2024 Mini Cooper Countryman JCW Review, Pricing, and Specs

Overview

By the time you’ve finished saying its entire name, the 2024 Mini Cooper Countryman JCW has already hit 60 mph. With a snappy eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, the JCW is the fastest Mini we’ve ever tested. It’s good for quick excitement and cool looks, but it can’t overcome the fact that its shape doesn’t offer much cargo space. While the Countryman seats four passengers comfortably, its aggressive suspension is set up for the racetrack; across city streets, it will probably leave most people holding onto their guts. The Mini’s cabin is filled with funky details, such as an enormous circular infotainment screen and checkered flags incorporated into the speedometer. The Countryman JCW is fun, but not the most practical choice in a segment teeming with larger, cheaper SUVs.

What’s new for 2024?

Not much has changed for the 2024 Mini Cooper Countryman JCW. Mini will continue to offer the Countryman range without the option of a six-speed manual, and the Untamed Edition soldiers on for non-JCW variants, adding special paint options and trims to the Iconic trim level.

Prices and which one to buy

We think the Signature model offers the best value. It also unlocks more paint color options and standard features than the Classic, including dual-zone climate control, a Harman/Kardon sound system, heated front seats and a panoramic sunroof. We’d go for the Signature Upholstery package for its nicer interior materials, like black leather seats with microsuede inserts. We’ll also consider the Convenience and Driver Assistance packages, which together include a head-up display, a rear seat armrest and a picnic cushion that folds out of the cargo area, giving you a place to relax with the elevator up.

Engine, transmission and performance

The Cooper Countryman JCW is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters guides that pulls torque to all four wheels. It’s the fastest Mini we’ve ever tested, and all that grunt sounds good when it’s trumpeted through the JCW’s exhaust system. While the maximum sound level is reserved for the sportiest driving mode (Sport), the hi-po Countryman can still be soothing in Comfort mode. This subcompact crossover comes with a sport-tuned suspension that delivers entertaining handling and a stiff ride, and it shines as one of the most athletic choices in its class.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The Countryman JCW is expected to earn 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. Not bad for one of the hottest baby SUVs you can buy. On our 75 mph highway fuel economy test route, the Countryman JCW beat those EPA estimates by returning 32 mpg. For more information on the Countryman JCW’s fuel consumption, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, comfort and cargo

Inside, the Cooper Countryman JCW offers cheerful design elements and premium materials. The infotainment screen sits above the center stack in a circular housing, which is very Mini. The Countryman offers fairly spacious accommodation for passengers, with a good amount of legroom for people in both rows. The Countryman offers 18 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear bench, and fits six carry-on bags in that space. This is one more than the Mini Cooper Clubman station wagon can drive, but one less than the BMW X1 keep. With the seats down, the Countryman offers 48 cubic feet of cargo space and accommodates 16 suitcases. The Volvo XC40 fits 25 in the same configuration.

Infotainment and connectivity

Mini equipped the Cooper Countryman JCW with a sound system with six speakers, an auxiliary input jack and Apple CarPlay. You can upgrade your setup with available features like a Harman/Kardon sound system and an 8.8-inch touchscreen. The options list also includes navigation and wireless device charging. Android Auto is not available.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Mini equipped the JCW with useful driver assistance features, but lane assist and blind spot monitoring are noticeably absent. For information on the Countryman JCW’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 automatic emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control available

Warranty and Maintenance Cover

Mini offers respectable warranty coverage and three years of included scheduled maintenance.

• 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

More features and specifications