2021 MINI Countryman

The Countryman comes in four trim levels: Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works. Prices range from $29,950 including destination for the base Cooper and reach $42,350 for both the Cooper SE and John Cooper Works.

Within each trim are three equipment groups. From least luxurious to most, the Countryman comes in Classic, Signature, and Iconic versions.

The Countryman has four engines to match its four trims. Three are lifted from the smaller Hardtop and Convertible, though they’re tasked with moving the Countryman’s extra bulk.

The Cooper SE is a plug-in hybrid, and for 2021 it has up to 17 miles of electric range. Without a full battery charge, however, it isn’t much more efficient than the rest of the lineup.

Front-wheel drive is the default on Cooper and Cooper S models, with all-wheel drive a $2,000 option. Cooper SE and John Cooper Works models make MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel-drive system standard equipment.

The Countryman is technically considered a subcompact crossover, and it stretches the brand’s name to its limits. The cabin seats five passengers, with 37.6 inches of leg room for rear passengers.

Cargo capacity starts at 17.6 cubic feet, with an extra 30 cubic feet if the seats are folded. That’s on par with most hatchbacks, but it’s less than BMW’s own X1.

While automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and rear parking sensors are standard, the Countryman lacks some safety features we would expect. Lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring are nowhere to be found.

On Signature and Iconic equipment levels, the $1,250 Driver Assistance Package bundles adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, an automated parking system, and a head-up display.

In Classic form, the Countryman starts with a 6.5-inch infotainment display. For 2021, the Signature level and above now include a larger 8.8-inch screen with navigation, along with a digital gauge cluster. Both versions are compatible with Apple CarPlay, but Android users are out of luck.

MINI is part of the BMW family, and even in base form, the Countryman doesn’t let you forget it. It comes with a panoramic sunroof, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and synthetic leather upholstery.

Bumping up to the Signature equipment level unlocks many creature comforts for $3,000. The bundle includesthe 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and the heated seats.

If that’s not enough, the Iconic bundle ($7,500) includes all of the above plus leather upholstery, power-folding side mirrors, a Harman Kardon audio system, and 18-inch wheels.

The Countryman Cooper S benefits from the power boost from the 2.0-liter tubro-four, which makes it more competitive in its class. Otherwise, features are nearly identical to the Cooper. The only difference is at the wheels, which start at 18 inches on the Cooper S. At this trim, the Signature bundle costs $3,600 and the Iconic is an extra $8,000.

The Cooper SE is the thriftiest of the line, with more power than the Cooper S, standard AWD, and a useful 17-mile electric range.

The Cooper SE starts at the same price as the John Cooper Works, but that’s a bit deceptive. The Cooper SE has no Classic equipment level, so its starting price includes all Signature features. Moving up to Iconic costs an extra $3,400 and includes all the same features as it does on the other trims.

The Countryman John Cooper Works is the sporty king of the range, and it brings MINI’s hot-hatch expertise to a larger package. This trim received a power boost for 2021, putting total horsepower past the 300 mark. That’s enough to do the 0-60 mph sprint in less than five seconds.

The John Cooper Works gets the same three feature levels as the other trims. For the most part, features are the same, but the JCW gets exclusive badging and sport seats.

Compare MINI Countryman Trims Side-By-Side