2020 MINI Countryman Review

Name: 2020 MINI Countryman
Brand: MINI

Price Range: $14,938 - $24,998

2020 MINI Countryman Cooper S ALL4 Wagon Exterior

Good

7.8

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

The 2020 Countryman has always been Mini's answer to those who love the fun and spunky nature of the brand but need more practicality. Thanks to its quick acceleration and playful handling, the Countryman absolutely remains true to the badge. But practicality is not the Mini's strong suit.

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Average price: $20,035

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MINI Countryman model years

MINI Countryman for Sale

MINI Countryman types

Pros

Exterior and interior design sets it apart from competitors
Materials are higher-quality than in subcompact rivals
Provides a fun driving experience

Cons

Front seats are confining
Cargo area is small
Engines require premium fuel

What's new

Cooper S E plug-in hybrid gets a larger battery with more range
John Cooper Works performance model gets a significant bump in power
New seven-speed automatic transmission for the Cooper
Part of the second Countryman generation introduced for 2017

Overview

Written by automotive expert Reese Counts

Updated: 6/4/2020

The second-gen Mini Countryman has been on sale for a few years, and Mini has given it a number of rolling updates and changes over the past few years. Now, for 2020, Mini is at it again. Major updates include a more powerful engine in the John Cooper Works performance model (now a stout 301 horsepower) and a larger battery in the Cooper S E plug-in hybrid that increases the all-electric range.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

22 listings

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Photos not available
2020 MINI Countryman
Cooper S ALL4 Wagon
$19,481
great price
$4,022 below market
- 29,892 miles
- 5 Seats, 23 City / 31 Hwy MPG
- 149 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Allentown, PA
Recent Arrival!AWD, ABS brakes, Alloy wheels, Electronic Stability Control, Front dual zone A/C, Heated door mirrors, Heated Front Seats, Heated fron...
Features and Specs:
26 Combined MPG (23 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
WMZYX1C04L3L70547
Stock:
7720511
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
09-01-2026
New Listing
Photos not available
2020 MINI Countryman
Cooper S ALL4 Wagon
$19,481
great price
$2,343 below market
- 42,996 miles
- 5 Seats, 23 City / 31 Hwy MPG
- 149 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Allentown, PA
Recent Arrival!AWD, ABS brakes, Alloy wheels, Electronic Stability Control, Front dual zone A/C, Heated door mirrors, Heated Front Seats, Heated fron...
Features and Specs:
26 Combined MPG (23 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
WMZYX1C07L3L66332
Stock:
7720071
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
09-05-2026

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There's also a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that's standard in front-wheel-drive Cooper models. Yet Mini enthusiasts might be more keen on what's missing for 2020: a manual transmission. One is no longer available on any Countryman variant. We doubt many Countryman buyers got the manual in the past, but it was one element that helped the Countryman stand out compared to more mundane crossover SUVs.

Visually, the Countryman remains relatively unchanged, though new standard LED lighting gives the crossover a more premium look. The overall design is still distinctly Mini, with a clear connection to both current and classic Mini models. Mini has simplified the Countryman's extensive options list into trims and packages. It makes it easier to see what models come with which features, but shoppers looking to personalize their Countryman might be disappointed by the change.

The 2020 Countryman remains a relatively fun-to-drive crossover SUV, especially in John Cooper Works trim. It wins on charm and a premium feel that few other vehicles in this size or class can match. But the trade-offs — not a whole lot of cargo space and premium pricing — are significant.

What's it like to live with the Countryman?

The experts at Edmunds acquired a Mini Countryman and drove it more than 14,000 miles during a long-term test. The test vehicle was a plug-in Countryman S E Hybrid model, meaning it could run on electric power before switching to the gasoline engine. Editors praised its quick acceleration and entertaining handling. But it wasn't all smooth sailing.

One important note is that we tested a 2018 model, and the 2020 version has an upgraded battery that provides more EV-only range. Most of our observations still apply to the Countryman in general, though. Read our long-term Countryman test to see how the Countryman S E Hybrid fared before buying one for yourself.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Good

7.8

out of 10

We drove the 2020 MINI Countryman on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

8.5/10

How does the Countryman drive? We tested the John Cooper Works version. It absolutely lives up to its sporting heritage and delivers by far the most engaging and fun driving experience in the class. Our test Countryman JCW made the 0-60 mph sprint in an impressively quick 5.2 seconds. The brakes are also strong should you need to make a panic stop, though it can be a little tricky to stop smoothly in routine driving.

Handling, another strong suit in Minis, isn't lost in the Countryman JCW. It changes direction in a hurry yet feels grippy and stable under most circumstances.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the Countryman? Considering its sporting intentions, the Countryman John Cooper Works is pretty civilized. It comes with an adaptive suspension that, in its default setting, does a nice job of absorbing broken city roads while providing good body control at higher speeds.

Putting the Countryman JCW in Sport should be reserved for driving along a smooth and twisty road because the firmer ride is a bit too much for typical driving. Likewise, the extra engine and exhaust noise in Sport mode can grate after a while since the Countryman is usually fairly quiet.

