The Mini Cooper Countryman is available in the base Cooper Countryman as well as the Cooper Countryman S versions. The main difference is in the powertrain and engine options as the Cooper Countryman is equipped with a 1.5L Inline-3 engine generating 134 hp and a 162-lb-ft. The Countryman S is equipped with a 2.0L Inline-4 engine that puts out 189 hp and 207 lb-ft. The S version, along with this difference, also gets 18" alloy wheels and piano black interior trim as standard in the lowest trim.

These are the main differences between the base and S versions of the Countryman, whereas other differences in feature sets and customizations are differentiated through the Classic, Signature, and Iconic trims. Both trims are available in FWD as well as AWD configurations, and the pricing and main differences between the different trims are specified in the table below.

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The Mini Cooper S Countryman in the Signature trim would be the ideal option, and it can be added with extra features as required. This kind of stands in the middle section of the complex trim and powertrain configurations from Mini. The S Countryman in the Signature trim in an FWD configuration comes with the stronger engine under the hood along with a plethora of standard features. It costs $35,500, while AWD can be availed by paying $2,000 extra.

The Countryman models come with various different engine and powertrain combinations in different trims. The Cooper Countryman base FWD and AWD models come equipped with a 1.5L inline-3 turbocharged motor that churns out 134 hp and a 162-lb-ft. of torque. The engine comes mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and all the power is efficiently transferred to its front wheels. However, the optional All4 AWD variant, which comes at some extra cost, comes with an 8-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission mated to the same engine, which obviously gives you a better off-roading experience for the cost of slower acceleration.

The Cooper S Countryman trims are equipped with a larger, stronger, 2.0L Inline-4 that churns out 189 hp and 207 lb-ft of maximum power and torque. The FWD version of the S model is also mated to the same 7-speed DCT transmission, whereas the Countryman S All4 trim comes mated to an 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission. Overall there are three transmission options equipped into the different trims of the Countryman.

The 1.5L motor comes out to be an efficient option if you aren't really concerned about off-roading, which along with adequate power delivers a great fuel economy. Surprisingly, the 1.5L Turbo motor in the Countryman brings all its torque in just 1,250 rpm, which shows its superior initial throttle response, and that might be a reason for its quicker sprint from 0-60 mph despite the bulky body.

The Mini is not an enthusiastic car in competition, especially with its 1.5L Turbo motor.Audi Q3 is the most powerful car in the competition. The Mini in its base engine configuration is a weaker competitor as it competes with the highest end trims of theKia Soul andSubaru Crosstrek. The Audi certainly dominates the list, but it costs much higher than the competition. The Countryman, in the S version with the stronger engine, performs much better and reaches 60 mph in just 7.2 seconds, which then is as close as the Q3 while being cheaper. 

How does the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman handle?

From the outside, the Mini Cooper Countryman looks like a fat car with a curvy design and a bulky structure. But once you get behind the steering wheel, the driving experience and comfort it offers are sure to put a smile on your face. Moreover, it handles much better than the rivals. The body roll is minimal despite its boxy exterior. The steering feels weighted, and the overall handling is expected to be agile. 

With its AWD variant, handling dynamics improve even further. The stability and traction increase when the All4 (AWD) version is chosen. But then the AWD configuration makes the Countryman with the base engine slower, whereas the Cooper S Countryman is faster in the AWD configuration, thanks to its Sports transmission. Overall the Cooper Countryman is one of the best handling vehicles in the segment and even holds up very well with cars from a segment above.

Speculating its outgoing model and expecting a more refined motor, the MPG figures are expected to be 26 in the city and 33 on the highway. However, with its AWD configuration, you can expect a fall of 2-3 mpg. With its 16.1 gallons of the tank, you can expect to cover a maximum of 466 miles of combined range on a full tank before a refill stop.

*2021 figures used for reference

Subaru Crosstrek is the most efficient car of the lot, thanks to its CVT. The Soul and Countryman come in at a close second place. Along with the better economy, the 2022 Countryman will also have a large fuel tank, which gives an excellent driving range. The Soul, despite having the smallest tank, manages its range quite well.

 The interior of the 2021 Countryman showcases a typical Mini’s craftsmanship. Various circular designs in the cabin give a stance of a retro-style interior. For the 2022 model year, expect some more options, and the brand has already released a special Boardwalk Edition. The ‘Classic’ trim features standard seats in black fabrics, where you can opt for the heated seats as well at $500 extra. The ‘Signature’ trim offers an option for sports seats with leather upholstery, while the top-of-the-line ‘Iconic’ trim features Chesterfield leather seats with heating function as standard.

