Model research hub

MINI Countryman

Car and Driver says the Mini Countryman's sizable proportions and quality interior make it a model that competes with subcompact luxury SUVs instead of small hatchbacks, with an all-wheel-drive platform and peppy 241-hp turbocharged inline-four lifted from BMW's X1 crossover in the Countryman S, and a 312-hp version of that engine in the John Cooper Works model. MotorTrend says offered with gas- and electric-only powertrains, the Countryman competes with a BMW X1, Mercedes GLA, and Volvo XC40, with the gas-only Countryman S well rounded thanks to eager acceleration, entertaining handling, and strong brakes, while the all-electric Countryman SE is the quickest Mini MotorTrend has ever tested, though its range just barely crosses the 200-mile mark, limiting its practicality, and the JCW variant is one of the top performers in the subcompact luxury SUV segment despite a ride that could be too harsh for luxury-focused shoppers.

A big Mini that's still a Mini

Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says the Countryman's sizable proportions and quality interior make it a model that competes with subcompact luxury SUVs instead of small hatchbacks, with an all-wheel-drive platform and peppy 241-hp turbocharged inline-four lifted from BMW's X1 crossover in the Countryman S, and a 312-hp version of that engine in the John Cooper Works model.

Gas, electric, and JCW options

MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says offered with gas- and electric-only powertrains, the Countryman competes with a BMW X1, Mercedes GLA, and Volvo XC40, with the gas-only Countryman S well rounded thanks to eager acceleration, entertaining handling, and strong brakes, while the JCW variant is one of the top performers in the subcompact luxury SUV segment despite a ride that could be too harsh for luxury-focused shoppers.

The quickest Mini, but limited range

MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the all-electric Countryman SE is the quickest Mini it has ever tested, but its range just barely crosses the 200-mile mark, limiting its practicality.

Questions buyers ask

How much horsepower does the Mini Countryman JCW have?

Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says 312 hp, versus 241 hp in the Countryman S.

How much range does the Mini Countryman SE have?

MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says its range just barely crosses the 200-mile mark.

Research map

Every major decision path.

Current model year

2027 MINI Countryman

Countryman S ALL4 is the 241-horsepower base engine across Oxford Edition, Signature Plus and Iconic equipment packages; the electric SE ALL4 is a separate powertrain; JCW Countryman ALL4 steps up to 312 horsepower with JCW-specific hardware. MY2027 base pricing holds flat and the Oxford Edition special returns as a no-extra-cost content package on S ALL4.

Read specifications, trims, answers and sources

Model-year archive

4 indexed MINI Countryman model years.

2027202620252023
Number of trims per model year for the MINI Countryman (most: 1).
Model yearTrimsOpen record
2027 MINI Countryman2027 record →
2026 MINI Countryman2026 record →
2025 MINI Countryman2025 record →
2023 MINI Countryman2023 record →

Background and safety record

What public sources say about the MINI Countryman.

The Mini Countryman, also called Mini Crossover in Japan until 2024, is a compact crossover SUV, the first vehicle of this type to be launched by BMW under the Mini marque. It was launched in 2010 and received a facelift in 2014. The second generation vehicle was released in 2017 and received a facelift in 2020.

Reception
Pulitzer Prize winning automotive journalist Dan Neil suggested the Countryman had jumped the shark – that is to say the car pushed the Mini ethos beyond relevance, marking the zenith of popularity and the start of decline. Neil suggested that by making a vehicle that is longer, wider and taller, the company had forsaken the inner logic of the brand: excellent handling in a tiny size.
Powertrain
The second generation Countryman was introduced at the LA Auto Show in November 2016 and went on sale in February 2017 in Europe, and March elsewhere. It was launched with three variants: Cooper (FWD or ALL4), Cooper S (FWD or ALL4), and in June 2017, the new Cooper S E ALL4 plug-in hybrid.
Production
The first generation Countryman was primarily built in Graz, Austria, under contract by Magna Steyr, making it the first of the BMW era Minis to be manufactured entirely outside the UK.

Source: Mini Countryman (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.

MINI Countryman at a glance

Production
2010–present
Class
Compact crossover SUV
Body style
5-door SUV
Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive
Also called
Mini Crossover (Japan, until 2024)

Recent recalls (2 campaigns across the latest model years)

  • May 2024, Air Bags:Side/Window:Thorax. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 MINI Countryman S ALL4 and JCW Countryman ALL4 vehicles. The armrest support bracket on the rear side door panel may be improperly secured, allowing the armrest to detach during an air bag… Consequence: A detached armrest can strike a rear seat occupant or prevent the thorax air bag from deploying properly, increasing the risk of injury.
  • February 2024, Electronic Stability Control (Esc). BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2025 BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of… Consequence: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of…

Owners filed 17 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 MINI Countryman, most often about electrical system (7), service brakes (6), unknown or other (4).

