2027 Mini CountrymanMotorTrend - MotorTrend (MotorTrend - MotorTrend)Stylish and customizableHigh-performance JCWAttractive valueOverwhelming drive mode “experiences”JCW almost too stiff to daily driveClunky infotainment experienceCars have gotten awfully large, and the 2027 Mini Countryman is the British automaker’s response to a market that’s thirsty for bigger vehicles. Mini just redesigned the Countryman for 2025 with gas-only and electric variants available. For 2027, the Countryman returns with an Oxford Edition trim, which Mini positions as lower-cost option for bundling desirable features and customization elements.AdvertisementAdvertisementRivals to the Countryman include other subcompact luxury SUVs like the BMW X1, Mercedes GLA, and Volvo XC40.What’s NewMini’s Oxford Edition trim is here for the 2027 Countryman, undercutting the entry-level Signature Pus trim by $4,000. For just over $36,000 you get one of three extra-cost paint options (Chili Red, Nanuq White Metallic, or Blazing Blue Metallic), a black roof, black mirror caps, gloss-black 18-inch wheels, and privacy glass.Aside from adding this new base trim, Mini makes a handful of other small changes to the rest of the 2027 Countryman lineup:BasicsThe Favoured Style option now includes a trailer hitch and a space-saver spareAdvertisementAdvertisementModels equipped at the Signature Plus and Iconic trim levels are now available with a universal garage door openerThe Countryman SE is now standard with Mini’s Seal & Drive Tire Kit, replacing the one-time use Mobility KitWhat We ThinkMini successfully upscaled its hot hatchback formula when it introduced the third-generation Countryman. This subcompact luxury SUV supplies spritely acceleration, cheerful handling, and commendable braking with any of its three powertrains.Most shoppers will go for the Countryman S, which embodies what Mini does really well. It’s stylish, fun to drive, and decently efficient. However, its infotainment system is clunky, with slow graphics and gimmicky features that take precedence over polished performance.AdvertisementAdvertisementFor those who want an SUV with an even greater fun factor, there’s the Countryman JCW, which is enhanced with more power and additional performance upgrades. It puts down class-leading numbers at the test track while only sacrificing a little ride comfort compared to the Countryman S.The most compromised model is the Countryman SE, Mini’s all-electric SUV. The SE is just as fun, if not more fun than the S, but its short range and slow charging hold it back. That’s the price you pay for the quickest acceleration we’ve ever extracted from a Mini.Although all Mini Countryman variants share a convoluted infotainment experience, the gas models have enough charm, practicality, and value to be recommendable subcompact luxury SUVs. A case can even be made for the SE if you plan to use it for short-range driving. All told, Mini succeeds in instilling its brand values of blending design, performance, and character in the Countryman model range.Top-Ranked Competitors:BMW X1Acura ADXMercedes-Benz GLA-ClassVolvo XC40MotorTrend TestedThere are three powertrains available for the 2027 Mini Countryman, each with different specifications. The Mini Countryman S is outfitted with a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and Mini’s ALL4 all-wheel drive.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe four-cylinder engine produces 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0–60-mph time of 5.8 seconds. The BMW X1 xDrive28i is a hair quicker with its time of 5.6 seconds. The Acura ADX is much slower, needing 8.2 seconds to get the job done.For more acceleration and improved track-day performance, there’s the Countryman JCW. Its upgraded 2.0-liter turbo sends out 312 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, dropping the Mini’s 0–60-mph time to 4.9 seconds. It’s quicker than the Mercedes-AMG GLA35, which accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The BMW X1 35i is three tenths quicker, hitting 60 mph from a standstill in 4.8 seconds.Although the JCW is the best Countryman for driving around a circuit or carving up a mountain road, the SE is the quickest of the bunch. Its dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain spins out 308 hp and 364 lb-ft of torque. Off the line, it hits 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. The all-electric Volvo EX40 Twin Motor, which produces 402 hp and 