2018 Mini Cooper S E Countryman Plug-In Hybrid Review
Can a Mini still be fun if it's a plug-in hybrid? That's the question Edmunds Senior Writer Mark Takahashi seeks to answer in this video review of the 2018 Mini Cooper S E Countryman.
Transcript
[MUSIC PLAYING] SPEAKER: What we have here is the all-new 2018 MINI Countryman SE Hybrid. It's a bit of a mouthful. So let's break it down. MINI-- it's got all the personality. It's got all the style that you expect from MINI. Countryman-- the Countryman is the biggest vehicle they make, and it's still actually a compact SUV. S-- that means it's slightly sportier. It's got a little more power than the base Countryman. And the E hybrid-- well, it's a plug-in hybrid. It has about 12 miles of EV range and goes up to highway speeds. Now, the average commute is about 15 miles, according to the DOT. So if you have a slightly shorter commute than average, you'll hardly ever have to fill it with gas. The question is, is it as fun as a regular MINI? There's only one way to find out. [MUSIC PLAYING] Up front under the hood, we have the base engine, which is a three cylinder that powers only the front wheels. The difference here is in the back is an electric motor that drives the rear wheels. And the battery pack is underneath the rear seats. The combined power output between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor is 221 horsepower. That's only seven horsepower less than the top-of-the-line performance focused John Cooper Works edition. More importantly is this actually has more torque than the John Cooper Works, but it's focused more towards efficiency. I'm in EV mode right now. And if I were to give it a lot more pedal, let's say, to pass slower traffic, it'd kick in with the internal combustion engine. So here we go. And I really didn't feel that engine start up. It just kind of provided this nice shove. Right down here I have a toggle switch with the E Drive logo on it. And what that does is-- well, I can switch between the normal, automatic mode where it automatically switches between electric and gasoline power, or I could switch to EV only mode, which will not activate the gas engine unless you really give it some pedal. And then there's a save mode here, which actually gives more priority to charging the battery. So the auto E Drive is the way to go. One thing that's different about this versus other hybrids, though, is I don't get the big readout or a good indication of what the drivetrain is doing. It's just a picture of the Countryman with an arrow in the front showing that you're moving, and it will light up with the rear wheels if you're using electric only, or if you're using the gas, it will light up with red lights in the front wheels. It's really subtle on the screen. So you have to look fairly closely. Additionally, there's not a whole lot of information on this particular screen as far as how much EV range you have left or how much power you're using. You have to go to a different screen for that in a different part of the menu. I feel like they could have combined those two screens to give you a better indication of what the hybrid system's doing. You do feel a subtle transition from brake region to using the actual brake pads, though. It's almost like it gets a little mushy at the top of the brake pedal stroke, and then as you slow down or as you give it more pedal pressure, there's a little more resistance. That's when you start feeling the pads start to grab. My colleagues have commented that there are more issues at low parking lot speeds where they can be a little grabby, a little abrupt. And on the flip side of that, when you're on the highway and you need to get on the brakes, they can feel somewhat disconcertingly light. And at our test track, this came to a stop from 60 miles an hour in 140 feet. That's actually a long distance nowadays. The typical car will brake under about 120 feet. So that 20 feet could be the difference between stopping in time or tapping the bumper of the car in front of you. In most aspects, the SE hybrid drives like any other MINI Cooper. It's compact. It's got a small footprint, which means it's really easy to maneuver into a tight spot. I am noticing a lot more road noise, but that might just be down to the fact that there's no internal combustion engine running right now to help drown that out. The suspension is a little stiff compared to its competition, and that gives you that connectedness, that sporty feel that kind of instills confidence for handling. And in many ways, it handles just like a regular MINI, which is tuned for more fun than comfort. That said, it is still very comfortable. [MUSIC PLAYING] The interior of the Countryman is exactly what you'd expect from MINI. It's got all the charm, but it has evolved with better, sturdier, and more attractive materials. These sport seats-- they're very, very comfortable and supportive. But the side bolsters, if I was wider, that might be a problem. Everything-- or almost everything falls into place perfectly-- all the switches on the steering wheel, for the window, and, of course, it's got toggle switches instead of buttons and knobs. I like it. It's functional, yet attractive. When I said almost everything falls to hand, the infotainment still serves to be a little bit of an annoyance for me. In order to use it, you have to push this center armrest down to its lowest point. And that means that it's not even with the door arm rest, but it is a good system overall. As big as this center ring is, I feel like they're not making use of all the available real estate here, but at least it's functional and easy to use. Visibility-wise, it's actually really good. I have an incredible view outward, even behind me. Now, if I were to turn around, you're blocked slightly by the thick rear roof pillar, but it's got a standard rearview camera. It takes all the guesswork out. Another thing that helps with visibility is it has a built-in head-up display. It's got this flip-up plastic bit that reflects back into you. And if you don't like them, just hit a switch, and it'll fold right back down into the dash. As far as interior storage, it's a little limiting. Under