Year by year

The MINI Countryman across 13 model years.

Model yearCombined MPG/MPGeEPA annual fuel costEPA recordsNHTSA recallsNHTSA complaints
2027 MINI Countryman27–98$800–$2,9503
2026 MINI Countryman25–96$800–$3,1004
2025 MINI Countryman27–96$800–$2,8503217
2024 MINI Countryman26–28$2,750–$3,00041
2023 MINI Countryman26–29$2,650–$3,00052
2022 MINI Countryman26–29$2,650–$3,00052
2021 MINI Countryman26–29$2,650–$3,000522
2020 MINI Countryman26–29$2,650–$3,000526
2019 MINI Countryman24–28$2,750–$3,2508211
2018 MINI Countryman24–28$2,750–$3,25010211
2017 MINI Countryman24–28$2,750–$3,250727
2016 MINI Countryman26–29$2,650–$3,00081
2015 MINI Countryman26–29$2,650–$3,0008

Year-to-year changes

What changed in the MINI Countryman, one model year at a time.

EPA certification record, change from the previous model year
StepEPA recordsCombined MPG/MPGe, midpointElectric range, milesAddedNo longer listed
2026 to 20274 to 360.5 to 62.5208 to 215Labels: JCW Countryman ALL4
2025 to 20263 to 461.5 to 60.5Labels: JCW Countryman ALL4
2024 to 20254 to 327.0 to 61.5first listed: 208Labels: Countryman S All4, Countryman SE ALL4 (18 inch Wheels), Countryman SE ALL4 (19 inch Wheels); Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI, Electric motor / not listed; Transmissions: Automatic (A1); Fuels: Electricity; Size classes: Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDLabels: Cooper Countryman, Cooper Countryman All4, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman All4; Engines: 1.5L 3-cyl SIDI, 2L 4-cyl SIDI; Transmissions: Automatic (S8); Drives: Front-Wheel Drive; Size classes: Midsize Cars
2023 to 20245 to 427.5 to 27.0Labels: Cooper SE Countryman All4; Engines: 1.5L 3-cyl SIDI; PHEV; Transmissions: Automatic (S6); Fuels: Premium and Electricity
2019 to 20208 to 526.0 to 27.512 to 18Transmissions: Automatic (AM-S7)Transmissions: Manual 6-spd
2018 to 201910 to 8Labels: JCW Countryman All4
2017 to 20187 to 10first listed: 12Labels: Cooper SE Countryman All4, JCW Countryman All4; Engines: 1.5L 3-cyl SIDI; PHEV; Fuels: Premium and Electricity
2016 to 20178 to 727.5 to 26.0Labels: Cooper Countryman All4; Engines: 1.5L 3-cyl SIDI, 2L 4-cyl SIDI; Transmissions: Automatic (S8); Size classes: Midsize CarsLabels: JCW Countryman All4; Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl SIDI; Size classes: Compact Cars

Buying used

What the MINI Countryman recalls and complaints are about.

NHTSA recall campaigns by model year
Model yearCampaignsSystems recalledWarnings
20252electronic stability control (esc); air bags (side/window)None
20212electrical system (propulsion system); seat beltsNone
20202electrical system (12v/24v/48v battery); electrical system (propulsion system)None
20192engine and engine cooling; fuel system, gasoline (delivery)None
20182trailer hitches; fuel system, gasoline (delivery)None
20172trailer hitches; fuel system, gasoline (delivery)None
20161trailer hitchesNone
What owners complain about most, all model years together
SystemComplaintsShare of all complaintsWorst model year
electrical system1424%2025 (7)
unknown or other1322%2025 (4)
engine915%2019 (4)
service brakes915%2025 (6)
steering712%2018 (3)
fuel/propulsion system58%2019 (2)

Trim by trim

Every 2027 MINI Countryman trim side by side.

2027 MINI Countryman trims: Kelley Blue Book specifications and base price
TrimDriveEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)Curb weight (lb)Max towing (lb)Combined mpgBase price
S ALL4AWD2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo)2412953,777–27$40,250
S ALL4 Oxford EditionAWD2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo)241295––27$40,250
SE ALL4AWDDual Electric Motors–––––$46,550
John Cooper Works ALL4AWD2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo)3122953,836––$48,250

Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2027 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.

Specifications by year

Power, weight and towing for every MINI Countryman model year.

