2022 Mini Countryman John Cooper Works Wagon

The 2022 Mini Countryman JCW is offered in three different trims, much like the previous model year of 2021. As with previous Countryman models, the 2022 model year will be offered in the Classic, Signature, and Iconic trims. Prices will most likely see a bump from last year, staring at $43,850 and going all the way to $50,350. Mini offers a wide range of features with the performance-oriented Countryman JCW, and even opting for the base trim will keep you sufficiently satisfied. All models are offered with the same BMW-powered 2.0L engine, and AWD is only available as the ALL4 variant for the John Cooper Works. 

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We must mention that the premium you pay to get your hands on the 300+ horsepower Countryman gets you more than just power and performance. With the base model, you get all the basics to keep you comfortable and relaxed. While there’s a solid $7,000 gap between the base Classic trim and the top-end Iconic trim, we suggest shelling out those extra dollars and going for the latter. The Iconic trim gets you premium leather surfaces, power-adjustable seats, Harman/Kardon audio, along with the best of technological facilities. You could also settle for the Signature trim, which offers a good deal of balance between price and features, but then we used the word “settle” for the same. 

The 2022 Mini Countryman JCW is offered with a 2.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-4 engine, which manages to pump out a staggering 301 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. The BMW-sourced power unit makes the nimble Countryman an extremely agile toy to throw around back roads. The bump in power, coupled with the tight handling makes the 2022 model year Countryman JCW a much needed upgrade over the underwhelming standard Countryman.

The Inline-4 engine comes mated to an 8-Speed automatic transmission, which further sends power to all four wheels. Mini doesn’t let you have a 2WD Countryman JCW, but why would you want that anyway? The transmission works well, while a certain sense of lethargy can be felt when you try pushing the JCW to its limits. All in all the overall powertrain works extremely well in tandem with the lightweight body, and helps you achieve the driving nirvana you’re looking for. The 2022 Mini Countryman JCW sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, making it one of the quickest Mini products to have hit American shores. 

Comparing the competition, the Mercedes-AMG GLA35 comes out as the winner in terms of raw power output, but by a tiny margin over the BMW-powered Countryman JCW and the X2 M35i. The Mini and the BMW produce the highest torque outputs, making them better at accelerating than the competition. The Jaguar E-Pace, on the other hand, offers a far more superior transmission unit, but misses out on the power front. All vehicles in the lot come equipped with AWD as standard, which creates a highly competitive pool of performance. 

The Countryman JCW competes in a segment that demands a tight optimization between performance and fuel economy, and the British wagon does a great job in meeting the required norms. The 2022 Mini Countryman JCW offers impressive fuel efficiency for a 301-horsepower wagon, being at par with German rivals with clever engine optimizations. The 2022 model year Mini Countryman JCW manages to return 23 MPG in the city, and 30 MPG on the highway. The result is a combined EPA rating of27 MPG, which is pretty decent given its performance. The Mini also comes fitted with a 16.1-gallon fuel tank, which enables it a range of up to 531 miles on the highway. 

Analyzing the competition, the 2022 Mini Countryman JCW stands at par with German rivals such as the Mercedes-AMG GLA35 and the BMW X2 M35i. The winner in the gas mileage department, however, is the GLA35 AMG, thanks to its higher highway economy. The Jaguar E-Pace, unfortunately, falls out of the race, offering neither performance, nor fuel economy. However, the Jaguar comes with the largest fuel tank, which in turn, promises the highest driving range after the Mini Countryman JCW. 

The 2022 Mini Countryman JCW offers a classy and elegant cabin space, primarily dominated by round design elements and circular aesthetic. Mini has tried to retain this as a part of their tradition, creating a line of iconic cars with seating spaces defining the brand’s traditions. The Countryman JCW comes with a polished interior, finished in high-quality materials. Build quality has been a persistent issue with Minis in the past, but the turn of the decade has seen a major step forward when it comes to the cabin refinement of the Countryman. There’s plenty of room to be comfortable in, and the driver gets countless convenience features to keep going. 

