The MINI Countryman was the brand’s first SUV when it was brought to market in 2011. It offered the same charm and customizability as MINI's smaller vehicles but with significantly more rear passenger space and cargo capacity. It also cashed in on MINI's reputation for sporty performance, at least within its higher trim levels.
Like its MINI brethren, the Countryman set itself apart from more conventional rivals with its retro design, sporty demeanour, and wide-ranging personalization options. Over the course of three generations, the Countryman has grown significantly in size and lost much of its quirkiness. However, it remains a unique proposition compared with rivals such as the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Hyundai Kona, and Volvo XC40.
Our buying guide looks at how the MINI Countryman has evolved over the years, which are the best and worst versions to buy, and how much shoppers can expect to pay for one.
MINI Countryman Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
Frequently Asked Questions
Which MINI Countryman years are the best?
The latest MINI Countryman stands out from its predecessors for its technology features, both in terms of infotainment and safety. It has also distinguished itself by having just one minor recall, which is rare for any vehicle, especially in its debut year.
Which MINI Countryman years are the worst?
The 2014 and 2015 Countryman received the most recalls, and some of them were rather serious such as failed side impact crash tests and rollaways when parked. These were quickly addressed, though. We'd also raise a flag on the 2018 to 2023 Countryman S E plug-in hybrid, which was recalled for possible battery fires in 2020 and 2021.
Is a used MINI Countryman a good deal?
The newest Countryman is holding its value quite well, so it may be out of reach for many shoppers. Second-generation models are much more affordable, and we'd recommend the Countryman S for the biggest bang for the buck. While a used Countryman is likely to cost more than many alternatives, the upsides are its premium image and good reliability record, which could make it a good deal.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stylish design
- Fun to drive
- Multiple powertrain options
Cons:
- Stiff ride
- Weak base engines
- Smaller cargo capacity than rivals
MINI Countryman Generations
MINI Countryman Third Generation (2025–Present)
The third-generation MINI Countryman debuted in 2025 and grew by about 10 centimetres in both length and height. This significant increase put the Countryman on a par with rivals such as the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 for the first time. Although still vaguely retro, the latest Countryman adopted a modern and generic design with a more angular look than its predecessors. The larger footprint meant increased rear passenger space as well as useful extra cargo capacity. Unfortunately, this new Countryman's added size also resulted in a less engaging drive.
The 2025 MINI Countryman was available with three distinctly different powertrains. The base engine was a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that produced 241 horsepower, while the John Cooper Works model increased output to 313 hp. Both engines were paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive (AWD) was standard.
The Countryman SE All4 was the all-electric alternative. It had two motors for all-wheel drive and good for a combined 308 hp. It was estimated to return up to 314 kilometres on a full charge (328 km on 19-inch wheels) and was able to DC fast-charge at rates as high as 130 kW. At that speed, the battery could charge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes.
The base S All4 trim's standard feature highlights included 18-inch alloy wheels, a power liftgate, a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The all-electric SE All4 was similarly equipped and added a navigation system with route planning that incorporated stops for charging.
MINIs are known for their extensive customization options with numerous choices for body and roof paint colours, wheels, exterior graphics, and interior upholstery. Bundled options included a pair of Comfort packages that added a navigation system with augmented reality video overlays, a wireless charging pad, additional camera views, and a hands-free automated driving system (limited to 60 km/h).
The John Cooper Works All4 trim was the higher-performance variant. In addition to the more potent engine, it was upgraded to 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned adaptive suspension, sport brakes, a sport exhaust system, and a premium audio system.
Like the exterior, the current Countryman's interior continued MINI's kitschy retro style. The dashboard was dominated by a large circular infotainment touchscreen. In place of a traditional instrument panel, a small head-up display screen emerged from the top of the dash. This time, there was a distinct lack of MINI's previous toggle switches and buttons with most features controlled via the touchscreen. This move complicated some of the most basic functions, requiring several screen-taps to adjust elements such as the climate control. The screen shape also restricted Apple CarPlay to a much smaller rectangular section.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hadn't published crash test results for the latest Countryman at the time of writing, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had. The Countryman was awarded the highest score of "Good" in the IIHS’s small overlap frontal crash test as well as for its updated side impact evaluation, but the newer moderate frontal overlap test had not been conducted.
Standard safety features for the latest Countryman models included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert with braking, and parking proximity sensors. The Driving Assistant Plus hands-free automated driving system was available as an option and also equipped adaptive cruise control.
This Countryman generation started out notably trouble-free with the only recalls being issued in 2026 for seatbelt retractors.
As of this writing, buyers seeking a used third-generation MINI Countryman on the Canadian used vehicle market can expect to pay roughly $40,000 on average, which represents at least a $10,000 discount over buying new.
MINI Countryman Second Generation (2017–2024)
The second-generation MINI Countryman looked very similar to the first, even though it grew by a substantial 20 centimetres in length. For the most part, the exterior differences were in the details. The headlights were smaller than before, and the sash-like trim element that extended below the front roof pillar gave way to a badge section that floated in front of the doors. The rear liftgate also incorporated a cutout for the license plate instead of in the bumper.
Inside, the second-generation Countryman also evolved past themes. The round central display and gauge had obvious nostalgic ties to historic Minis, and it had chunky toggle switches that added a certain analog charm missing from modern cars.
