Mini Cooper Countryman

For the third-generation Countryman, Mini dropped the base 1.5-liter engine, giving all gas-powered Countryman models the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. But Mini also added the Countryman SE trims with an entirely battery-electric drivetrain, with motors driving both the front and rear wheels.

The electric Countryman SE Signature Plus and SE All4 Iconic trims offer 212 miles of range and about eight hours of home recharge time on a 240-volt Level 2 charger. The Countryman SE offers 308 horsepower from the electric motors, making it quite fast.

Inside, the Countryman is now more spacious than ever, with a quiet and comfortable interior that leans toward the sporty side, as Mini products usually do. The retro-looking round center gauge houses the touchscreen infotainment system, which somewhat limits the available screen space.

The second generation was a time of rapid change for the Countryman, with additions like an available plug-in hybrid powertrain in addition to the Cooper and the more powerful Countryman Cooper S and John Cooper Works trim levels. Interior trims included the Classic, Signature, and Iconic treatments.

The base Countryman Cooper came with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, powering the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. If the buyer opted for the All4 all-wheel-drive system, the transmission was an eight-speed automatic. The Countryman Cooper S version carried a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine paired with the same transmission and drive wheel choices. The John Cooper Works trim was exclusively all-wheel drive. Manual transmissions were still available in the early years of this generation, but they were discontinued for the 2020 model year.

The Countryman was Mini's first foray into crossover SUV territory. The subcompact Countryman was a bit larger than Mini's standard hatchback cars, with four doors and available All4 all-wheel drive on the turbocharged Countryman S models. Power came from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, with available turbocharging in the Countryman S and John Cooper Works trim levels. Notably among SUVs, a six-speed manual transmission was standard on all Countryman vehicles, while a six-speed automatic transmission was available. Buyers could choose either front-wheel or all-wheel drive on the Countryman S, but only front-wheel drive on the standard Countryman.

Inside, the Countryman is more spacious than you might think, with comfortable seats and a unique but user-friendly set of controls. Mini still uses the retro-looking round center gauge and control cluster, but it works.