2019 Mini Cooper Countryman

Pros: Mini style and unique character; sporty driving personality; addition of plug-in-hybrid model

Cons: Pricey compared to many class competitors; base engine might not have enough power for many buyers; quirky controls

CG Says: The 2019 Mini Cooper Countryman is essentially unchanged. The Mini Countryman was redesigned for 2017 and it shares a basic platform with BMW’s X1 SUV (BMW is Mini’s parent company). With the redesign, Countryman gained significantly more passenger and cargo room. The Countryman is a subcompact SUV with seating for five. The base Cooper engine is a 134-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder. Cooper S models have a 189-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. The same engine is tuned to produce 228 hp in the performance-oriented John Cooper Works model. The Cooper S E ALL4 plug-in hybrid pairs a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbo engine with an electric motor for a combined 221 hp. All engines have, except the S E ALL4 hybrid, a standard 6-speed manual transmission. A 6-speed automatic transmission is optional for the base Cooper and is standard for the hybrid, while an 8-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 and S E ALL4 are 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 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. Plus, the S E ALL4 plug-in hybrid was a fine addition to the range.