Summary
The Mini Countryman is a medium-sized five-door hatchback/crossover. The current model is the second generation, which went on sale in the UK in 2017. Unlike most of the Mini range, it’s built in Austria rather than Britain.
The Countryman tends to fall somewhere between a mid-size hatchback (like the Ford Focus or) Volkswagen Golf and a similarly-sized SUV/crossover model (like the Nissan Qashqai or Ford Kuga). It’s available in various levels of sportiness, such as Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works.
Unlike the previous generation, the current model is available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. On the other hand, the diesel models have disappeared in recent years due to the rapidly declining popularity of diesel engines across the car industry.
The Mini Countryman has received consistently good reviews from the UK motoring media, although the plug-in hybrid tends to score better. On the other hand, the high-performance John Cooper Works model is not as well rated as the lower-order models.
In a 2020 What Car? survey of the 50 most reliable cars in the UK up to eight years old, the current Mini Countryman ranked an excellent joint 11th place.
An all-new Mini Countryman was announced in Autumn 2023, which will arrive in the UK in early 2024. Unlike the current one, it will also be available as an all-electric model. We’ll have an Expert Rating published on this model as soon as the first media reviews are published.
Key specifications
Body style: Medium hatchback/crossover
Engines: petrol, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £29,290 on-road
Launched: Spring 2017
Last updated: Winter 2020/21
Replacement due: Winter 2023/24
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.8 / 10
“While remaining a divisive model the second-generation Mini Countryman is a major advance on its predecessor, particularly in terms of interior space.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The not-so-little MINI Countryman offers family-friendly space, with efficiency and an indomitable style.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mini Countryman offers good space and efficiency, while it now looks more polished and includes improved on-board tech.”
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Model reviewed: plug-in hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“The Countryman allows those who want everything a Mini offers, but in a larger, family-friendly package. The plug-in hybrid will make sense to many looking to reduce running costs or company car tax, while still looking to have some fun behind the wheel.”
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Model reviewed: John Cooper Works
Score: 6 / 10
“Expensive and overweight it might be, but the JCW Countryman still has merit. It goes well, sounds good and has become a genuine five-seater, with bags of kit to help justify its price. But no matter how much fun it is to drive, the JCW can’t match rivals for overall appeal.”
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Model reviewed: Cooper SD
Score: 8 / 10
“Although the Mini Countryman Cooper SD is very easy to like – the punchy engine, lively handling and characterful design ensure that – the price tag means it’s not the model we’d go for. A Cooper D is nearly as quick and just as fun to drive, while being significantly cheaper to buy and run.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Mini’s popular Countryman has come in for a spruce-up and mid-life update. The changes are modest but encompass new styling, fresh trim options and minor updates to the engines. The plug-in hybrid option is of particular interest and is among the sportier of its type to drive.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid automatic Cooper S E All4 Exclusive
Score: 7 / 10
“The Ford Puma is much more fun to drive, the Volkswagen T-Roc more comfortable, and both are far, far cheaper to buy. But, if you want a PHEV, ask yourself: how much do I want a premium badge? You could have the much larger Kia Niro PHEV for similar money.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 7 / 10
“The Mini Countryman only manages to enter into our top five in fourth place ahead of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, but behind the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, Audi A3 Sportback and the BMW 1 Series.”
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Car
Model reviewed: Plug-in Hybrid range
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s still great fun to drive with decent performance. But the plug-in capability gives the Countryman a dual nature: it’s also a very civilised and responsible urban runabout, when running in zero emissions electric mode.”
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Model reviewed: Cooper S E All4 plug-in hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“The plug-in capability gives the Mini Countryman a dual nature: it’s also a very civilised and responsible urban runabout, when running in zero emissions electric mode. The Countryman PHEV offers the best of both worlds – and right now it’s the best small plug-in you can buy.”
