2026 Mini Countryman Review

The 2026 Mini Countryman is the brand’s version of a crossover.

Mini morphed its models into an all-new generation for 2025, and so the Countryman continues into 2026 basically unchanged. Three versions are available, starting with the 241-hp Countryman S tested here, along with the 312-hp John Cooper Works (JCW) and the all-electric Countryman SE.

Design: 9/10

The issue with an iconic model is that you can only update its styling so much before it isn’t that iconic anymore, but Mini handled this one well, with a look that’s both purposeful and whimsical. The stock wheels are 18-inch alloys, while this one had optional 20-inch “windmill spoke” rims for $1,000. The Indigo Sunset Blue Metallic paint seen here added another $700, and then it was another $500 for the eye-catching silver roof and mirror caps.

The cabin’s minimalism isn’t without some usability issues but it’s cool, featuring knitted recycled polyester fabric panels that are brightened up with colour on the doors, and with ambient light patterns on the dash. The seat upholstery looks like leather, but it’s a recycled substitute that feels like the real deal. And for that extra touch of whimsy, the bottom spoke in the steering wheel is a woven fabric strap.

Safety: 8/10

The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hadn’t crash-tested the Countryman at time of writing. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) hadn’t completed all its tests as of this writing, but in the ones performed the car got the top “Good” in small front overlap and side crash, as well as for its headlight performance and how well its emergency front braking recognizes pedestrians.

Driver-assist features include that emergency braking system, plus lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Available items include a self-parking feature that can back out the same way you came in, including out a curvy driveway, along with a hands-free driving assist system that works at speeds up to 60 km/h and includes stop-and-go functionality.

Equipment: 8/10

Standard features include a 9.4-inch circular touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charger, remote starter, and a virtual assistant that appears on the screen as a Mini or a British bulldog when called upon. But some items you’d think might be standard, such as the faux-leather interior and a heated steering wheel, are optional. So are premium audio, navigation, and a head-up display — and that last item, a flip-up plastic screen that’s part of the $2,000 Premier+ Line package, is likely going to be on most would-be owners’ wishlists. If you don’t have it, you must look sideways to the centre screen, as that’s where the speedometer is located.

User Friendliness: 7/10

The Mini’s dash looks uncluttered, but it also means a lot of functions are stuffed into that round screen. The drive modes are on a toggle, but why not make that the cabin temperature switch, which you’re likely to adjust more often than sport-versus-eco settings?

The heated seats and steering wheel are tiny screen icons that are difficult to accurately tap while driving, although there’s a generous swath of empty space where larger ones could easily fit. Some screen functions also take more steps than they should. Granted, the virtual assistant can handle a large number of chores; but even when there are redundant methods, vehicle functions should always be straightforward and easy to use.

Everyday Usability: 8/10

The Countryman is Mini’s largest model, offering 707 L of cargo space with the rear seats upright, and 1,591 L when they’re folded (you may see 450 L elsewhere, but that’s by British standard measurement, which differs from how North America figures it out). Those rear seats fold in a 40/20/40 split, allowing a pass-through while still carrying passengers on either side. Small-item storage up front includes a lidded bin on the console, large door pockets, and an open cubby ahead of the cup holders, with the wireless charger in a shelf above that.

Comfort: 8/10

The Countryman is surprisingly roomy for its size, with more rear-seat legroom than you’d expect. The seats are firm but supportive, which can help keep your spine comfortable on a longer trip. But even with my tester’s $600 adaptive suspension, the ride is so taut, and especially with the 20-inch wheels and their low-profile tires, that every little bump works its way into the cabin. That’s basically the trade-off for its handling, but be aware of it if you’re planning on using it more as a daily commuter than a sports model.

Powertrain: 8/10

The Countryman S uses a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine making 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, and it’s hooked up to a seven-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission (DCT). It sets up the next gear as soon as the current one is selected, and while these types of transmissions can occasionally stumble, especially if you slow down suddenly when it thinks the next move is an upshift, this one never exhibited that, and all shifts were smooth and quick during this test.

Last year’s makeover gave the Countryman S a boost of 52 hp and 89 lb-ft of torque over the previous model, but the turbo lag carries through pretty much unaltered. Put your foot into it, wait a couple of beats, and then it takes off. It’s impressive when it does, with more than enough passing power on the highway, but you’ll have to consider that lag just part of the charm.

Driving Dynamics: 9/10

Yes, everyone uses the term “go-kart” to describe the Mini’s handling, but that’s because it’s an accurate description. The steering is direct but just a hair short of twitchy, so the car is lively but not a handful to drive. Good feedback through the steering wheel lets you know exactly what those tires are doing.

Mini’s front-wheel-drive models are known for their torque steer, but the Countryman’s all-wheel-drive (AWD) system helps to tame it. With its larger footprint and higher centre of gravity, the Countryman isn’t quite as sporty as its smaller siblings, but drivers still won’t feel shut out in curves and corners. The Countryman simply is a lot of fun to drive. Paddle shifters would add even more, but unfortunately, they’re not available.

Efficiency: 8/10

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) rates the Countryman S at 9.8 L/100 km in the city, 7.3 on the highway, and 8.7 combined. With the necessary driving research to see just how much fun it can be, I topped out at 9.6 L/100 km. It wants 91-octane fuel.

Value: 8/10

The 2026 Mini Countryman S starts at $48,945 including a non-negotiable delivery fee of $2,955, which is less than some of its premium-brand competitors. It shares the BMW X1’s platform and engine — while it’s built in England, Mini is owned by that German brand — and that starts at $53,855. Audi’s Q3 was redesigned for 2026 and starts at $54,650. It has a bit more horsepower than the Mini but the same torque; while the less-powerful Mercedes-Benz GLA starts at $56,250 (all prices including delivery).

The Verdict

No vehicle suits every buyer, but some occupy a narrower niche than most, and the 2016 Mini Countryman — as well as its sibling models — is in that category. Its firm ride and ultra-sharp handling aren’t for everyone, but for those who want exactly that, this new-generation offers more room and more power, along with all of the expected fun. Even if you’re leaning more to its German competitors, it’s worth it to give this little Brit a test-drive, too.