What Car Shoppers Need to Know
- The Mini Countryman is a small, five-seat SUV with standard all-wheel drive.
- Two available gas engines make 241 and 312 horsepower, respectively, with the electric SE making 308 hp.
- Pricing starts at $40,075 (all prices include destination).
The brand’s largest vehicle, the Mini Countryman is both the least mini and the most Mini. Still small by any other standard, the Countryman shares its front-drive-based architecture with BMW’s 2 Series Gran Coupe, X1 and X2. With its signature Mini styling whimsy, however, nobody will confuse the Countryman for a BMW. Buyers can choose between gas and electric power, with AWD standard on every model.
What’s New for 2026?
Mini introduced an available John Cooper Works styling package this year that can bring some of the high-performance JCW trim’s styling pizzazz to the entry-level S trim. The package includes larger wheels, black exterior trim and paddle shifters.
Pricing
The Countryman is similar in size to the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Honda HR-V and Subaru Crosstrek SUVs. But whereas that competitive set starts under $30,000, the Countryman’s premium Mini branding means it’s priced closer to the Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA and GLB, and Lexus UX. The following prices are correct as of June 2026 (manufacturers sometimes change a vehicle’s pricing over the course of a model year):
- S: $40,075
- SE (EV): $46,375
- John Cooper Works: $48,075
Trims and Features
Standard safety features in the 2026 Mini Countryman include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure steering assist, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors.
S and SE
The entry-level Countryman S and the electric Countryman SE both include 18-inch wheels, a panoramic moonroof, power liftgate, and keyless entry and start. Inside are synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a 9.4-inch circular display in the center of the dash that functions as both the infotainment touchscreen and the gauge cluster.
John Cooper Works
The high-performance John Cooper Works Countryman gets a more powerful engine, 19-inch wheels, upgraded brakes, adaptive dampers, and aggressive front and rear bumper fascias. Inside, the JCW features sport seats, a Harman Kardon audio system and a wireless phone charger.
Powertrains and Fuel Economy
Both the Countryman S and the JCW are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. In the S, the turbo four generates 241 horsepower and 295 pounds-feet of torque; in the JCW, it makes 312 hp and the same 295 pounds-feet of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard in both Minis.
|
Trim |
Powertrain |
City MPG |
Highway MPG |
Combined MPG |
|
S |
241-hp, turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder |
24 |
32 |
27 |
|
JCW |
312-hp, turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder |
23 |
30 |
25 |
The Countryman SE swaps out the turbocharged four-cylinder for a pair of electric motors, good for a combined 308 hp and 364 pounds-feet of torque.
|
Model |
Powertrain |
Range (Miles) |
Charging Speed (Kilowatts) |
|
SE |
Dual electric motors, 308 hp, AWD |
212 (204 with optional 19-inch wheels) |
130 |
Interior
The Countryman is more spacious than you might expect, with plenty of room for 6-footers both up front and in the backseat — though you won’t want to cram back there if you’re much taller than that. And while the cargo hold is oddly shaped — tall and narrow — it’ll accommodate about the same amount of stuff as competitive vehicles. Mini’s characteristic flair shows in the Countryman’s interior design and color palette, but while the infotainment display and gauge cluster’s graphics are sharp, its circular shape makes for funky smartphone mirroring and a crowded screen.
Versus the Competition
The Countryman undercuts most of its competitive set on pricing, though the Mercedes GLA is only slightly more expensive. The GLA’s interior styling isn’t as unique as the Mini’s, but its materials feel vastly more upscale and its overall design is as classy as the Countryman’s is fun. Despite its carlike roofline, the GLA has a roomier backseat than the Mini but a smaller cargo hold.
The Volvo XC40 is another one of the more affordable options in the premium subcompact SUV segment. Its cabin looks drab compared with the Mini’s, but it feels more rich. There’s also less space in the XC40 than in the Countryman. Its ride is more comfortable than the Mini’s, but unless you upgrade from the standard front-wheel-drive powertrain to AWD, you’ll be stuck with an underpowered engine that makes for sluggish acceleration. The XC40’s electric version, the EX40, and the more affordable EX30 are direct all-electric rivals to the Countryman SE.
Do We Like the Mini Countryman?
Disliking the Countryman is like disliking puppies; something so exuberant is intrinsically endearing. But there’s a disconnect between the 2026 Countryman’s controls and the road that wasn’t there in the previous generation, somewhat dulling its driving sensations. Still, even the base S is plenty powerful, so if you’re simply looking for a spacious and unique small SUV, the Countryman checks all the boxes. The Countryman’s charm carries over to its electric SE version, too, but its driving range is at the bottom of its class.
