The Countryman is a compact crossover version of the cars that, since their debut in the early ‘60s, have made the British brand, MINI, so popular. Thanks to its rapid development and more SUV approach, the Mini Countryman has built its reputation as a family-friendly, reliable and durable vehicle. Having joined the 2022 crossover SUV segment, the Countryman takes everything you know about the Countryman… to the next level, with new styling cues and tech updates. It also offers much more cabin space than its Mini 3-door and Mini 5-door siblings.
Currently, the 2022 Countryman comes in four different trim levels: The Countryman, the Countryman S, John Cooper Works, and the Countryman SE plug-in hybrid. Each of these models appeals to different tastes. The base model is a practical choice for the ordinary city dweller with day-to-day errands, the performance-oriented John Cooper Works model serves anyone with a strong thirst for power, quick acceleration, and speed, while the plug-in hybrid greatly serves business drivers.
All these models pack a turbocharged engine, passenger space, and more standard equipment than the previous model. Whichever model you choose, the Mini Cooper Countryman guarantees a fun driving experience. And the standard equipment list isn’t just generous. It’s more reflective of buyer preferences, including the standard navigation. The Mini Countryman may not be blessed with off-road capabilities (yet), but it’s got a character and style that you won’t find anywhere else in the market.
Let's take a look at some of the features we love from the new Countryman lineage.
The Mini Countryman Has An Outstanding, Yet Familiar Exterior Design
With minor exterior updates, the 2022 Mini Countryman flaunts a much bolder and more aggressive design, thanks to the stylish bumper and large grille design. At the front, the Mini Countryman looks more intimidating than the hatchback counterparts, with new headlights that not only look fierce but also add more visibility to the road ahead.
It has a sleeker, aerodynamic shape and round edges that demonstrate its performance. The high-performance JCW model comes with a dual-pane sunroof, and multiple color options, which include a unique black exterior trim shade. What’s more, the brand offers a unique appearance package that unlocks larger 19-inch wheels, a power liftgate, and much more.
The Mini Countryman Has An Upscale And Spacious Cabin
Inside, the Mini Cooper Countryman features premium materials and a lot of technology. Like the exterior, the inside hasn’t undergone a major revamp for 2022, and a long time really. So, for the most part, you’ll get that sense of familiarity.
The infotainment system consists of an 8.8-inch touch screen, with standard navigation, Bluetooth, a six-speaker stereo, and Satellite radio. Aside from the screen, the infotainment system has buttons, allowing quick navigation to the much-needed features. The John Cooper Works model adds some interesting and unique amenities to the inside, in the form of high-quality seating materials and an upgraded digital instrument display cluster.
There is so much passenger space in the 2022 Mini Countryman, and thanks to the increased ground clearance of the Countryman, it is very easy to get in and out, which is also aided by the reduced length of the front and rear doors. And despite what appears to be a confined shape on the outside, the Mini Countryman retains quite a rational luggage space. The Countryman offers around 17.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats. But this grows to 47.6 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded, allowing you to haul more cargo. If that’s not enough, you can also strap more luggage on the roof, thanks to the available roof racks.
The Mini Countryman: Potent Turbo-Four Engines And Performance-Oriented JCW Model
Aside from the 134hp 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder base engine, which is the less desirable powertrain on the Mini Countryman lineup, the Countryman S model features a more capable turbo-four engine, which makes 189 horsepower, allowing it to go from zero to 60 mph in a good 7.1 Seconds. If you desire more engine power, consider the John Cooper Works (JCW) model, which packs the strongest turbo-four motor, generating up to 301 horsepower. Being the only performance-oriented Cooper of the bunch, the JCW has the quickest acceleration, racing from a standstill to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. It also gets a standard all-wheel drive, along with the Cooper SE trim level. You’ll have to fork over $2,000 if you want to get the all-wheel-drive on the base and Cooper S models.
The plug-in-hybrid SE gets its power from the base 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine and an electric motor, bumping the output from 134 horsepower to an exciting 221 horsepower, which, in turn, gives it a much swifter acceleration and an overall better driving capability. The plug-in hybrid electric version offers about 17 miles of driving range from its electric motor alone and is the only model available with the 6-speed auto. The standard gearbox on all trims is the familiar 7-speed auto. An 8-speed auto transmission is standard on all-wheel-drive versions.
The Mini Countryman Has Decent Fuel Economy Ratings
If you’re in need of a more fuel-economic version, go for the base Countryman model, which delivers EPA-rated 26 MPG in the city and 33MPG on the highway. The Countryman S drops the city rating to 24 MPG but retains the same highway rating. As you’d expect, the JCW model is the least economic model, with 23 MPG city and 30 MPG highway.
The SE plug-in hybrid version delivers about 29 MPG in combined city/highway driving or about 73 MPG equivalent. On the electric side, the Countryman gives you a driving range of 18 miles. The battery only needs about 2 hours to attain a full charge if you’re using a 240-volt socket. Retailing from $29,100, the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman is worth every penny.