2024 Mini Cooper Countryman Review, Pricing, and Specs

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 more passenger and cargo space than the little Cooper hatchback offered. The second-gen Countryman arrived in 2017 and is still sold today, although it has been tweaked and refined over the seven model years since – revisions that have included a facelift in 2021. The 2024 edition retains its brutal exterior styling and kitschy interior, which is equipped with high-quality materials. Power is provided by turbocharged three- or four-cylinder engines with either front- or all-wheel drive, and a plug-in hybrid drivetrain is also available. Compared to its smaller siblings, the Cooper Countryman is less fun to drive—and behind-the-wheel playfulness is one of the things that has made other modern Minis appealing. Absent that, and against excellent competitors such as Volvo XC40,BMW X1, and Audi Q3the 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, park assist and active cruise control features become standard content for Iconic Trim 2.0 models.

Prices 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 four-wheel drive can spec it for an extra cost. We choose 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 3,300-plus pounds with any authority. The Cooper S has a more powerful 189-hp turbo four, but it still doesn’t provide the verve we crave. The plug-in hybrid model is the fastest non-JCW Countryman we tested, but it is also the most expensive. Non-hybrid 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 nature 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 center at the top of its travel, which takes some getting used to.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The government has yet to announce 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 SE, which has a combined EPA rating of 73 MPGe. Among the non-hybrid models, the three-cylinder version is the most frugal, 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. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, the Cooper S Countryman All4 returned a decent 32 mpg. For more information on the Countryman’s fuel consumption, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, comfort and cargo

The Countryman’s interior displays typical Mini design elements, such as an infotainment system housed in a large circular housing in the center of the dashboard 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 constructed 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 a number of storage nooks, which offer enough space to store personal items; however, the Countryman offers less cargo space than some smaller competitors. Mini makes up for it with a fair amount of underfloor storage, but the choice of available spare tire takes up most of it.

Infotainment and connectivity

The Countryman comes standard with a 6.5-inch screen for its infotainment system, and an 8.8-inch screen 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

Although it comes standard with automatic emergency braking, the Countryman lacks some other common driver assistance technology, namely blind spot monitoring and lane keeping. For more information on 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 automatic emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control available
• Self-parking assistance available

Warranty and Maintenance Cover

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

More features and specifications