color: Momentum Gray
Interior: Untamed Upholstery (Green)
Notable Options: Iconic Trim ($4,900), Untamed Edition ($1,500), Privacy Glass ($500)
MSRP as tested (including delivery & processing fees): $45,250