The surprising factor is that the cabin is totally opposed to its name, i.e., ‘Mini’ as you can find plenty of room inside for 5. The dashboard looks upscale with premium quality materials, and the large circle in chrome finish at the center incorporates an infotainment panel where some control knobs catch your attention instantly. Overall the Mini Cooper Countryman comes with an upscale and properly premium cabin with a great fit and finish.

All cars in the above table have different cabin design languages. The Mini’s cabin uses circular elements which look nice and give a very distinct look, while the cabin of Soul and the Crosstrek looks a bit old-school. Audi’s cabin with lots of sharp-angled elements looks very futuristic. All offer comfortable seating for 5, but surprisingly, the Mini has one of the best-in-class interior spaces on offer. However, you really have to sacrifice cargo in the Mini. Standout interior features include:

• Fully digital MID.
• Heated steering wheel.
• Heated front seats
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Genuine Leather upholstery

2022 Mini Cooper Countryman: Infotainment and connectivity

The outgoing Countryman features a 6.5-inch touchscreen panel in the ‘Classic’ trim which supports radio and Bluetooth connectivity. And you also get various functions but they are optional, like SiriusXM satellite radio for $300. The ‘Signature’ and the ‘Iconic’ trim are offered with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display as a standard which features navigation, Apple CarPlay, along with all the basic features included in the Classic trim. 

However, the SiriusXM satellite radio and 12-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system are optional for the ‘Signature’ for $300 and $750 extra, respectively. These are standard in the ‘Signature’ trim of the S version. The top of the line ‘Iconic’ trim comes with this system as a standard. We can expect the same in the upcoming model. However, if Mini includes some more features, it will be much appreciable. Standout infotainment features include:

• 8.8-inch touchscreen display
• Apple CarPlay.
• SiriusXM satellite radio (optional).
• 12-speakers Harman/Kardon sound system (optional).
• Amazon Alexa compatibility

The overall design doesn’t get any major changes. Its striking look has been enhanced by a restyled front end for the 2021 model. LED lighting elements promote its British heritage through a Union Jack motif on the taillights. The piano black exterior option is also available, replacing all the chrome elements out there with glossy black trim. This is a standard feature in the S variants. For 2022, you will get the projector headlamps with cornering function as standard across the trims, and the all-new ‘roof-top grey’ color option. 

The all-new ‘Boardwalk edition’ features 18-inch pin-spoke black alloys, black roof & mirror caps, black roof rails, and piano black exterior trim. The ‘Classic’ trim comes with four color options, a panoramic sunroof, and 17-inch alloys with two design options, while the ‘Signature’ trim adds two new colors, which are British Racing Green IV and White silver, 18-inch alloys with two design options, and options for black or white-colored roof and mirrors. The same packages and options are to be offered with the 2022 model.

Despite being a not too lengthy car, the Countryman decently manages the cabin space. The Countryman no doubt has a bulky exterior, but still, it manages the fuel economy and offers appreciable handling. TheAudi, on the other hand, is the bulkiest, and that might be a reason for its lower economy. The Crosstrek and the Q3 are the more off-road-oriented models in the comparison in which the Crosstrek has the most ground clearance of 8.7 inches. The standout exterior features include:

• Variety of color options for the exterior.
• Silver roof and mirrors (optional).
• 18-inch pin-spoke black alloys
• 19-inch wheels with summer tires (optional).
• Bonnet strips at extra cost ($100*).

The 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman comes equipped with a set of advanced safety features and is built upon a structurally strong and well-built platform. The list of safety features is not super long, but it does get all the essentials to keep the vehicle stable and safe on the road. The lack of many off-road-oriented driver-assistance features does imply the fact that this Mini is not intended for extreme offroading. The following are some of the standout safety features-

• Parking Assistant
• Active Cruise Control
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) incl. DTC + EDLC
• Active Driving Assistant with Forward Collision Warning
• Lane Departure Warning
• Head-up display

The 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman comes equipped with a set of advanced safety features and is built upon a structurally strong and well-built platform. The list of safety features is not super long, but it does get all the essentials to keep the vehicle stable and safe on the road. The lack of many off-road-oriented driver-assistance features does imply the fact that this Mini is not intended for extreme offroading. The following are some of the standout safety features-

• Parking Assistant
• Active Cruise Control
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) incl. DTC + EDLC
• Active Driving Assistant with Forward Collision Warning
• Lane Departure Warning
• Head-up display