Pros: Mini style and unique character; sporty driving personality
Cons: Pricey compared to many class competitors; base engine might not have enough power for many buyers; quirky controls
CG Says: The biggest Mini gets bigger for 2017. The Mini Countryman is redesigned on a basic platform shared with BMW’s X1 SUV (BMW is Mini’s parent company). In addition to gaining significantly more passenger and cargo room, the new-generation Countryman lineup is set to get Mini’s first plug-in hybrid model—the Cooper S E ALL4—as a 2018 model-year addition. The base Cooper engine is a 134-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder. Cooper S models have a 189-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The same engine is tuned to produce 228 hp in the performance-oriented John Cooper Works model. All of the above engines have a standard six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic transmission is optional for the base Cooper, while an eight-speed automatic is optional for Cooper S and John Cooper Works models. The base Cooper and Cooper S have standard front-wheel drive and are available with all-wheel drive, while the John Cooper Works is AWD only. Standard on all models are panoramic sunroof, rearview camera, Bluetooth, keyless access and starting, rain-sensing wipers, and rear parking sensors. Available features include a hands-free power liftgate, adaptive cruise control, and head-up instrument display. The new Countryman continues Mini’s tradition of spunky, expressive styling and engaging driving dynamics while adding welcome space for both cargo and people. You’ll still pay a premium for the trademark Mini personality, but the Countryman’s upsized dimensions make it a more practical entry in the subcompact SUV category.
| Class | Subcompact SUV |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door wagon |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Mini |
| Nation of Manufacturer | Netherlands |
| Base Prices | Cooper: $26,100 AWD Cooper ALL4: $28,100 Cooper S: $29,100 AWD Cooper S ALL4: $31,100 AWD John Cooper Works ALL4: $37,800 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder (Cooper) |
| Horsepower 134 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| Avail. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 22/25 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 30-33 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Cooper S, John Cooper Works) |
| Horsepower 189 (228 John Cooper Works) |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| Avail. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 21-22 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 31 |
