What's New
Mini Coopers have always excelled at zipping about, and the largest-in-the-lineup Mini Countryman is no exception. The 2020 Mini Countryman has been ratcheted up a notch, at least in the case of the performance-oriented John Cooper Works (JCW) trim.
With thoroughly re-engineered mechanicals, the JCW's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine now wrangles another 73 horsepower over last year's model, making for a grand total of 301 hp. The newfound gusto gives the Countryman JCW the ability to scoot to 60 mph in as little as 5.1 seconds.
Across the rest of the Countryman lineup, all models now get standard automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and automatic high beams. A new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for front-wheel-drive cars and an eight-speed automatic for all-wheel-drive models round out the notable changes.
Choosing Your Mini Countryman
The Mini Countryman is available in four trims: Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper S E, and John Cooper Works. Pricing starts at $29,250 including destination for the Cooper and climbs to $42,250 for the JCW.
All of these models but the Cooper S E are further offered in Classic, Signature, and Iconic sub-trims. These dictate what features each Countryman comes with, while Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper S E, and John Cooper Works denote the powertrain.
Moving from the Classic to the Signature costs $3,000 on all trims. It costs $8,500 over the Classic for the Iconic on the Cooper, $8,000 on the Cooper S, and $7,000 on the JCW.
Engine Choices
Cooper models make do with a 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder engine. The Cooper S offers a bit more displacement and an extra cylinder with its 2.0-liter four-cylinder. JCW models thoroughly rework that 2.0-liter engine. Countering the gasoline options is the hybrid Cooper S E, which pairs the three-cylinder engine with an 87-hp electric motor.
Engine Type | Trim Level | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
1.5L Turbo 3-Cylinder | Cooper | 134 hp | 162 lb-ft | 29 mpg |
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder | Cooper S | 189 hp | 207 lb-ft | 28 mpg |
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder | John Cooper Works | 301 hp | 331 lb-ft | 26 mpg |
1.5L 3-Cylinder Hybrid | Cooper S E | 221 hp | 284 lb-ft | Not Yet Rated |
As previously mentioned, models with front-wheel drive are equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, while models with all-wheel drive get an eight-speed automatic. A manual is supposedly available on all models but the S E, but the three-pedal setup has been put on hold indefinitely due to what Mini is calling "technical evaluation." Translation: don't hold your breath waiting for a stick shift to arrive at your local dealer.
All-wheel-drive, known as ALL4 in the brand's parlance, is a $2,000 upgrade on Cooper and Cooper S models. JCW and S E models come standard with all-wheel-drive.
The S E gains a larger battery for 2020, which increases its all-electric range from 12 to an estimated 16 miles. The EPA hasn't yet rated the 2020 S E, but the 2019 model was good for 27 miles per gallon combined.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The Mini Countryman isn't so much an urban runabout like the original Mini as it is a bona-fide crossover. There's seating for five and 17.6 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk. Drop down the split-folding second row
Safety Features
This year the Countryman earns a few extra points on its safety scorecard for newly standard automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams.
The Classic doesn't offer anything further than this, but Signature and Iconic variants can be equipped with the Driver Assistance Package ($1,250), which includes adaptive cruise control, head-up display, front parking sensors, and autonomous park assist. This package
No matter where in the lineup you look, don't expect to find lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, or rear cross-traffic alert. None of these are available on any Countryman trim, not even as an option.
Connectivity
All Classic Countryman models come standard with a 6.5-inch infotainment display. It's mounted in the central circular bezel that dominates the center stack, where older models once housed the speedometer. There's no standard Apple CarPlay or Android Auto functionality on this base unit, nor is it a touchscreen.
The Signature starts with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, but an 8.8-inch display with Apple CarPlay, navigation, and wireless charging is available through the $1,700 Touchscreen Navigation Package. The Iconic gets the contents of this package as standard equipment.
Cooper - From $29,250
The base Cooper Countryman is offered with all three equipment tiers.
The Classic, besides the aforementioned 6.5-inch infotainment display, includes a panoramic roof, leatherette upholstery, and 17-inch wheels. Options on the Classic include $500 heated seats and a $245 dashtop-mounted universal smartphone holder. An alarm is $500 and SiriusXM is $300.
Signature models add heated seats, a touchscreen, keyless entry, and dual-zone climate control. A $2,000 Signature Upholstery Package bundles a choice of leather hides and interior trim, an upgraded multifunction three-spoke steering wheel, and improved cabin materials.
Coopers done up in Iconic trimmings receive the larger 8.8-inch touchscreen, navigation, Apple CarPlay, 19-inch wheels, leather upholstery, and a head-up display.
Cooper S - From $32,750
Other than its 189-hp four-cylinder engine, the Cooper S is very similar to the Cooper. All three sub-trims are available, and standard and available equipment are the same. Basically, you're paying $3,500 for the upgraded engine.
Cooper S E - From $38,750
The all-wheel-drive, hybrid-powered Cooper S E is the only trim which doesn't offer the Classic, Signature, or Iconic variants. Base equipment levels are similar to what's offered on the Cooper and Cooper S Classic. At this time Mini hasn't disclosed what packages or options are available on the Cooper S E.
John Cooper Works - From $42,250
The most sporting model in the Countryman lineup is the John Cooper Works. Unique to this model is its 18-inch wheels, performance-tuned suspension, 301-hhp 2.0-liter engine, big four-piston brake calipers, and a larger exhaust.
Like the others, it comes offered in all three sub-trims. Other than more bolstered seats, each sub-trim includes the same equipment found elsewhere in the lineup.
Compare Cooper Trims Side-By-Side
There's a lot of options available on the 2020 Mini Countryman, and yet nothing is particularly well equipped for the price. With this in mind, a Cooper S in Classic trim will be the best bet. Anything ritzier and you'll find that many other crossovers offer far better value propositions, even if they don't have the distinctive styling so unique to Mini.