Overview
In 2010, the first-generation Mini Cooper Countryman SUV was introduced as an alternative for buyers who found the British marque’s signature appeal appealing but needed something with more room for occupants and cargo than the Cooper’s small hatchback offered. The second-generation Countryman arrived in 2017 and is still on sale today, though it’s been tweaked and refined over the seven model years since then—revisions that include facelift in 2021. The 2024 edition retains its brash exterior styling and stylish interior, which is equipped with high-quality materials. Power is provided by a three- or four-cylinder turbocharged engine with either front- or all-wheel drive, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain is also available. Compared to its smaller siblings, the The Cooper Countryman is less fun to drive—and the fun behind the wheel is one of the things that has made other modern Minis attractive. Absent, and competing with great competitors like Volvo XC40,BMW X1, and Audi Q3The Countryman’s heritage and retro looks alone 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. Signature Trim 2.0 is now available on plug-in hybrid models. Additionally, power tailgate features, parking assist and active cruise control become standard content for Iconic Trim 2.0 models.
Price and Which One to Buy
We recommend the Cooper S for its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which delivers 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 specify it for an additional fee. We’ll choose our Countryman with the mid-level Signature Trim package for the 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 different powertrains. The base engine is a 134-hp turbocharged three-cylinder that doesn’t have the power to move the 3300-plus pound crossover with any power. The Cooper S has a more powerful 189-hp turbo-four, but it still doesn’t deliver the giddyap we crave. The plug-in-hybrid model is not the fastest JCW Countryman we’ve tested, but it is also the most expensive. The non-hybrid front-drive version features a quick seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission; all-wheel drive models receive an eight-speed automatic. The Countryman’s rugged nature isn’t a bad thing; just different from other Mini’s playful attitude. The plug-in hybrid brake pedal has a long dead point at the top of its travel, which takes some getting used to.
Real World Fuel Economy and 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 Cooper SE plug-in-hybrid, which has a combined EPA rating of 73 MPGe. Among the non-hybrid models, the three-cylinder version is the most economical, 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 highway. life our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, the Cooper S Countryman All4 returns a good 32 mpg. For more information on the Countryman’s fuel economy, visit the website EPA website.
Interior, Comfort and Cargo
The interior of the Countryman showcases typical Mini design elements, such as the infotainment system set in a large circular housing in the center of the dash and toggle switches to control the interior lights, ignition and standard start-stop system. There’s a lot to like about the Countryman’s cabin, which is assembled from high-quality materials and offers ample passenger space. Rear-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 several storage corners, providing enough space to store personal items; however, the Countryman offers less cargo room than some smaller competitors. The Mini makes up for it with an ample amount of underfloor storage, but picking up the available spare tire takes a big chunk out 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 through touch input, console-mounted dials and voice commands.
Safety Features and Driver Assistance
Although it comes standard with automatic emergency braking, the Countryman lacks some other common driver assistance technologies, namely blind spot monitoring and lane keeping. For more information on Countryman 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 automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control is available
- Self-parking assistance is available
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Limited warranty and Mini powertrain is typical. However, the Countryman and its BMW X1 cousin have the best corrosion coverage and include scheduled maintenance in the class.
- The limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Free maintenance covered for three years or 36,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2020 Mini Cooper S Countryman
TYPE OF VEHICLE
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 heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement
122 in31998 sm3
Power
189 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque
207 lb-ft @ 1350 rpm
TRANSMISSION
7-speed dual-clutch automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): strut/multi-link
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 inches
Width: 71.7 inches
Height: 61.3 inches
Passenger volume: 97 feet3
Cargo volume: 17 feet3
Curb Weight: 3514 lb
C/D TEST RESULT
Launch, 1 foot: 0.3 seconds
60 mph: 6.8 seconds
100 mph: 18.9 seconds
120 mph: 32.9 seconds
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 7.5 seconds
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.5 seconds
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.3 seconds
¼ mile: 15.2 seconds @ 91 mph
Top speed (drag limited): 135 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 157 feet
Road grip, skid pad 300 feet: 0.88 g
C/D OIL ECONOMY
Observed: 25 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 32 mpg
Highway range: 510 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 28/24/33 mpg
More Features and Specifications