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Model reviewed: Joh Cooper Works
Score: 6 / 10
“Whether you think it’s worth more than £4000 extra will depend upon how much value you place on the sharpened handling, and the implied racing heritage of that John Cooper Works badge.”
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Model reviewed: Cooper S All4
Score: 6 / 10
“Predictably expensive, but far better resolved than its predecessor, the Mini Countryman has now become what its ancestor never was; a respectable C-segment offering rather than merely a brand extension mishap.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Countryman remains a fun-looking small SUV that also happens to be rather good to drive. With a practical interior and high-quality feel, it certainly ticks plenty of boxes for buyers in this market.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“While rivals may offer more in the way of affordability and practicality, few can match the style and high-quality interior the Mini Countryman offers. Add in low running costs and the long electric range and it makes a very appealing option.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The MINI Countryman is a fun and stylish family car that’s also practical and economical.” (Ben Custard)
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Model reviewed: Plug-in Hybrid All4
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mini Countryman plug-in hybrid is not only cheap to run – particularly for business drivers – it’s desirable and good to drive, too”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Mini Countryman is practical for its size, has a high-quality interior and is fun to drive. But its cutesy looks are less convincing than they are on smaller Minis and options are pricey.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: Plug-in hybrid Cooper SE
“The Mini Countryman PHEV is a slick and clever plug-in that adds electric power to a practical and appealing model without any fuss. For the right user, it really works.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel manual Cooper D Chili & Media XL
Score: 8 / 10
“Plenty of strengths and not many weaknesses, divisive styling and RVs apart. The Mini Countryman comes back at its crossover rivals with plenty more in its armoury.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“Mini’s new SUV has grown up, but it’s lost the Mini fun factor along the way.”
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Fleetworld
Model reviewed: plug-in hybrid Cooper SE
Score: 8 / 10
“If your driving involves a lot of town work, the Mini Countryman Cooper SE makes plenty of sense. It’s great to drive and almost as practical as the standard car.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“We know the Mini Countryman is the least mini-like Mini you can buy, but it is difficult not to be taken by its quirky styling, plush interior and rewarding drive. It’s easy to see the appeal of a Mini SUV.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“Remove the BMW-era design nonsense and you’ll see that the Mini Countryman actually squeezes a lot of space and practicality into a relatively compact footprint.”
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Model reviewed: Cooper S All4
“Given the gargantuan success of the previous Mini Countryman, we expect this new, improved and more upmarket version to sell in huge numbers. Yes, we know it’s the least mini-like Mini you can buy, but it is difficult not to be taken by its quirky styling, plush interior and rewarding drive.”
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Model reviewed: Plug-in hybrid
“As emissions regulations tighten up, we’re obviously going to see more of cars like this. Even Toyota has realised there’s a market out there for hot hybrids. So well done Mini (and VW) for getting in there first.”
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Motors.co.uk
Model reviewed: plug-in hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“The standard Mini Countryman is hardly cheap, so it’s little surprise that the plug-in hybrid version isn’t a particular bargain. That said, aside from the racy John Cooper Works version, the plug-in hybrid is the second quickest Countryman in the range.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8.2 / 10
“Mini has conjured up a fit-for-purpose family crossover”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: Cooper
“This super-sized Countryman still has the Mini DNA. Yes, it’s a rugged looking thing — high riding, with five full-sized seats and a bigger boot than the Nissan Qashqai. It also comes in 4WD and can tow up to 1,800kg. But it’s still a Mini at heart.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Cooper D
Score: 8 / 10
“The not-so-mini Mini has grown up, and we think it’s all the better for it. The Countryman II doesn’t force compromise on families as its predecessor did, but it’s still fun to drive and fun to be around.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: S E All4 plug-in hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“On the face of it, plug-in hybrids represent a sensible stepping stone into electric motoring, but they do not come without compromise. If you’re prepared to accept these, the Mini Countryman S E All4 is certainly one of the better of the breed.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 7 / 10
“In its latest guise the Mini Countryman has grown into a more useful car than ever before, while retaining enough of the charm of other Minis to feel genuinely different to rivals. However, it’s hard to avoid the fact that a SEAT Ateca is bigger, cheaper and more comfortable, if not as quirky.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Biggest Mini yet is the least fun to drive. But new Countryman has practicality on its side.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“The Mini Countryman offers a great combination of space, style and desirability, with just enough on-road fun. But there are still far better options out there that offer a more premium feel and overall more composed ride, such as the SEAT Ateca.”
