2021 Mini Countryman

At $29,100, the 2021 Mini Countryman is a package to rejoice. It comes with a number of package options and with its distinctive exterior design, it garners abundant attention in the segment. The cabin is luxuriantly built and with a digital gauge cluster and an intuitive infotainment system, it becomes rather quirky and practical. In the segment, it competes against subcompact rivals including the Subaru Crosstrek, Audi Q3, and Kia Soul.

The 2021 Mini Countryman is available in three trim options; namely the Classic, Signature, and Iconic. It falls in a price range that extends from $29,100 for its base variant to $38,900 for the top-tier trim. It gets a standard 1.5-liter twin-turbocharged inline-3 engine and can be equipped with either a 7-speed or an 8-speed automatic transmission, depending on whether the vehicle is front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive.

Which Trim should you buy?

Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works are the three major models of the 2021 Mini Cooper Countryman. The Oxford Edition and the plug-in-hybrid Countryman S E are two further Countryman models. Each model has a different powertrain combination, and then there are three trim levels to pick from Classic, Signature, and Iconic.

Because the base model has a fairly weak powertrain, most purchasers choose the Cooper S Countryman. The JCW is the most delightful to drive of the three, but it is more expensive than the Cooper S. Look for the Signature trim once you've decided on a model. It boasts more available luxuries as well as more infotainment and comfort options than the Classic grade.

The 1.5L turbocharged inline-3 engine that is found on the 2021 Mini Countryman is slow-moving and sluggish in its performance. It produces 134hp and 162 lb.-ft of torque. Depending on whether it is channeled as an FWD or AWD variant, the wagon makes use of either a 7-speed automated manual or 8-speed automatic transmission unit, respectively. 

However, if you want better performance from your vehicle, the Cooper S and JCW variants have turbocharged units that produce 189hp and 301hp of power. When put to test, the 2021 Mini Countryman fails to impress buyers by clocking 9.3 seconds to the 60mph mark, which is the slowest in the segment. However, as one shift to the JCW variant, performance improves significantly and in a similar feat, the wagon manages to clock 4.9 seconds.

In direct comparison, the Audi Q3 with 228hp and 258 lb-ft of torque manages best-in-class performance clocking 7.4 and 15.7 seconds to the 60mph and quarter-mile mark. However, its performance comes at a cost. The Audi is the most expensive option in the lot and like the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, it is channeled as an AWD variant only. Additionally, the latter makes use of a flat-4 engine that is almost similarly matched to the Mini in performance, while the Kia Soul is almost a second quicker. 

2021 MINI Countryman Handling

The new Mini Countryman isn’t the most sophisticated option in the segment. Its 18-inch wheels and low-flat tires lack a sense of refinement. You can feel the road as you sweep through the traffic and some bumps and potholes also turn into road imperfections

However, as you cross the 50 mph mark, ride quality improves and there are no specific complaints you might have about how the vehicle drives. As you cross the 100mph mark, the Mini is a delight to drive, and its precise steering wheels only aids their performance capabilities. Even in city limits, the steering does not feel overwhelming. 

2021 MINI Countryman Braking

The braking capabilities of the car during steering have been optimized when compared to its previous models which performed underwhelmingly when braking during high-speed cornering. It comes with ABS, stability control, and traction control which altogether increase the overall ride quality and road grip of the car thereby improving the overall quick halt capability of the car in emergency situations. When decelerating from 0-60 mph, the Mini Countryman covers 117ft, which feels a tad bit long considering the curb weight of the vehicle.

While the performance potential of all the competitors is not yet known, considering that vehicles fall in a similar range in terms of curb weight, they are expected to perform similarly. The Audi Q3 features the largest brake rotors of 13.4 and 11.8 inches at the front and back.

As per EPA estimates, the 2021 Mini Countryman is rated 26 MPG in the city, 33 MPG on the highway, and can average a combined mileage of 29 MPG, which is the highest in the segment. Additionally, it also gets one of the largest trunks in the segment of 16.1-gallons that allows the vehicle to average a combined range of 466 miles, which is also the highest in the segment. Perhaps, the lower power and torque outputs of the Mini help improve its efficiency. 

In the segment, it is the 2021 Kia Soul that evenly matches the prowess of the Mini, however, its least voluminous tank of 14.3-gallons causes it to lose out on the essential range. On the other hand, both the Subaru and Audi have similar but lower efficiencies of 25 MPG. But the former does get the most voluminous fuel tank of 16.6 gallons and consequently manages a combined range of 415 miles.

The 2021 Mini Countrymanhas a standard seating capacity of five passengers. Each seat feels adequately comfortable with ample bolstering and you do get leather upholstery as standard with the base trim. With higher-level trims, buyers also get heating functionality. The cabin build feels ergonomic and with the new optional digital cluster, it looks all the more quirky.