For its debut model year, the second-generation Countryman gave shoppers two engine choices. The base engine was a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder that produced 134 hp. It was paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard while AWD was optional. The Cooper S trim upgraded to a 189-hp 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that was available with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic and standard AWD.
Standard features for the base Cooper trim included 17-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 6.5-inch infotainment display. The Cooper S upgraded to 18-inch wheels. Available options included a hands-free power liftgate, adaptive suspension dampers, a larger infotainment touchscreen, a navigation system, premium audio, a wireless charging pad, and a sporty John Cooper Works appearance package.
For 2018, a legitimate John Cooper Works trim was added. It used an enhanced version of the four-cylinder engine that produced 228 hp, and AWD was standard. Upgrades included a sport-tuned suspension, shift paddles, and racy exterior and interior treatments. That year also introduced the Cooper S E plug-in hybrid, which combined the three-cylinder engine with a rear-mounted electric motor for a total of 221 hp, although the electric-only range was limited to 19 kilometres. Apple CarPlay also became an option.
The FWD variant was eliminated for 2018. In 2019, Countryman models were similarly equipped but with three new sub-trims. The Classic was the base version, while the Premier and Premier+ versions each added more features.
The Cooper S E plug-in hybrid received a larger battery for 2020, increasing the electric range to 29 kilometres. The John Cooper Works model also got a power boost to 301 hp, and the manual transmission was discontinued. The following year, the Countryman received a minor styling refresh, along with a digital instrument panel. At the end of second-generation production, the Countryman S E plug-in hybrid was discontinued for 2024.
For the most part, the second-generation MINI Countryman maintained its sporty personality and quirky retro exterior and interior. The S E plug-in hybrid was a bit of an outlier, but it was still fun to drive, especially for a hybrid. Unfortunately, its short EV range hobbled it for all but the shortest commutes, and the smaller fuel tank limited the overall range to only 450 kilometres.
The U.S. NHTSA did not publish crash test results for the second-generation Countryman, but the IIHS gave it top scores and named it a Top Safety Pick in 2017, the Institute's second-highest honour.
The second-generation Countryman was light on standard advanced safety features. Most of the features drivers expect today were options, so be sure to carefully review the specs of any vehicle you’re considering.
Recalls for this Countryman generation included a missing fuel pump protection plate that wasn't corrected until 2020. Other issues included a problem with the trailer hitch mounting in 2017, an engine crankshaft sensor in 2019, and a passenger seatbelt retractor in 2021. The most serious recall involved a possible battery fire with the S E hybrid in 2020 and 2021.
MINI Countryman models of this era hold their value about as well as competing subcompact SUVs. CarGurus.ca used car price trends data shows that Canadian prices land between $12,000 and $25,000 for the first few years of production. Later models range from $20,000 to $42,000.
MINI Countryman First Generation (2011–2016)
The MINI Countryman debuted for the 2011 model year. It offered shoppers the same charm as other Minis but with a much more accommodating interior and cargo area. It unmistakably shared the same DNA as the spritely Mini Cooper and the slightly larger Clubman, though it measured nearly 40 cm and 15 cm longer respectively. In essence, it was an adaptation that cashed in as more people chose SUVs, though initially its rear bucket seats limited passenger capacity to four.
The base 2011 MINI Countryman came with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine that produced 121 hp. It was offered with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, and only available with front-wheel drive. This was the same base engine used in the much smaller MINI Cooper, and it was rather underpowered for the larger Countryman. The Countryman S increased output to 181 hp and was available with AWD as an option.
The base 2011 Countryman came with 17-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, and the typical standard features found in most cars of the time. The Countryman S had sportier styling along with sport seats and traction control. As with other Minis, it was eligible for a dizzying array of options and styling enhancements including a sport-tuned suspension, keyless entry, a dual-pane sunroof, leather seats, heated front seats, navigation, and a premium audio system.
For 2012, a rear bench seat option increased passenger capacity to five. The John Cooper Works model was added for the following year, which increased power output to 211 hp and included AWD as standard. It also upgraded to 18-inch wheels and a sport-tuned suspension.
In 2014, the rear bench seat became standard equipment, along with heated mirrors. Supporting models were also eligible for some of the John Cooper Works aesthetic enhancements as options. For 2016, the base FWD version was dropped, leaving only the AWD S and John Cooper Works models.
The IIHS awarded the Countryman top scores in crash tests and named it a Top Safety Pick for the 2015 calendar year. The U.S. NHTSA did not publish crash test results for this Countryman generation. Like many compact vehicles of this era, the Countryman wasn’t available with any advanced safety features.
The MINI Countryman was fairly trouble-free in its early years. Recalls involved the water pump and an electrical issue in 2011 and 2012. There were numerous serious recalls for 2014 cars for a failed side impact test, a possible rollaway while parked, and a faulty passenger seat airbag sensor and airbag. These were addressed by the manufacturer following year. A recall was issued for the rear seatback latch in 2015, and the passenger airbag issue reappeared for 2016 along with recalls for the trailer hitch, the turn signal, and the seatbelt retractors.
CarGurus.ca used car pricing data puts Canadian pricing for first-generation MINI Countryman units between $5,000 and $15,000.
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