MINI Countryman
The Countryman offers much of the fun-to-drive nature of other Mini models but with just a bit more room inside – especially for rear-seat passengers. It’s also the only Mini that’s available with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. Owners of the Countryman praise the small crossover for its distinctive styling, sure-footed handling, and peppy acceleration – especially when equipped with the available turbocharged four-cylinder engine. On the downside, some complaints arise from the Countryman’s limited safety tech offerings (for example, blind-spot warning isn’t offered) as well as its relatively small cargo space.
The Countryman offers much of the fun-to-drive nature of other Mini models but with just a bit more room inside – especially for rear-seat passengers. It’s also the only Mini that’s available with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. Owners of the Countryman praise the small crossover for its distinctive styling, sure-footed handling, and peppy acceleration – especially when equipped with the available turbocharged four-cylinder engine. On the downside, some complaints arise from the Countryman’s limited safety tech offerings (for example, blind-spot warning isn’t offered) as well as its relatively small cargo space.
MINI Countryman Model Lineup
The Countryman is a premium subcompact crossover SUV with room for four or five, depending on the year and configuration. It’s Mini’s largest model, offering about three additional inches of rear-seat legroom compared to the next size down, the subcompact Clubman hatchback. The Countryman shares a platform and some components with the BMW X1, which is made by Mini’s parent company.
Mini sells the Countryman in several different versions: the base Cooper, the sportier Cooper S, and the high-performance John Cooper Works (JCW). Since 2017, the base model has utilized a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine making 134 horsepower, while the mid-level S offers a notable boost in output thanks to its 189-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder. In 2018, the range-topping JCW got an even rowdier version of that mill, upping oomph to 228 hp and then again to 301 ponies starting in 2020. Most Countryman versions employ either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or a traditional eight-speed automatic; however, a six-speed manual transmission is also available. Front-wheel drive is standard, and most versions can be fitted with optional all-wheel drive, which is denoted by ALL4 badging. The Cooper SE, a plug-in hybrid variant, joined the lineup in 2018. It pairs the base Cooper’s 1.5-liter three-cylinder with an electric motor and a 7.6-kWh battery pack for a combined 221 hp and 12 miles of all-electric range. The combustion engine drives the front wheels via a six-speed automatic, while the electric motor drives the rears, providing all-wheel drive. In 2020, Mini upgraded the SE’s battery pack to 9.6-kWh, increasing its all-electric range to 18 miles.
Since 2017, the Countryman’s standard-equipment list has included rear parking sensors, a panoramic sunroof (except on SE models), and a 6.5-inch infotainment display with Bluetooth connectivity and a rearview camera. An upgraded 8.8-inch touchscreen is also available and, as of 2018, offers optional Apple CarPlay integration (but not Android Auto). Adaptive cruise control joined the list of available options in 2019, and forward collision mitigation and lane-departure warning became standard across the lineup in 2022. When shopping for 2019 or newer examples, note that Mini groups the Countryman’s equipment levels into three tiers: the entry-level Classic, the well-equipped Signature, and the fully loaded Iconic.
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MINI Countryman Owner Reviews
Average Rating for 2015
4.6
456 verified owner reviews
Top 2015 Reviews
Darcy B. from FL
Verified Owner · Nov, 2015
2015 MINI Cooper S Countryman
love my mini!!!
Patricia K. from OH
Verified Owner · Nov, 2015
2015 MINI Cooper S Countryman
I have owned many cars over the years in all price ranges. My Mini Cooper is by far the most outstanding car and best "bang" for my buck. I have become brand loyal to mini cooper.
Richard W. from GA
Verified Owner · Nov, 2015
2015 MINI Cooper S Countryman
The only two negative thoughts I have on the Mini are the cup holders don't work for larger drinks, they grip so well it is impossible to put a large cup in there and get it out without 2 hands. The other is the trunk lighting. There is one small light in the trunk. If you have anything in there at all (and are trying to access the trunk in the dark), it is impossible to see in there. Maybe a light on both sides (as opposed to just one) would work better.
David J. from MA
Verified Owner · Nov, 2015
2015 MINI Cooper S Countryman All4
The center armrest is poorly designed for the price paid.
Phyllis J. from DC
Verified Owner · Oct, 2015
2015 MINI Cooper Countryman
I love the look of the car... it is comfortable... but didn't realize that I'd actually feel like I was driving a mini Truck! Not what I wanted... and I should have stuck with getting the mini with more power... this is the most sluggish car I've ever owned and I will never buy another one... too slow, not enough power... even with the use of the sport button... what a joke... this car could actually get you killed if you don't get accustomed to the lack of power. As soon as I purchased it and drove it a few days, I knew I had made a bad decision... I really should have held out for the "S" version... why are they even making the car without the power it needs to operate properly?
Cheryl P. from CA
Verified Owner · Oct, 2015
2015 MINI Cooper S Countryman
I spoke to a few mechanics and they told me not to trust what is the recommended mileage for changing the oil. I was told it would ruin the engine so I would have to buy another car in 4-5 years. They both have worked in Mini vehicles and said to have it changed every 3k miles. It upsets me that Mini isn't being truthful just to get people to buy another car sooner. I love my Mini and I want it to last.
Casey C. from UT
Verified Owner · Oct, 2015
2015 MINI Cooper S Countryman All4
Overall tech is pretty lame.
William H. from OH
Verified Owner · Oct, 2015
2015 MINI Cooper S Countryman All4
I'm a retired 74 year old.
Allen J. from VA
Verified Owner · Oct, 2015
2015 MINI Cooper John Cooper Works Countryman All4
I like this car but I don't love it like I thought I would! I used to own a Mini Clubman with a tuning kit that I absolutely loved primarily because of the handling. This Countryman does not handle like the small models as advertised and the JCW engine is not his powerful as I expected it to be. At this point I'm inclined to transition from the Countryman and get something smaller and sportier much like my previous Clubman was. Additionally, I find the four-wheel-drive capability to be absolutely useless but I had no choice but to take it with the JCW model.
Kimberly K. from RI
Verified Owner · Oct, 2015
2015 MINI Cooper S Countryman All4
I love my car