Kelley Blue Book trim data by model year
Model yearTrimsEnginesHorsepowerCurb weight (lb)Max towing (lb)Fuel tank (gal)
202742.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / Dual Electric Motors241–3123,777–3,836–14.3
202622.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo)241–3123,777–3,836–14.3
202532.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / Dual Electric Motors241–3123,777–3,836–14.3
202451.5-liter 3-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo)134–3013,413–3,688–16.1
2023111.5-liter 3-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 1.5-liter 3-cylinder (Hybrid, Turbo)134–3013,413–3,926–9.5–16.1
202281.5-liter 3-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 1.5-liter 3-cylinder (Hybrid, Turbo)136–3063,443–3,985–9.5–16.1
202181.5-liter 3-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 1.5-liter 3-cylinder (Hybrid, Turbo)134–3013,307–9.5–16.1
202081.5-liter 3-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 1.5-liter 3-cylinder (Hybrid, Turbo)134–3013,946–4,696–9.5–16.1
201961.5-liter 3-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 1.5-liter 3-cylinder (Hybrid, Turbo)136–2313,300–3,948–9.5–16.1
201861.5-liter 3-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 1.5-liter 3-cylinder (Hybrid, Turbo)134–2283,300–3,948–9.5–16.1
201741.5-liter 3-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo)134–1893,300–3,629–12.4
201641.6-liter 4-cylinder / 1.6-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo)121–2082,954–3,263–12.4
201541.6-liter 4-cylinder / 1.6-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo)121–2082,954–3,263–12.4

Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.

Owning it

Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the MINI Countryman.

Maintenance figures from the owner's manual of each model year
Model yearEngine oilBrake fluidWheel-nut torqueA/C refrigerantKey-fob battery
2025––––CR2032
2022––––CR2032
2021––––CR2032
2019––––CR2032
2018––––CR2032
2017––––CR2032
20155W-30––––

Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.

Model-year recall record

MINI Countryman: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.

Model yearFederal recalls on fileComplaints on fileRecalls most commonly affected
2026not available
2025217airbags, stability control
20241
20232
20222
202122seat belts, electrical system
202026electrical system
2019211fuel system, engine cooling
2018211fuel system, trailer hitch
201727fuel system, trailer hitch
20161not availabletrailer hitch
2015not available

Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.

Known gap: the NHTSA complaints API did not return data for MINI Countryman model year 2016 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream, not returning a genuine zero. Those years are marked "not available" above instead of shown as clean; recall counts for those years are unaffected and come from the separate recalls API, which returned data for every year listed.

Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.

Q01Is there a best year to buy a MINI Countryman?

Federal recall records don't single out a best MINI Countryman model year: recall counts across the 7 published model years checked here stay within a normal range of this nameplate's own average (about 1.9 recalls per year), with no year standing out as notably higher or lower. Recall count is one input, not a purchase verdict. It says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record.

Q02What are common recall-related problems on the MINI Countryman by model year?

2025: airbags, stability control. 2021: seat belts, electrical system. 2020: electrical system. 2019: fuel system, engine cooling. 2018: fuel system, trailer hitch. 2017: fuel system, trailer hitch.

Q03Why do some MINI Countryman model years show "not available" for complaints?

The NHTSA complaints API did not return data for MINI Countryman model year 2016 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream instead of the count genuinely being zero. Recall counts for those years are unaffected; they come from a separate NHTSA endpoint that returned data for every year listed.

Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Buying, records and recalls, Engine and cooling, Climate and electrical, Brakes, tires and steering.

Compared with

Models this MINI Countryman is most often compared with.

Nearest MINI models

Other MINI models.

Frequent questions

Answers with their conditions intact.

Browse the complete answer library
Q01How many trims does the 2027 Countryman come in?

The 2027 MINI Countryman (compact SUV) comes in 5 trims: Countryman S ALL4 Oxford Edition, Countryman S ALL4 Signature Plus, Countryman S ALL4 Iconic, Countryman SE ALL4, JCW Countryman ALL4.

Source: MINI
Q02What are the 2027 Countryman trims?

The 2027 MINI Countryman trims are Countryman S ALL4 Oxford Edition, Countryman S ALL4 Signature Plus, Countryman S ALL4 Iconic, Countryman SE ALL4, JCW Countryman ALL4, listed from the entry Countryman S ALL4 Oxford Edition up to the top JCW Countryman ALL4.

Source: MINI
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2027 Countryman use?

The 2027 MINI Countryman is built around 2.0L turbo four-cylinder or electric (Countryman SE), rated at 241 / 312 horsepower across its compact SUV body style.

Source: MINI specifications
Q04How much horsepower does the 2027 Countryman have?

The 2027 MINI Countryman is rated at 241 / 312 horsepower (2.0L turbo four-cylinder or electric (Countryman SE)).

Source: MINI specifications
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2027 Countryman?

The 2027 MINI Countryman is offered with Standard AWD (ALL4).

Source: MINI specifications