2021 MINI Countryman

2021 Mini Countryman Review
- Exterior and interior design sets it apart from competitors
- Uses higher-quality materials than subcompact rivals
- Provides a fun driving experience
- Front seats are confining
- Small cargo area
- Engines require premium fuel
- Minor exterior styling updates
- New digital instrument cluster
- New Oxford special edition
- Part of the second Countryman generation introduced for 2017
The 2021 Countryman is the largest vehicle in Mini's lineup. But, as with all things Mini, that's a relative term — the Countryman is about the same size as other automakers' smallest SUVs. The upside to its small size is its nimble nature; the Countryman is more entertaining to drive than plenty of other SUVs. It's also stylish, with lots of retro touches that hark back to classic Mini Coopers.
Mini has given the Countryman a number of rolling updates since this newest generation debuted for the 2017 model year. For 2021, the Countryman gets revised exterior styling, a newly available digital gauge cluster and new special Oxford Edition trim. Most of the rest carries over, including the sporty John Cooper Works edition and the Countryman SE Hybrid plug-in hybrid.
The Countryman occupies an unusual place in the market. It's priced higher than other SUVs its size, such as the Buick Encore GX and Hyundai Kona, but in return it has a more upscale interior and greater performance potential. You might also consider the BMW X1 or Mercedes-Benz GLB; they're roomier and more luxurious but also more expensive. We do suggest shopping around to learn what style of SUV fits your needs best, but overall the Countryman should easily satisfy.
What's it like to live with?
Edmunds spent a year with a 2018 Mini Countryman SE Hybrid. While the Countryman has received a number of updates since our test ended, most of our impressions and observations still hold true. We found the Countryman to be quick and relatively fun to drive, though as a whole it left us wanting a little more.
Which Countryman does Edmunds recommend?
MINI Countryman models
The 2021 Mini Countryman is available in four basic variants: Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and Cooper SE Hybrid. From there, you can pick from three trim levels: Classic, Signature and Iconic, each with an increasing level of features. The Countryman uses a variety of powertrains, too, depending on the variant.
2021 MINI Countryman video
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $29,100
- MPG & Fuel
- 26 City / 33 Hwy / 29 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.1 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: 7-speed automated manual
- Engine
- Inline 3 cylinder
- Horsepower: 134 hp @ 4400 rpm
- Torque: 162 lb-ft @ 1250 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 169.8 in. / Height: 61.3 in. / Width: 71.7 in.
- Curb Weight: N/A
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 17.6 cu.ft.

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Safety
Our experts’ favorite Countryman safety features:
- Park Distance Control
- Aids in parking by alerting the driver when the Countryman is approaching an object while backing up.
- Active Driving Assistant
- Keeps a set distance between the Countryman and the vehicle in front when cruise control is active.
- Parking Assistant
- Guides the Countryman into a parallel parking spot with minimal driver intervention.
Mini Countryman vs. the competition
2021 Mini Countryman
2021 BMW X1
Mini Countryman vs. BMW BMW X1
The BMW X1 is the German automaker's smallest and least expensive SUV. Still, it has more passenger and cargo space than the Countryman, though the Mini undercuts the BMW's price by a significant margin. The X1 is more luxurious inside, but it can't match the Countryman's charm or fun-to-drive nature.
Mini Countryman vs. Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLA has been fully redesigned for 2021. It's a breath of fresh air compared to the old model, drawing in many of the best bits of other recent Mercedes such as the A-Class sedan and three-row GLB. We found the new GLA to be comfortable and smooth. It offers some of today’s best in-car tech, though most of it must be added as options.
Mini Countryman vs. Audi Q3
The Audi Q3 was recently redesigned and still feels plenty fresh. It's quiet, comfortable and has a premium interior. It also comes with standard all-wheel drive and array of excellent in-car tech and driver aids. It's more expensive than the Mini but, as with the BMW and Mercedes, offers more space and a more high-end feel.
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FAQ
Is the MINI Countryman a good car?
What's new in the 2021 MINI Countryman?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 MINI Countryman:
- Minor exterior styling updates
- New digital instrument cluster
- New Oxford special edition
- Part of the second Countryman generation introduced for 2017
Is the MINI Countryman reliable?
Is the 2021 MINI Countryman a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 MINI Countryman?
The least-expensive 2021 MINI Countryman is the 2021 MINI Countryman Cooper Oxford 4dr Wagon (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 7AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $29,100.
Other versions include:
- Cooper Oxford 4dr Wagon (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $29,100
- Cooper S ALL4 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $33,900
- Cooper 4dr Wagon (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $29,100
- Cooper SE ALL4 4dr Wagon AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A) which starts at $41,500
- Cooper S 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $31,900
- Cooper ALL4 4dr Wagon AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $31,100
- Cooper Oxford ALL4 4dr Wagon AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $31,100
- John Cooper Works ALL4 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $41,500