Mini lets you customize your seats using a variety of materials, including Carbon Black Leatherette and cloth. You can also go for the premium Chesterfield seats, along with a Malt Brown finish. You also get to choose the finish of your dash surface, all the way from the standard Piano Black surfaces to illuminated Silver and JCW Black. These can also be opted for with the Signature Upholstery Package, which will set you back by $1,000. Mini lets you opt for the privacy glass, which comes at $500. You can also go for the Storage Package, which helps in improving the practicality of your Countryman’s cargo space, free of charge. 

Comparing the competition, the 2022 Mini Countryman JCW offers the most headroom at the front row, while the Jaguar E-Pace has the most shoulder space to offer. The BMW X2 M35i offers the greatest front legroom, making it ideal for long drives. At the back, The Jaguar E-Pace comes with the most headroom as well as shoulder room, while the GLA35 AMG offers the most legroom, and that too by a significant margin. If you’re planning on buying one of these cars from the point of view of interior space, there’s no clear winner- it truly comes down to your preferences. Some of the key interior features offered with the 2022 Mini Countryman JCW include:

• Leatherette Seating Surfaces. 
• Power-Adjustable Front Seats. 
• Customizable Dashboard. 
• Optional Illuminated Dash.
• Leather Steering Wheel. 
• Digital Gauge Cluster. 
• Aluminum Buttons and Latches. 
• Dual-Zone Climate Control.

2022 Mini Countryman JCW Infotainment System

The 2022 Mini Countryman JCW stands decently-equipped in the infotainment front. Standard on the Countryman JCW is an 8.8-inch infotainment screen, which can be upgraded to a touchscreen at a small premium. You get Mini’s standard UI with the infotainment unit, and Navigation is offered as an option. There’s a standard 6-Speaker Sound System on offer, but you always have the choice of upgrading the same to premium Harman/Kardon speakers. 

Bluetooth audio streaming is offered standard, of course, and Mini also lets you plug in your devices using USB and Aux ports. The infotainment supports Apple CarPlay, which is great, but there’s no support for Android Auto. To keep your device juiced up on the go, Mini offers an optional wireless charging pad, which is very convenient in the present-day automotive market. Some key infotainment features offered with the 2022 Mini Countryman JCW include:

• 8.8-inch Infotainment Screen. 
• Upgradable Touch Screen. 
• Navigation Plus. 
• Bluetooth Audio Streaming. 
• Harman/Kardon Audio. 
• Apple CarPlay Support. 
• Bluetooth Audio Streaming. 
• Wireless Smartphone Charging. 

The 2022 Mini Countryman JCW features a distinctive look, which clearly marks its departure from the rest of the Mini lineup. With quadrilateral headlights, an angular grille and longer proportions, the Countryman sets its own identity in the world of compact Mini products. The Countryman JCW, however, still retains the iconic design language of Mini, clearly adding on to the long-drawn heritage of the British carmaker. The Country JCW sports additional badging that reminds the onlooker of the potent powertrain lurking underneath the flesh. 

There’s also an “ALL4” badge on the lower side of the front door, highlighting the 4WD prowess of the JCW. The 2022 model year Countryman JCW sports clean lines and a very communicative look, which certainly turns heads in traffic. All in all, the JCW can be spotted from a mile away, which speaks volumes about the iconic design theme of the Mini brand. While some customers have a distaste for flashy compact cars such as the Countryman JCW, we feel that the vibrant design theme goes really well with the car’s persona. 

Among the competition, the Jaguar E-Pace weighs the heaviest, which further diminishes its performance merit. On the other end of the spectrum, the nimble Mini Countryman JCW measures the lightest, and clearly one of the most fun to drive. Unsurprisingly enough, the Mercedes-AMG measures the longest in the lot, while the Jaguar E-Pace the widest, which accounts for its cavernous shoulder space. The AMG also happens to be the tallest in the lot, despite sporting the least ground clearance. This in turn highlights the bulk of the AMG’s body, which, to some extent, can be undesirable. The BMW X2 M35i features the greatest ground clearance, which stresses its off-roading capabilities better than its competitors. The AMG features the longest wheelbase, while that of the BMW and the Mini measures the shortest. Some highlight exterior features offered with the 2022 Mini Countryman JCW include:

• Chrome Grille Surrounds. 
• Red Grille Accents.
• JCW Badging. 
• 18-inch and 19-inch Alloys Wheels.
• LED Headlights.
• Union Jack Tail lights. 
• Powered Tailgate. 
• Customizable Roof. 
• Panoramic Moonroof.