the center armrest is a very, very small bin that's pretty much made just for smartphones, but it does have a wireless charging bed there. Underneath, a little bit of a pocket, not that useful. The door pockets-- they're a little shallow, but there is a pocket especially made for water bottles. Cup holders, they're on the small side, and there's a small bin there as well. It should do fine for most people. Overall, it's a really nice, attractive cabin to spend time in. From the back seat, there's actually a decent amount of room. That feeling of spaciousness up front translates back here really nicely. I feel like I'm slightly elevated, which gives me a nice view right out the windshield as well. Maybe gets in the way a little bit, but that's a really minor complaint. I do wish that there was an armrest in the center, but nothing folds out of here. I have more than enough room under the seat for my knees. And if I sit all the way back, my hair's maybe brushing the headliner, but not a problem. I'd be fine back here for a road trip. These seats do recline slightly, even though I was just reclined. The more upright position is like this. And even this isn't objectionable, but obviously it's better if you can slide back a little. Normally, with crossovers this size you expect a pretty small and limiting cargo space. Not the case with the Countryman. That's actually a sizable space. One thing, though, this pack full of household charger, adapter cords-- there's no good place to store it. You have underfloor storage, but it doesn't fit there. The thing is you probably don't need it anyway because you have a gasoline engine, and it's a standard charge port anyway. I'd say leave it at home. [MUSIC PLAYING] To answer the question, is it fun, actually yes, it is fun, and not just because it's a hybrid. It has a lot of that personality that you expect from MINI with driver engagement and just enough power to have fun but not enough to get you in trouble. I would actually consider getting one of these for myself. It fits my lifestyle just fine. It compares well against other fun-to-drive SUVs like the Mazda CX3, as well as the BMW X1 and forthcoming X2. If you're looking for something a little more environmentally friendly, though, there are some options that include the Kia Niro as well as the Kia Soul EV. For more information on the Countryman SE hybrid as well as its competition, head over to edmunds.com. To see more videos like this, hit Subscribe. [MUSIC PLAYING]
The 2018 Mini Countryman is a small wagon that carves out a unique niche by providing a playful alternative to typical subcompact crossovers. It's the largest vehicle Mini builds, but its size is comparable to that of a small SUV such as the Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V. As with other Minis, the Countryman's trims have similar feature content; they are instead differentiated by the engines underhood. There are multiple packages and stand-alone options between the four trim levels, offering greater customization options than usual in this class.
The 2018 Countryman is offered in Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and Cooper S E trim levels. In base Cooper form, the Countryman is well-equipped, even by Mini standards. It comes with a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and keyless entry and ignition. The Cooper S (our preferred trim) ups the ante with a strong turbo four-cylinder, LED headlights and sport seats. The John Cooper Works offers even greater performance, with a more powerful version of the four-cylinder, aerodynamic exterior modifications and a sport-tuned suspension. The Cooper S E is equipped similarly to the Cooper S, but it comes with a unique powertrain — this plug-in hybrid marries the turbo-three with an electric motor, good for up to 12 miles of electric-only propulsion.
Three packages provide the bulk of the Countryman's features: Convenience (rear armrest, cargo divider, and a choice between a cargo area-mounted seating cushion or spare tire); Premium (power-adjustable front seats, a 12-speaker audio system, tinted glass and a power liftgate); and Technology (an 8.8-inch touchscreen, navigation, a head-up display and an automated parallel parking system). There's also a Sport package for the Cooper that adds some features from the Cooper S and a Fully Loaded package that includes all packages. Some features from these packages are available as stand-alone options, and there are additional exterior and interior appearance modifications on the options list, such as hood stripes, chrome detailing and different interior trim pieces.
The 2018 Countryman is a bargain compared to other Minis. Though the starting price is higher than those of the other passenger-friendly Minis in the lineup, equip them to match the Countryman's starting spec and you'll find the Countryman is actually less expensive than the Clubman and just slightly pricier than the four-door Hatchback. On the other hand, the Countryman commands a significant premium over competing subcompact SUVs and small wagons. Its high-quality interior materials, funky design and sporty driving characteristics are unusual for the segment, and might just tip the scales in its favor. If you want to jump into a thrilling wagon that doesn't fit the mold, use Edmunds' shopping tools to research and visualize your perfect 2018 Mini Countryman.
2018 MINI Countryman Overview
The 2018 MINI Countryman is offered in the following submodels: John Cooper Works ALL4, Wagon, Hybrid. Available styles include Cooper S ALL4 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), Cooper S 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A), and Cooper 4dr Wagon (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 6M). Countryman models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The 2018 Countryman comes with all wheel drive or front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed manual, 8-speed shiftable automatic. The 2018 Countryman comes with a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. basic warranty, a 4 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What should I pay for a new 2018 MINI Countryman?