496 lb-ft of torque, shoots to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds.MPGs, Range, and ChargingBetween the two gas-powered 2027 Countryman models, the S is the more efficient SUV. For 2026, the EPA rates it at 24/32 mpg city/highway and 386 miles of range. The JCW takes a slight fuel economy penalty in favor of output, dropping to 23/30 mpg and 358 miles of range.AdvertisementAdvertisementOn the electric side of the lineup, the Countryman SE gets 212 miles of range on 18-inch wheels and 204 miles on its 19-inch wheels. It’s powered by a 66.5-kWh battery pack with 64.7 kWh of usable capacity.The battery can be recharged at a peak rate of 130 kW, which is slow compared to most modern EVs. Using fast charging, the Mini Countryman SE juices up from 10 to 80 percent in 29 minutes. If you have Level 2 charging at home, the SE peaks at 9.6 kW for a 0 to 100 charge in eight hours and 15 minutes.Safety Ratings and FeaturesIIHS awards the 2026 Mini Countryman with Good crash test ratings in every category evaluated. Active safety tech isn’t the Countryman’s strongest area, but Mini offers a small suite of standard features.Standard FeaturesEvery 2027 Mini Countryman receives automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, front and rear parking sensors, and automatic high-beams.Available FeaturesAdaptive cruise control with automatic lane centering is available through the optional Driving Assistant Plus package, which comes standard as part of the top-level Iconic trim. Mini’s Parking Assistance Plus feature searches for parking spots and automatically maneuvers the Countryman.Cargo Space and Interior RoomThe 2027 Mini Countryman shares a platform with the BMW X1, so both models have identical legroom. However, the Mini loses out on cargo volume. Note that the Countryman SE has less second-row legroom than gas variants.TechnologyInfotainmentMini is in the business of doing things a little differently from other automakers, so it combines its digital gauge cluster and infotainment display on a single central 9.5-inch touchscreen. The display offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. A head-up display is standard, providing redundant gauge cluster functionality and navigation directions. All models receive a wireless charger and two USB-C ports in each row.Sound SystemMini equips the 2027 Countryman with a standard six-speaker sound system. A 12-speaker arrangement from Harman Kardon is available as an upgrade. You can activate a hidden DJ mode that turns the round display into a turntable when you swipe from the side of the audio player screen. A vinyl disc appears, allowing you to scratch the record like a DJ remixing music.Digital Key PlusMini’s standard Digital Key Plus allows remote startup, locking, and unlocking. The Countryman only comes with one physical key, replacing the second key with a setup card and a service card.ValueStandard FeaturesMini shook up the 2027 Countryman’s pecking order by undercutting the formerly base Signature Plus trim with the new Oxford Edition. This variant is discounted from the Signature Plus trim by $4,000 but still comes equipped with the Countryman S powertrain. That means it has a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and all-wheel drive.AdvertisementAdvertisementMini outfits the Oxford Edition trim with one of three extra-cost paint options (Chili Red, Nanuq White Metallic, or Blazing Blue Metallic), a black roof, black mirror caps, gloss-black 18-inch wheels, and privacy glass. Pricing for the 2027 Mini Countryman S Oxford Edition begins just over $36,000.Recommended TrimWhile the 2027 Mini Countryman JCW appeals to our sensibilities as car enthusiasts, the Countryman S is better suited to the needs of more typical subcompact SUV shoppers.Out of three available trims—Oxford Edition, Signature Plus, and Iconic—we think the top-level Iconic model is worth the spend of just under $44,000. That’s especially true for 2027 as Mini has held off on raising pricing, a rare move in this climate of hyperinflation.Stepping up to this trim adds power front seats, an interior camera, Harman Kardon audio, and augmented reality navigation. It also receives Mini’s Driving Assistant Plus, Parking Assistant Plus, and Comfort Package Plus. Naturally, Mini also includes the 9.4-inch infotainment display, auto-dimming mirrors, wireless phone charger, dual-zone climate control, and head-up display that are found on the Signature Plus trim.