The 2022 Mini Countryman JCW stands as a fairly safe vehicle for regular use. The premium gets you more than just performance- it gets you some compelling safety features that help you assure your drive to work, or your weekend trip upstate. The 2022 Mini Countryman JCW has not been rated by the NHTSA or the IIHS yet. However, the 2021 model year Countryman has received “Good” rating under most categories by the IIHS, which certainly speaks volumes about the JCW’s occupant protection merit. Additionally, the 2022 model year JCW is offered with a wide range of active and passive safety features to keep you protected in case of a mishap. Some key safety features offered with the 2022 Mini Countryman JCW include:

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
• ABS and Traction Control. 
• Side Impact Beams.
• Dual-Stage Airbags. 
• Rear Park Alert. 
• Curtain 1st and 2nd Row Airbags. 
• Knee Airbags. 
• Roll Control. 

2022 Mini Countryman JCW vs Mercedes-AMG GLA35:

The Mini Countryman JCW offers a package centered primarily around going quick around corners and putting down impressive acceleration times. The Mercedes-AMG GLA35, on the other hand, offers a good deal of power without compromising on key aspects such as interior comfort and reliability. The Countryman also stands out from the crowd as a rather loud and flashy vehicle, and easily makes heads turn.

The Mini offers a good deal of cargo space as well, and stands at par with the AMG in terms of fuel efficiency. The AMG offers much better technology and safety features, which offsets some of its other drawbacks. If you’re looking for an understated, well-rounded vehicle with equally good performance, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA35 should be a slightly better option. 

2022 Mini Countryman JCW vs Jaguar E-Pace:

The 2021 Jaguar E-Pace stands as a dignified, polished SUV with limited potential for performance. The Jaguar doesn’t perform nearly as well as the Mini Countryman JCW in terms of raw power or fuel efficiency, but offers unparalleled refinement. Both the Mini and the Jaguar come with slightly questionable reliability merit, but you certainly can bank on Jaguar for better warranties. 

In terms of cabin comfort, technology, and isolation, there’s no match for the Jaguar. While the interior doesn’t offer the flashy snaz otherwise seen on the Mini, the Jaguar E-Pace cocoons you in class and quality, with several options and upgrades to choose from. If you’re planning on spending quality time driving the vehicle and don’t seem to be bothered by the power deficit, the 2021 Jaguar E-Pace is undoubtedly a far better choice than the Mini Countryman JCW.

2022 Mini Countryman JCW vs BMW X2 M35i:

The Mini Countryman JCW and the BMW X2 M35i share a good deal of mechanical underpinnings, including the powertrain. Both vehicles feature similar levels of performance, but the Mini manages to be better rounded than the BMW, thanks to its unparalleled agility and nimble cornering capabilities. 

However, the BMW offers far better ride quality, which can be a critical factor for long drives. There’s also a good deal of practicality associated with the BMW’s cabin, along with better infotainment technology on offer. As mentioned earlier, the BWM lacks the pop-out liveliness of the Mini, and stands much more understated. If that’s what you’re looking for, go for the 2021 BMW X2 M35i. 

The 2022 Mini Countryman JCW is an impressive package of agility and raw power. With the 300+ horsepower engine under the hood, the 2022 model Countryman JCW managed to haul families and take on tight corners with much gusto. While the powertrain stands impressively potent, the Mini doesn’t take a hit in terms of fuel economy either. In addition, the Countryman JCW features a fairly roomy cabin, offering plenty of cargo space and practicality.

We love the loud and pop-out aesthetics of the Countryman JCW, adorned with customizable design elements and unique badging. While the Countryman JCW might seem like a very attractive package, it does have its drawbacks. There’s the slightly questionable reliability, which certainly has improved over the years, but still remains as a background issue. Additionally the Countryman JCW doesn’t seem much like a well-rounded package like the Mercedes-AMG GLA35. To be honest, the price doesn’t entirely justify the equipment list either, putting the Countryman JCW under the crosshairs of doubt to a good extent.