“The MINI Countryman is a great, fun and surprisingly spacious car. The bluetooth is exceptional. It maneuvers and handles better than any car in its class. However, the driver assists and collision warning system needs improvement - in comparison with Subaru and other vehicles.”
2020 MINI Countryman: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2020 MINI Countryman is that the Active Driving Assistant safety suite became standard on every trim. The rest is mostly a carryover, though several powertrains and equipment packages were updated.
About the 2020 MINI Countryman
2nd generation (2017-2024), fourth year of the generation and the last model year before the 2021 styling and tech refresh.
MINI positions the Countryman as the brand’s biggest and most versatile model: a small premium crossover that keeps MINI’s playful design and nimble road feel while adding real rear-seat room, useful cargo space, and five-door practicality. In this lineup it serves as the everyday MINI for people who need more space, with front- or all-wheel drive, a plug-in hybrid option, and a serious performance version. Its main draw versus rivals is personality: few small crossovers mix this much style, handling character, and range diversity.
The Cooper is the straightforward everyday version, while the 189-hp Cooper S adds stronger performance and standard LED lighting. The plug-in hybrid combines all-wheel drive with a larger 9.6-kWh battery, while the 301-hp John Cooper Works model has sport suspension and larger brakes. Midyear Oxford editions bundle heated front seats and automatic climate control in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive form.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Automatic transmissions were revised across most of the range: front-wheel-drive Cooper and Cooper S models moved to 7-speed dual-clutch automatics, while their all-wheel-drive counterparts used 8-speed automatics. The plug-in hybrid battery grew from 7.6 to 9.6 kWh for longer battery-only range, and the John Cooper Works engine rose from 231 to 301 horsepower.
Safety
The Active Driving Assistant safety suite became standard across the entire Countryman lineup.
Styling
Exterior mirror caps were redesigned to reduce aerodynamic drag. LED headlights and LED fog lights became standard on Cooper S models and above.
Tech
Bluetooth, smartphone integration, and USB ports changed from optional to standard across the lineup.
Structural
The John Cooper Works model gained a lower sport suspension and larger four-piston front brakes with bigger rotors.
2020 MINI Countryman specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 3-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 3-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 3-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 3-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 7-Spd Steptronic DCT | Automatic, 7-Spd Steptronic DCT | Automatic, 7-Spd Steptronic Sport DCT | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Steptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Steptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Steptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid | Gas |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 31 mpg | 30 mpg | |
| Horsepower | 134 hp | 134 hp | 189 hp | 134 hp | 134 hp | 189 hp | 301 hp | |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft | 162 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft | 162 lb-ft | 162 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft | 284 lb-ft | 331 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 17.6 cu-ft | 17.2 cu-ft | 17.6 cu-ft | 17.2 cu-ft | 17.2 cu-ft | 17.2 cu-ft | ||
| Rear Legroom | 37.6 in | 37.6 in | 37.6 in | 37.6 in | 37.6 in | 37.6 in | 37.6 in | 37.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 18 | |||||||
| MPGe Combined | 73 | |||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||||
| Chrome Interior Trim | ||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||||
| Reclining Rear Seats | ||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 MINI Countryman worth choosing over the 2019 model?
The 2020 Countryman may be worth it if standard driver-assistance features matter to you. It also has revised automatic transmissions, a larger plug-in hybrid battery, and a much more powerful John Cooper Works model, but the basic body and cabin remain largely unchanged.
Was the 2020 MINI Countryman redesigned?
No, the 2020 MINI Countryman was not redesigned. It remained part of the second generation introduced for 2017, with the next styling and technology refresh arriving for the 2021 model year.
Did the 2020 MINI Countryman plug-in hybrid get a larger battery?
Yes, the 2020 Cooper SE ALL4 plug-in hybrid received a 9.6-kWh battery, up from 7.6 kWh for 2019. The larger battery increased how far it could travel on electricity before the gasoline engine was needed.
How did the 2020 MINI Countryman John Cooper Works change?
The 2020 John Cooper Works Countryman received a major performance upgrade. Its turbocharged engine rose from 231 to 301 horsepower, and it gained a lower sport suspension, larger brakes, and a larger exhaust.
What is the 2020 MINI Countryman Oxford Edition?
The 2020 Countryman Oxford Edition is a midyear special edition offered with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It bundles comfort equipment such as heated front seats and automatic climate control into a preset configuration.
2020 MINI Countryman Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 MINI Countryman.
4.5
2020 MINI Countryman
(180 reviews)
“It's one of the nicest vehicles we have! Fun to drive, fun navigating! Looks very stylish on the road!! People on the road will turn their heads and say ""What kind of car is that ""! Pretty cool!”
“Don't get many electric miles on one charge, and the electricity costs, but a fun ride. And a good car. And you're helping a little.”
Sources
- press.bmwgroup.com — Detail / T0297926EN US / Model Year 2020 Mini Lineup Pricing And Equipment Updates
- press.bmwgroup.com — Detail / T0308746EN US / Mini Usa Expands Value Oriented Mini Oxford Edition To All Customers Introduces Mini Countryman Oxford Edition
- press.bmwgroup.com — Detail / T0308909EN US / The New Mini Countryman Revealed For 2021 Model Year
- press.bmwgroup.com — Detail / T0309374EN US / Model Year 2021 Mini Lineup Pricing And Equipment Updates
- press.bmwgroup.com — Detail / T0295803EN US / The New Mini John Cooper Works Clubman And The New Mini John Cooper Works Countryman Offer Greater Power Performance And Fun
- press.bmwgroup.com — Detail / T0265226EN US / Introducing The Biggest Most Adventurous Mini Yet: The New Mini Countryman