2017 MINI Clubman Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byCameron Rogers
Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).Pros
- Handling is excellent, even in the base model
- High-quality cabin materials are class-leading
- Lots of customization options
- All-wheel drive, a rarity in this class, is available
Cons
- More expensive than similarly equipped compact hatchbacks
- Base engine is fairly slow and clunky with the automatic transmission
- Not quite as fun to drive as the slightly smaller Mini Hardtop
What’s new
Cooper and Cooper S trims can now be ordered with all-wheel drive, which Mini calls All4. There's also a new John Cooper Works variant that offers higher performance than the Cooper S. The optional 8.8-inch central display is now a touchscreen.
Vehicle overview
Mini is known for its pint-size cars that boast superb handling characteristics and trendy cabins. But its cars are also known for being, you know, mini. If you want more space, you used to have to look elsewhere. But the brand has been working on offering bigger vehicles that still have plenty of spirit, and the latest is the 2017 Mini Clubman.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 MINI Clubman Cooper 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.07 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$175/mo
Clubman Cooper
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Coming off of last year's redesign, the Clubman is about a foot longer than the four-door Hardtop, which provides more legroom in the rear and greater cargo capacity. Viewed in profile, the Clubman has a wagon-esque look to it, too. Though some of Mini's traditional sporty driving characteristics have been lost in the quest for a more relaxed and passenger-friendly ride quality, the Clubman is still very much a Mini at heart.
Like other Minis, the Clubman is available in three main versions. The base Cooper is the commuter's choice, with a fuel-efficient turbocharged three-cylinder that is much peppier than the base engine in the previous Clubman. Then there's the Cooper S, with a turbo-four that gives you the sporty fun typical of Minis but at a price that won't break the bank. For those who want the ultimate, there's the John Cooper Works Clubman with an amped-up version of the engine in the Cooper S. Add in Mini's lengthy options list, and you've got a fully customizable small wagon that will be a memorable companion for you and your friends.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
4.0 / 5Searching for a compact hatchback or wagon that rises above the mundane? The 2017 Mini Clubman breaks the mold with its pleasing interior materials, roomy cabin and precision handling. It's also great for Mini Hardtop buyers searching for a more practical everyday driver.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our Full Test of the 2016 Mini Clubman Cooper Hatchback (turbo 1.5L inline-3 | 6-speed automatic | FWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Clubman has received some revisions, including touchscreen functionality for the upgraded central display. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Clubman.
Scorecard
| Overall | 4.0 / 5 |
| Driving | 3.5 |
| Comfort | 3.5 |
| Interior | 4.5 |
| Utility | 5.0 |
Driving
3.5Today's Clubman is heavier than the previous model, but it didn't get enough of a power bump to offset the extra weight. Because of this, the base model isn't particularly spry. The larger 2.0-liter engine found in the Clubman S and JCW would certainly provide better performance.
Comfort
3.5There is much comfort to be found inside the Clubman, with no shortage of plush padded surfaces and more room than before for passengers to stretch out. Downsides include a slightly stiff ride and fair amounts of wind and road noise that find their way in.
Interior
4.5Mini used to champion style over function, sometimes to a fault, but has since evolved its design approach with the Clubman to successfully incorporate both. The company's commitment to heritage is evident in the distinctive 50/50-split cargo-area doors, which swing outward like a cargo van's.
Utility
5.0Storage is generous, with two cupholders in the front, four in the rear and door pockets large enough to hold a 1-liter sport bottle. The cargo area measures 17.5 cubic feet, rear seats fold flat and underfloor cargo storage is brilliantly designed. The rear swing-out cargo doors allow for easy cargo access.
Technology
The Clubman's central display is accessed primarily through a control knob in the center console, though touchscreen functionality is new for this year. The operating system (a derivative of BMW's iDrive) is easy to use and features crisp, vibrant graphics.
Which Clubman does Edmunds recommend?
If you live in a congested city and performance isn't a priority, you'll do just fine with the base Cooper. However, its turbocharged three-cylinder feels slow in merging and passing maneuvers, and it lacks the zip you'll find in a smaller Mini. We recommend stepping up to the Cooper S. Its turbocharged four-cylinder definitely ups the fun factor, it doesn't cost much more than the Cooper and fuel economy estimates are comparable. The John Cooper Works Clubman is enticing, but it's significantly more expensive than the Cooper S.
2017 MINI Clubman models
The 2017 Mini Clubman is for people who love the driving and handling characteristics of a Mini but need more rear seat room and cargo space than the four-door Hardtop model provides. It's available in three trims that are mostly differentiated by the engine lying underhood. The Cooper and Cooper S are relatively close in price, while the John Cooper Works version is significantly pricier (though its list of additional performance items is impressive). A staggering number of styling, performance and luxury upgrades are available on all models.