2018 MINI Countryman John Cooper Works ALL4 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
The 2018 MINI Countryman John Cooper Works ALL4 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $45695. The average price paid for a new 2018 MINI Countryman John Cooper Works ALL4 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $791.8 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $791.8 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $44903.2.
The average savings for the 2018 MINI Countryman John Cooper Works ALL4 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is 1.7% below the MSRP.
We are showing 3 John Cooper Works ALL4 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) 2018 MINI Countryman John Cooper Works ALL4 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 MINI Countryman Cooper S ALL4 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
The 2018 MINI Countryman Cooper S ALL4 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $43045. The average price paid for a new 2018 MINI Countryman Cooper S ALL4 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $2459.8 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2459.8 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $40585.2.
The average savings for the 2018 MINI Countryman Cooper S ALL4 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is 5.7% below the MSRP.
We are showing 29 Cooper S ALL4 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) 2018 MINI Countryman Cooper S ALL4 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 MINI Countryman Cooper ALL4 4dr Wagon AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 6M)
The 2018 MINI Countryman Cooper ALL4 4dr Wagon AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $35544. The average price paid for a new 2018 MINI Countryman Cooper ALL4 4dr Wagon AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $3156.5 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3156.5 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $32387.5.
The average savings for the 2018 MINI Countryman Cooper ALL4 4dr Wagon AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 6M) is 8.9% below the MSRP.
We are showing 15 Cooper ALL4 4dr Wagon AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 6M) 2018 MINI Countryman Cooper ALL4 4dr Wagon AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 MINI Countryman Cooper 4dr Wagon (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 6M)
The 2018 MINI Countryman Cooper 4dr Wagon (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $33200. The average price paid for a new 2018 MINI Countryman Cooper 4dr Wagon (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $500 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $500 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $32700.
The average savings for the 2018 MINI Countryman Cooper 4dr Wagon (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 6M) is 1.5% below the MSRP.
We are showing 8 Cooper 4dr Wagon (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 6M) 2018 MINI Countryman Cooper 4dr Wagon (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 MINI Countryman Cooper S 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
The 2018 MINI Countryman Cooper S 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $36315. The average price paid for a new 2018 MINI Countryman Cooper S 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) is trending $500 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $500 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $35815.
The average savings for the 2018 MINI Countryman Cooper S 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) is 1.4% below the MSRP.
We are showing 4 Cooper S 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) 2018 MINI Countryman Cooper S 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Is the 2018 MINI Countryman a good car? Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 MINI Countryman and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 Countryman featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process All of our reviews are written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
2018 MINI Countryman inventory listings Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 MINI Countryman for sale near Ashburn VA. There are currently 107 new and 49 used and CPO 2018 Countrymans listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as 28515 and mileage as low as 0. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 MINI Countryman. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to 6719 on a new, used, or CPO 2018 Countryman available from one of 2632 dealerships in your area.
How can Edmunds help? Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
MPG
2018 mini countryman Cooper S ALL4 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), 6-speed manual, premium unleaded (required) 24 combined MPG 21 city MPG/31 highway MPG
2018 mini countryman Cooper S 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A), 8-speed shiftable automatic, premium unleaded (required) 27 combined MPG 23 city MPG/32 highway MPG
2018 mini countryman Cooper 4dr Wagon (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 6M), 6-speed manual, premium unleaded (required) 28 combined MPG 24 city MPG/34 highway MPG
What options are available on the 2018 MINI Countryman?
Available MINI Countryman 2018 Submodel Types: Wagon, John Cooper Works ALL4
Available MINI Countryman 2018 Trims: Cooper S ALL4, Cooper ALL4, Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works ALL4
Exterior Colors: Island Blue Metallic, Light White, Melting Silver Metallic, MINI Yours Lapisluxury Blue, Midnight Black Metallic, Moonwalk Grey Metallic, British Racing Green Metallic, Chestnut, Chili Red, Thunder Grey Metallic
Interior Colors: Carbon Black SensaTec leatherette, Carbon Black Cross Punch leather, Black Pearl leatherette/cloth, Carbon Black Cord leather/cloth, British Oak Chesterfield leather, MINI Yours Carbon Black Lounge leather, Satellite Grey Lounge leather, Double Stripe Carbon Black premium cloth
Popular Features: Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Auto Climate Control, Aux Audio Inputs, Back-up camera, Bluetooth, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Keyless Entry/Start, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Parking sensors, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Sunroof/Moonroof, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, USB Inputs, Heated seats, AWD/4WD, Upgraded Headlights, Power Liftgate/Trunk, Power Driver Seat, Upgraded Stereo, Electronic Folding Mirrors, Heads up display, Adaptive Cruise Control, Alarm, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Navigation
Engine/Mechanics: 4, 3 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC, MANUAL
Fuel Types: premium unleaded (required)
Drivetrains: all wheel drive, front wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