The interior of the Countryman features characteristic Mini design elements like a catchy circular infotainment system in the center of the dash and toggle switches for operating the interior lights, ignition, and the standard stop-start system. However, amidst its likable cabin characteristics, its cargo capacity of 17.6 cubic feet is lower than its rivals. Yet, with the rear seats folded, the capacity increases to 47.6 cubic feet, which is adequate to cover at least five pieces of luggage bags.

The seating capacity of five passengers is standard in the segment. However, each contemporary vehicle except the Audi Q3 has better interior space than the Mini. The Subaru has maximum space upfront while the Kia gets the roomiest rear seat without cutting into the cargo space. 

It has a total trunk volume of 23.4 cubic feet and remains just 0.3 cubic feet behind the class-leading Audi Q3. While the 2021 Countryman is smaller than its rivals, it is safe to say that it does have the best-looking cabin and vaunts an upmarket aura. Some of the noticeable interior features in the 2021 Mini Countryman are:

• Heated seats
• Optional leather, lounge leather seats
• available picnic cushion
• Front and rear door pockets
• Leather Steering Wheel
• Interior Air Filtration

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2021 Mini Countryman’s infotainment system is easy to use and is the quirkiest in the lot. As standard, it makes use of a 6.5-inch touchscreen system in the base variant. However, this unit makes way for a larger 8.8-inch display screen in the mid and top-tier trims. It comes equipped with a navigation system and gets Apple CarPlay as a basic specification. 

Even in 2021, it misses out on Android Auto, which is the biggest letdown. You do, however, get a Harman Kardon sound system and wireless charging pad for added comfort. Though difficult to access, the charging pad works tremendously and apart from its accessibility, you’d seldom have a problem with it. Some of the standard infotainment features available include:

• USB Connection
• USB With External Media Control
• AM/FM Stereo
• Apple Carplay connectivity
• Harman Kardon optimized music system
• Bluetooth Connectivity

The 2021 Mini Countryman’s exterior changes are minimal but impactful. They allow the wagon to look better than before and bear a more aggressive fascia. It now sports a revised front bumper and tweaked headlights and gets upgraded 18-inch alloy wheels. Being the largest Mini vehicle, it looks beefy and more than just a cutesy vehicle. It is purposefully built and like the interior, it gets only basic equipment changes. 

The 2021 Mini Countryman is shorter than its rivals at 169.8 inches, but sports one of the longest wheelbases of 105.1. However, its ground clearance of 6.5 inches is the lowest. On the flip side, it is heavier than most of its rivals weighing 71.7 inches and is also adequately wide. 

The 2021 Mini countryman faces tough competition from Audi Q3 in terms of looks. The Audi Q3 is the heaviest among the lot weighing 3915 lbs which helps in the downward force of the vehicle and thus increases better road grip which is followed by the 2021 Mini Countryman. The Kia Soul is the shortest in overall length, while the Subaru Crosstrek feels off-road ready with its ground clearance of 8.7 inches. Other features include;

• Sunroof / Moonroof
• Roof-Mounted Antenna
• Body-colored Bumpers
• Chrome Finish Exhaust pipe
• 18-inch alloy wheels 

The 2021 Mini Countryman has not yet been tested by the NHTSA. However, on the other hand, it has been tested by the IIHS. It scores appreciably and scores a rating of ‘Good’ in most of the aspects. It gets ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear for better performance in the deceleration test. Amongst the list of available features, it comes equipped with Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Other safety features with the 2021 Mini Countryman include:

• Rearview camera
• Rear parking sensors
• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Front parking sensors
• Parallel park assist
• Head-up display

2021 MINI Countryman v/s 2021 Kia Soul

The 2021 Kia Soul vaunts affordability as its strongest suit and its pocket-friendly nature justifies its performance potential. It features a cogent engine option and is versatile to suit the requirements of all types of buyers. However, in direct competition with the Mini Countryman, it lacks plushness and feels under-equipped. Even with the base variant, the Mini emerges as the strongest contender. 

2021 MINI Countryman v/s 2021 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is multi-faceted. It is commodious in its built, has an upmarket aura, and has undeniable visual appeal. But it lacks power and performance like the Mini. It also falls short in providing basic specifications to the buyers and on the contrary, by providing ample standard features, the Countryman emerges as the clear winner. However, do bear in mind that the Mini is evidently expensive and carries almost a $6,000 premium over the Subaru. 

2021 MINI Countryman v/s 2021 Audi Q3

The 2021 Audi Q3 is a proper family vehicle. It is easier to drive and its smooth ride quality puts its streets ahead of its competitors. In addition, it is also highly comfortable and gets ample space for passengers in both the front and rear seats. On the other hand, the Mini loses out in the cargo capacity segment as well. But the Audi is highly-priced and if you can manage to extend your budget, the Q3 is a supreme choice. 

The new Mini Cooper Countryman is a typical Mini vehicle. It has a luxurious interior with fancy styling. It doesn't feel bulky to drive and provides a comfortable ride along with above-average fuel efficiency. In terms of cargo space, it doesn’t live up to its competitors. Though slightly more expensive than some of its competitors, it carries a premium brand name, which makes it worth considering against the likes of the Kia and Subaru.