Overview
Back in 2010, the first-generation Mini Cooper Countryman SUV was introduced as an alternative for buyers who found the marque’s throwback British flair appealing but needed something with greater space for occupants and cargo than the tiny Cooper hatchback offered. The second-gen Countryman arrived in 2017 and is still sold today, though it’s been tweaked and refined over the seven model years since—revisions that included a facelift in 2021. The 2024 edition retains its cheeky exterior styling and kitschy interior, which is fitted with high-quality materials. Power is supplied by turbocharged three- or four-cylinder engines with either front- or all-wheel drive, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain is also available. Compared to its smaller siblings, the Cooper Countryman is less fun to wield—and behind-the-wheel playfulness is one of the things that has made other modern Minis attractive. Absent that, and pitted against excellent competitors like Volvo XC40,BMW X1, and Audi Q3, the Countryman’s heritage and retro looks simply aren’t enough to win our hearts.
What’s New for 2024?
There are few changes to the Cooper Countryman for the 2024 model year. The Signature Trim 2.0 is now available on the plug-in hybrid model. Additionally, the power tailgate, parking assistant, and active cruise control features become standard content for Iconic Trim 2.0 models.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We recommend the Cooper S for its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which provides an extra 55 horsepower over the standard three-cylinder. Every S has 18-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, rear parking sensors, and supportive front seats. Those who want the added traction of all-wheel drive can spec it for an extra charge. We’d option our Countryman with the mid-level Signature Trim package for its 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and passive entry. The Driver Assistance package, which brings adaptive cruise control and a head-up display, also makes our list.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Countryman family includes three distinct powertrains. The base engine is a 134-hp turbocharged three-cylinder that lacks the power to move the crossover’s 3300-plus pounds with any authority. The Cooper S has a more powerful 189-hp turbo-four, but it still doesn’t provide the giddyap that we crave. The plug-in-hybrid model is the quickest non-JCW Countryman we’ve tested, but it’s also the most expensive. Nonhybrid front-drive versions feature a snappy seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission; all-wheel-drive models receive an eight-speed automatic. The Countryman’s stoic disposition isn’t a bad thing; it’s just different from the attitudes of other Minis, which are unreservedly playful. The plug-in hybrid’s brake pedal has a long dead spot at the top of its travel, which takes some getting used to.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The government has yet to release fuel ratings for the 2024 model year, but we expect them to remain the same as no major mechanical changes have been made. The most fuel-efficient Countryman is the plug-in-hybrid Cooper S E, which has a combined EPA rating of 73 MPGe. Among the nonhybrid models, the three-cylinder version is the thriftiest, earning up to 26 mpg city and 33 highway. The more powerful four-cylinder Cooper S achieves up to 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the freeway. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, the Cooper S Countryman All4 returned a decent 32 mpg. For more information about the Countryman’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Countryman’s interior showcases typical Mini design elements, such as an infotainment system set in a large circular housing in the center of the dash and toggle switches for controlling the interior lights, the ignition, and the standard stop-start system. There’s a lot to like about the Countryman’s cabin, which is assembled from high-quality materials and offers adequate passenger space. Back-seat riders will be comfortable on long trips, but you’ll have to pay for the Convenience package if you want a center armrest. The cabin has a number of storage nooks, providing sufficient space for stashing personal items; however, the Countryman offers less cargo room than some smaller competitors. Mini makes up for that with a fair amount of underfloor storage space, but opting for the available spare tire takes up most of that.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Countryman comes standard with a 6.5-inch screen for its infotainment system, and an 8.8-inch display with navigation and Apple CarPlay capability is available. Buyers can control the latter via touch inputs, a console-mounted dial, and voice commands.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
While it comes standard with automated emergency braking the Countryman lacks some other common driver-assistance technology, namely blind-spot monitoring and lane keeping. For more information about the Countryman’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Available adaptive cruise control
- Available self-parking assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mini’s limited and powertrain warranties are typical. However, the Countryman and its BMW X1 cousin have the best corrosion coverage and included scheduled maintenance in the class.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2020 Mini Cooper S Countryman
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED
$42,250 (base price: $33,250)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16 -valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
122 in3, 1998 cm3
Power
189 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque
207 lb-ft @ 1350 rpm
TRANSMISSION
7-speed dual-clutch automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.0-in vented disc/11.0-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli Cinturato P7 RunFlat, 225/45R-19 92W ★
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 105.1 in
Length: 169.8 in
Width: 71.7 in
Height: 61.3 in
Passenger volume: 97 ft3
Cargo volume: 17 ft3
Curb weight: 3514 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
Rollout, 1 ft: 0.3 sec
60 mph: 6.8 sec
100 mph: 18.9 sec
120 mph: 32.9 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 7.5 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.5 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.3 sec
¼-mile: 15.2 sec @ 91 mph
Top speed (drag limited): 135 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 157 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.88 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 25 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 32 mpg
Highway range: 510 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 28/24/33 mpg
