The 2026 MINI Countryman is kind of all-new, having simply acquired a major replace final 12 months to carry the SUV into its third technology. However year-over-year, little adjustments. The most important and most fascinating replace is a brand new $1,400 John Cooper Works Model Bundle, which incorporates some aesthetic tweaks, new wheels, and Dynamic Damper Management. Extra 18-inch wheels are additionally new for the mannequin 12 months. Lastly, the model’s digital key service receives slight tweaks that make it a “higher” service, however extra importantly, imply you’ll solely obtain one key if you purchase a brand new MINI. Regardless, the MINI Countryman is generally the identical because it ever was.
2026 MINI Countryman Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency
Each 2026 MINI Countryman comes geared up with a seven-speed dual-clutch computerized transmission and commonplace all-wheel drive. The bottom S ALL4 trim packs a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It’s adequate to hit 60 mph in a claimed 6.2 seconds. Notably, it’s the identical B48 four-cylinder energy plant discovered in lots of BMW choices, just like the X1 and a pair of Collection.
Step as much as the warmer JCW ALL4, and MINI turns up the wick. With efficiency tweaks to the identical engine, output jumps to 312 horsepower whereas torque stays at 295 pound-feet. It additionally will get distinctive styling touches, like quad exhaust suggestions, upgraded brakes, and particular wheels. The dash to 60 mph drops to simply 5.2 seconds. In our Countryman John Cooper Works evaluation, we praised its robust energy and grip. Nevertheless, its hefty weight and numb steering dampened among the enjoyable.
2026 MINI Countryman Gas Economic system and MPG
The usual Countryman S will get one of the best gas economic system, similar to final 12 months. The EPA says the brand new Countryman S achieves 24 mpg metropolis and 32 mpg freeway, for a mixed 27 mpg. The extra riveting Countryman JCW ALL4 trades solely a sprinkling of gas economic system for its extra efficiency capabilities. The EPA estimates it to attain 23 mpg metropolis and 30 mpg freeway, for 25 mpg mixed. General the Countryman is about common in its section for gas economic system.
Inside and Cargo House
Mini gives solely eco-friendly upholstery decisions — Vescin artificial leather-based or a fabric different. Guide seats come commonplace, although energy adjustment is on the market for $1,000. It’s a minor trade-off contemplating how a lot commonplace gear you get, together with heated entrance seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic moonroof. The result’s a cabin that feels each premium and thoughtfully designed.
In the case of utility, the Countryman is a wonderful choice. It gives 56.2 cubic ft of cargo house, falling simply shy of the 2026 BMW X1’s 57.2 and the Mercedes-Benz GLB’s 62 cubic ft. Nonetheless, it beats out the sleeker BMW X2 (51.7) and Mercedes GLA (50.5). Respectable numbers, although not class-leading for sheer storage capability.
2026 MINI Countryman Expertise and Connectivity
Actually, one of many greatest adjustments to the MINI Countryman is subtraction of the standard second key. MINI now gives a digital credit-card-style key alongside the standard bodily key, a present of religion within the firm’s “Digital Key Plus” program. Like BMW’s Digital Key providing, you’ll be able to share non permanent keys with others and use your telephone as a key. In any other case, issues stay fairly commonplace with the Countryman. MINI OS 9 powers a neat spherical OLED show, and a head-up show comes commonplace. Nearly all of the know-how you possibly can “want” on a day-to-day foundation comes commonplace. Notably, Augmented Actuality Navigation is locked behind the Consolation Bundle Plus.
Security and Driver Help Options
The 2025 MINI Countryman gives a stable suite of driver help options that really feel proper for its class and value level. Commonplace gear consists of Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, and Frontal Collision Warning, overlaying the important thing security necessities most consumers anticipate in a contemporary crossover. Extra superior driver aids can be found, however you’ll want no less than $1,500 for the Consolation Bundle Plus, which features a 360-degree digicam system and self-parking options. $2,400 unlocks Energetic Driving Assistant Professional, which is now not obtainable separate from the Consolation Bundle Max. If you happen to step as much as the Iconic trim, Consolation Plus is included and Max is barely a $900 upcharge. It’s most likely a smart selection if you really want the additional driver aides.
2026 MINI Countryman Pricing
Astoundingly, the MINI Countryman’s begin value stays the identical 12 months over 12 months. So, $38,900 will get you the usual automotive, whereas the extra thrilling JCW mannequin will set you again $46,900. That seems like some huge cash for a MINI SUV, however keep in mind that it’s mechanically very near the X1 M35 that begins round $5,000 larger. In-segment, the Countryman is definitely one of many higher offers; the Volvo XC40 and Audi Q3 command a pair grand extra whereas the Mercedes-Benz GLB is over $6,000 costlier to begin.
2026 MINI Countryman: Our Take
The easiest way to consider the MINI Countryman is that it’s a BMW X1 with slightly bit extra originality. When you lose some practicality, the MINI’s decrease begin value, distinctive styling ,and arguably higher commonplace gear make it a little bit of a “if you realize, you realize” decide. In the end, it’s most likely slightly bit underrated, too. MINI solely offered round 3,300 of them in Q3 2025, and that was a 34% uptick from final 12 months’s figures. That’s lower than half as many X1s BMW moved in the identical time. The connoisseur’s selection? Maybe not, but it surely’s undoubtedly an SUV price contemplating if it checks the containers you want an SUV to.
