2023 Mini Cooper S Countryman ALL4 Untamed
Class: Subcompact Crossover
Colour: Momentum Gray
Miles pushed: 140
CG Report Card
Room and ComfortB
Energy and PerformanceB+
Match and FinishB+
Gasoline EconomyA-
ValueB-
Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and should not replicate Shopper Information’s impressions of the complete mannequin lineup.
Large & Tall Consolation
Large GuyB+
Tall GuyB
Large & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Large” score based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester.
Drivetrain
Engine Specs189-horsepower 2.0-liter
Engine TypeTurbo 4
Transmission 8-speed computerized
Drive WheelsAWD
Noticed gasoline financial system: 30.7 mpg
Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway
EPA-estimated gasoline financial system: 23/31/26 (mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed)
Snow Efficiency: N/A
Base value: $37,500 (not together with $850 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check automobile: Iconic Trim ($4900), MINI Untamed Version ($1500), privateness glass ($500)
Worth as examined: $45,250
Fast Hits
The good: Sporty/fun-to-drive character, room and sensible cabin
The nice: Wonderful gasoline financial system, glorious all-around visibility
The not so good: Dear for slightly crossover
Tom Appel:
A whole lot of creativity-deprived copywriters have made use of the phrase “measurement issues” to promote issues as diverse as diamonds and fast-food fountain drinks. I don’t really know the way effectively low-cost double entendre helps to maneuver the merchandise, however it in all probability doesn’t do a lot for model picture.
However what about perceived measurement? I ask the query as a result of the Mini Cooper Countryman, as a part of the “Mini” household, doubtless suffers considerably from the notion that the small crossover is definitely very small—which it’s not. Actually, no Mini mannequin is admittedly all that small.
Fact is, the Mini Cooper Countryman is simply about 7 inches shorter than the favored Mazda CX-5 small crossover, and roughly the identical measurement in each different dimension. Our level: If you happen to’re occupied with a shopping for a small crossover, don’t depart the Countryman off your test-drive record, particularly in case you’re seeking to have slightly enjoyable getting the place you’re going.
The Countryman is the most important automobile within the Mini lineup which additionally contains the usual 2-door and 4-door “Hardtops,” the 2-door Convertible, and the wagon-like 4-door Clubman. For now, the Clubman and Countryman are the one Mini fashions obtainable with AWD.
Check Drive: 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce
For 2023 and 2024, the Countryman is obtainable in supplied in three trim ranges, base, S, and S E. Base fashions are powered by 134-horsepower turbocharged 3-cylinder engine. In S trim the Nation comes with a 189-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder powerplant. The S E is a plug-in hybrid which mates a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine with an electrical motor for a mixed 221 horsepower. Entrance-drive variations of the bottom and S include a 7-speed computerized transmission, although the bottom can be had with a 6-speed guide. An 8-speed computerized is the one transmission obtainable on AWD base and S fashions, whereas a 6-speed computerized is the one transmission supplied on the S E. Additionally obtainable is the high-performance John Cooper Works version, which contains a 301-horsepower model of the two.0-liter turbocharged engine.
Check Drive Gallery: 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Final
Be aware {that a} redesigned Mini Countryman is because of arrive as a 2025 mannequin, which will probably be revealed as early as the primary quarter of 2024.
Shopper Information just lately spent every week behind the wheel of a 2023 Mini Cooper S Countryman ALL4 in Momentum Grey and outfitted with the Mini Untamed Version trim group. All advised, our check automobile got here to $45,250.
The $1500 Untamed package deal contains quite a few distinctive trim parts, corresponding to a particular steering wheel, cabin upholstery, black inside and exterior trim bits, and particular badging.
As famous early, the Mini Countryman just isn’t small. There’s loads of entrance and 2nd-row seating area, and coming into the entrance row is simple due to the elevated seat top and generously sized doorways. Rear-seat lodging are equally beneficiant, powerful the door openings are slightly tidier.
We discovered the controls usually simple to make use of, although the big center-mounted pie-plate-sized touchscreen is definitely a small rectangular display screen situated contained in the “plate.” Whereas information on the display screen is simple sufficient to learn and perceive, the left-side navigation icons on the display screen are situated too near the rim of the bigger spherical body, and may be troublesome for the motive force to see, a lot much less press, particularly whereas underway.
Be aware that our automobile was outfitted with the $5000 Iconic Trim Bundle, which, together with a bevy of security and driver-assistance options, contains the harman/Kardon audio system, which we will heartily advocate.
On the highway the Countryman is a delight to drive. The turbocharged 4-cyinder engine sounds each sporty and refined, and serves up loads of around-town energy, in addition to ample freeway merging and passing muscle. The 8-speed computerized transmission gives well timed and snappy shifts, and mates effectively with the engine.
Highway noise is effectively checked, with the burble of the exhaust being the one actual sound to penetrate the cabin, and we discovered the exhaust a welcome reminder of the Mini’s usually athletic character.
Check Drive: 2022 Acura RDX A-Spec Advance
Dealing with is likewise sporty, and we will say with out worry of contradiction that the Countryman is among the many most entertaining of small crossovers to spend time commuting in. Trip high quality can also be in step with the automobile’s usually premium character, although bigger road-surface flaws could cause some bobbing at freeway pace.
Gasoline financial system is a vibrant spot. Over 140 miles of blended driving, we averaged 30.7 mpg, which is superb for the category, and stunning given the vehicles energy and customarily sporty character.
Whereas we may in all probability stay with out the Untamed décor, it’s a enjoyable package deal, and—comparatively talking—doesn’t actually add a lot to the underside line. And, about that backside line…
If the Countryman has an Achille’s heal, it’s value. Although sensible and enjoyable to drive, our check automobile got here in simply over $45,000, which is well-equipped midsize-crossover form of cash. Sure, you possibly can equip a Countryman for a lot much less cash. And sure, outfitted as our check automobile is, the Countryman boasts a fun-to-drive quotient that few different small crossovers can match. We expect $45,000 is quite a bit to pay for a small crossover, however in case you put a excessive worth on sporty, quirky character, that value in all probability is sensible for you—and we’re cool with that. And bear in mind, the Countryman isn’t actually mini, it’s really fairly roomy.
Check Drive Gallery: 2022 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Status
Take heed to the Automobile Stuff Podcast
Comply with Tom on Twitter
2023 Mini Cooper S Countryman “Untamed” Gallery
Click on beneath for enlarged pictures
Check Drive: 2023 Dodge Hornet GT Plus
Shopper Information Automobile Stuff Podcast, Episode 189: UAW Strike Replace, Finest and Worst Automobiles We’ve Owned, Genesis Linked Companies
