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2021 Mini Cooper Countryman review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Mini Cooper Countryman highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Four very different engine choices
  • Distinctive style and personality
  • Strong overall performance

Cons

  • Not as practical as other SUVs
  • Sacrifices some comfort for performance
  • Can be pricier than its competitors

Mileage (EPA estimate)

23 city, 30 highway, 26 combined

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The 2021 Mini Cooper Countryman adds practicality to personality

Let’s say you’ve been captivated by Mini Coopers. And who could blame you? They have tons of personality with retro-cool styling and fun-to-drive playfulness. That alone has kept Minis popular since the brand's revival in 2000. Eventually, we all need to grow up, though, and as shoppers' responsibilities increase, they seek out more practical alternatives.

Fortunately, there’s one already in the Mini lineup. The 2021 Mini Cooper Countryman is a subcompact SUV that comes with all of the personality of the smaller Minis. It’s similar in size to the Hyundai Kona and Volkswagen Taos but distinguishes itself with livelier driving dynamics. It’s a great pick for those who need more space but still want to have fun behind the wheel. For 2021, it receives a minor styling update, a new digital instrument panel, and a new Oxford special edition.

All Mini Cooper Countryman years

What is new for the 2021 Mini Cooper Countryman?

  • The Cooper Countryman is available in a new trim called the John Cooper Works ALL4.
  • Cooper Countryman trims have been upgraded with Leatherette & Cloth as standard equipment this year.
  • The Oxford Edition trim now comes with Panoramic Sunroof as standard equipment.
  • The S ALL4 trim now comes with Panoramic Sunroof as standard equipment.
  • The Base trim now comes with Panoramic Sunroof as standard equipment.
  • The S trim now comes with Panoramic Sunroof as standard equipment.

2021 Mini Cooper Countryman trims

Curious how Mini Cooper Countryman trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

S:

ALL4:

S ALL4:

John Cooper Works ALL4:

Oxford Edition:

5 reasons to buy the 2021 Mini Cooper Countryman

What We Like

Distinct engine choices: The Mini Cooper Countryman is available with a variety of engine options to cater to diverse tastes and budgets. The lineup includes a base model equipped with a 134-horsepower three-cylinder engine, an upgraded Cooper S featuring an 189-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, and the high-performance John Cooper Works model boasting 301 hp. Additionally, there is a separate review for the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Cooper SE All4 model.

Unique style and personality: Mini Coopers are easily some of the most recognizable cars from a distance. Styling flourishes include their iconic shape, large headlights, and rounded-over corners, and the Countryman falls right in line, just at a larger scale. All that personality carries over to the interior, with retro-inspired round gauges and chunky toggle switches. As a bonus, materials quality is quite good, a result of being part of the BMW empire.

Stirring performance: Other SUVs in the class may look sporty, but the Mini Cooper Countryman backs that up with legitimate performance. The base engine may be just adequate, but it handles noticeably better than its rivals. The Cooper S further adds more power and sharper cornering, and the JCW may even be too performance-focused for some.

What Needs Improvement

Less practical than other SUVs: The Mini Cooper Countryman has 17.6 cubic feet (about 22 grocery bags) of cargo space available behind the rear seats, a figure we associate more with smaller sedans and hatchbacks. While the Countryman offers a lot more space than the smaller Mini hatchbacks, its rivals can hold almost 40% more.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

3
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Mini Cooper Countryman an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Mini Cooper Countryman 25th out of 27 among Subcompact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Mini Cooper Countryman

Mini Cooper Countryman features and specs

Base 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cruise Control
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Run Flat Tires
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automated Parking
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Harman Kardon Sound
  • Head Up Display
  • Leather Seats
  • Navigation System
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Run Flat Tires
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Smart Key

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.5L

Horsepower

134

Torque (ft-lbs)

162

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

16.1

Wheelbase

105.1"

Overall length

169.8"

Width

71.7"

Height

61.3"

Leg room

F 40.4"/R 37.6"

Head room

F 40.5"/R 38.3"

Front tires

P225/55WR17

Rear tires

P225/55WR17

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Mini Cooper Countryman FAQ

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