Iconic retro styling, comfortable ride, high-quality interior - 2018 Mini Cooper Countryman Review
0Overview
Known for its unmistakably iconic styling and lively handling, the quirky Mini brand applies this blueprint to the Countryman. It shares a platform with the 10Best-winning BMW X1, which lends a refined ride and a spacious rear seat. Its retro exterior and funky interior are uniquely Mini, however, with myriad custom options. Available with front- or all-wheel drive, the lineup has a trio of turbocharged engines, including an all-new plug-in hybrid powertrain. While Mini’s funkiness isn’t for the mainstream, the Countryman definitely puts the fun in functional.
What's New for 2018?
For 2018, Mini adds its first ever plug-in hybrid (called the Countryman S E) to the lineup with an electric-only range of 12 miles. Other updates include the newly available Apple CarPlay (Android Auto is still absent). The previously optional driver-attention monitor and backup camera now become standard. And Mini has made mild revisions to the interior.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
Base: $27,450
S: $32,050
S E: $37,650
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Non-hybrid Countryman models offer a standard 134-hp turbocharged inline-three or an optional 189-hp turbo inline-four. The plug-in model pairs a 1.5-liter gas engine with an electric motor for a combined 221 hp. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and an automatic is optional for all models except the hybrid and the front-wheel-drive Cooper S, where it's standard. The base engine simply lacks the power to move the Countryman’s 3300-plus pounds. The Countryman S, with its 189-hp turbo four, is a peppier option. But the heavier plug-in hybrid is quicker off the line than both of its gas-powered twins, thanks in part to its considerable torque advantage. The Countryman inherits a refined ride from its platform-mate, the BMW X1. But unlike other Mini models, it never feels light or tossable from behind the wheel. Its stoic disposition isn’t a bad thing; it’s just different from other Minis, which are unreservedly playful.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
If you can get past the kitschy design, there’s a lot to like about the Countryman’s cabin, which is assembled from high-quality materials and offers adequate passenger space. The Countryman is one of the more expensive options in its class. But at least it comes well equipped, with a number of standard features that competitors charge extra for, including an easy-to-use dual-zone climate-control system and a proximity key with push-button start. A number of storage nooks and bins provide the Countryman with sufficient space for stashing smaller items; however, the cargo area offers less room than even some smaller competitors.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Countryman comes standard with a 6.5-inch screen for its infotainment system, as well as Bluetooth connectivity, USB and auxiliary inputs, and six-speaker audio. An 8.8-inch touchscreen unit with navigation is available as part of the Technology package which also includes Apple CarPlay (but not Android Auto). Controlled by touch inputs, a knob behind the shifter, or voice commands, the system boasts logical menu structures and high-quality graphics.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
For more information about the Mini Cooper Countryman’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.