The cloth seats in our JCW test car were very firm but still reasonably comfortable. They had good bolstering for your torso but surprisingly little for your legs.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? The overall layout of Countryman's interior has not changed in quite some time. It's distinctive-looking, including the limited instrumentation and chrome toggle switches. The controls are easy to figure out, and the control knob for the infotainment system helps quickly navigate most of the high-level functions.

Thanks to the Countryman's raised ride height, getting in and out is fairly easy and is helped by the short-length front and rear doors. Inside, all passengers will enjoy more room than the profile view of the Countryman might present. Only rear visibility falls a bit short of what we expect in this class.

Technology

7.5/10

How’s the tech? The Countryman's long and narrow infotainment screen looks a bit small alongside some of its competition. The upgraded Harman Kardon audio system makes smart use of the Countryman's shape and delivers good power and decent clarity, especially at higher volumes. Kudos also go to the Mini's natural voice recognition system, which makes voice commands friendly and easy to execute.

Only Apple CarPlay is available, but Android users will find the Bluetooth system quick-acting and easy to navigate. Front and rear seat passengers should bring USB-C cables or adapters because the Countryman uses them exclusively, with two ports in the front and two in the back.

Storage

7/10

How’s the storage? The John Cooper Works modifications take nothing away from the Countryman's practicality. Alas, there's not a lot of it to begin with. In cargo capacity, the Countryman trails competitors such as the Audi Q3, BMW X2 and Mercedes-Benz GLB. The Mini does have 40/20/40-split folding rear seats, but the seatback releases are only accessible from the rear passenger doors, not the cargo area.

Up front, the Countryman offers a fair amount of nicely sized storage bins. Sunglasses, phones, cables, keys and other sundry items will all have a home. The door pockets aren't cavernous but add to the practicality.

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? Despite its extra horsepower, the John Cooper Works Countryman is rated by the EPA to return 26 mpg combined (23 city/30 highway), which is about par for the class. Over our 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation route, we saw just over 24 mpg with a bit of enthusiastic driving mixed in. The base Countryman with the three-cylinder engine checks in with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in combined driving.

Value

7.5/10

Is the Countryman a good value? Opting for the John Cooper Works version of the Countryman bumps the price of the standard Countryman from just under $30,000 to more than $41,000. Most of that price increase is due to the performance hardware, and not necessarily a more luxurious interior, so you and your passengers might not see evidence of most of that extra expense.

Our loaded-up test Countryman JCW checked in at a fairly steep $50,100. That does line up with stylish offerings such the BMW X2 and Volvo XC40, but the John Cooper Works edition is considerably quicker and more fun than either.

Bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties are for four years/50,000 miles, which is standard for the class. Roadside assistance lasts four years with unlimited miles, and free maintenance is a helpful three years/36,000 miles.

Wildcard

9/10

If you prioritize driving fun and vibrant expressionism, the Countryman John Cooper Works will not disappoint. Even with the Countryman's extra size and heft, it remains true to the sporty, fun nature of other Minis. Even the all-wheel-drive system is tuned to be playful while offering excellent levels of wet-weather grip and all-around confidence. It might not be the most practical vehicle in this class, but it's fun and engaging.

2020 MINI Countryman trim level differences

The 2020 Mini Countryman is a sporty, fun alternative to the standard set of small crossovers and wagons. The Countryman earns its premium price tag by offering a healthy list of standard features. All four models — Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and Cooper S E — have similar feature content but are differentiated by the engines underhood. From there, buyers choose among three trim levels (Classic, Signature and Iconic) with an increasing number of features. Compare the 2020 MINI Countryman trim levels in-depth.

Which Countryman trim does Edmunds recommend?

The Countryman isn't cheap, slotting somewhere between mainstream crossovers and luxury models from BMW, Audi and more. Mini has attempted to simplify its trims, but it's all still a bit confusing. The base model comes with a good amount of equipment, but we recommend stepping up to the Countryman Cooper S model to avoid the gutless turbocharged inline-three and the Signature trim to access its decent list of standard features.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$208/mo

$228/mo

Avg. Compact Car

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Reliability

The 2020 MINI Countryman has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 2 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Recalls

2 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 20V601000
Number of vehicles affected:: 4509
Defect Description:: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.
Defect Consequence:: The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.
Corrective Action:: The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is available, drivers will be instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers will also be instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles. The recall is expected to begin November 23, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall Number:: 20V490000
Number of vehicles affected:: 713
Defect Description:: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330e and X5 xDrive45e, 2020-2021 X3 xDrive30e, and 2020 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 vehicles. Loose welding beads may form a conductive path between the hybrid battery cells which could lead to a short-circuit.
Defect Consequence:: A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action:: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery modules, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 12, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 12 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 4 years / unlimited miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles

MINI Countryman Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.9

32 reviews

5(40%)

4(31%)

3(17%)

2(3%)

1(9%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2020 Countryman Features & Specs

Type:

Wagon

Trim:

Cooper

Est. Market Value	$13,962
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$208/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	17.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Countryman models:

Park Distance Control: Helps 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.

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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