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Which?
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid
“In plug-in hybrid form, the Mini Countryman offers the prospect of low running costs (provided you mostly do short journeys), but it’s certainly pricey to buy. It’s safe to drive, sporty and both pleasant and spacious inside, with a very usable boot. It’s a Which? Best Buy.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)
“The second-generation Countryman maintains the Mini brand’s playful-yet-premium character, while also being genuinely spacious for passengers and offering a very usable boot. Compared with most SUV rivals, it’s good fun to drive, but it’s pricey and doesn’t quite have the breadth of talent to be a Which? Best Buy.”
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Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: May 2017
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 90%
Child protection: 80%
Vulnerable road users: 64%
Safety assist: 51%
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of October 2023, the Mini Countryman has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 72
Average repair cost: £1036.33
Last updated: October 2022
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
As of October 2022, the Mini Countryman has a poor reliability score of 36%, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy.
The majority of problems with the Countryman relate to its engine, which is unfortunately the most expensive claim category with an average repair cost of about £3,000. Another area to look out for is the braking system, although at least these faults are much cheaper with an average repair bill of around £300.
If you’re looking at a used Mini Countryman, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 42 mpg | D | 39 – 45 mpg | C – D |
Diesel models | 54 mpg | B | 50 – 58 mpg | B – B |
Plug-in hybrid models | 158 mpg | A | 149 – 166 mpg | A – A |
CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 150 g/km | B | 143 – 175 g/km | B – C |
Diesel models | 139 g/km | B | 129 – 149 g/km | A – B |
Plug-in hybrid models | 41 g/km | A | 40 – 42 g/km | A – A |
Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Plug-in hybrid models | 32 miles | E | 29 – 51 miles | C – E |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 23 | B | 16 – 50 | A – F |
Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
Year 1 | £185 | A |
Year 2 | £476 | A |
Year 3 | £781 | A |
Year 4 | £1,028 | B |
Year 5 | £1,361 | A |
Overall | £3,831 | A |
The Mini Countryman range is a fairly inexpensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost information provided to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
The petrol models are not very fuel efficient, which is the biggest concern. The diesels are better but are no longer available new, so you’re limited to looking at the used car market. The plug-in hybrid model looks amazing on paper, but this is largely a function of inadequate EU/UK government lab testing that results in basically useless figures for plug-in hybrids – there are no real-world scenarios where you’re going to travel for 158 miles on one gallon (4.5 litres) of petrol and a bit of electricity…
The battery range on the plug-in hybrid isn’t great, but could still be enough for your day-to-day driving if you’re gentle on the accelerator pedal.
The good news is that insurance and servicing costs are likely to be very competitive, with an excellent set of results in these categories.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Mini Countryman has received
2023
- What Car? EV Awards – Best Hybrid Small SUV + Best Used Hybrid Small SUV
2022
- What Car? EV Awards – Best Used Hybrid Small SUV
2021
- What Car? EV Awards – Best Used Hybrid Small SUV
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Mini Countryman, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Alfa Romeo Giulietta | Citroën C4 | Fiat Tipo | Ford Focus | Honda Civic | Hyundai i30 | Kia Ceed | Mazda 3 | Peugeot 308 | SEAT Leon | Skoda Scala | Skoda Octavia | Toyota Corolla | Vauxhall Astra | Volkswagen Golf
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Mini Countryman at The Car Expert
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