• 2013 Mini Cooper Countryman

• 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman
• Repairs Mini Cooper Countryman

Scorecard

Overall:	2013 Mini Cooper Countryman U.S. News Best Cars 7.7
Critics' Rating:	7.8
Performance:	7.7
Interior:	7.8
Safety:	9.8
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Notable for 2013

• Rear three-seat bench
• John Cooper Works model
• Standard Bluetooth
• Optional satellite radio

Pros & Cons

• Spacious front seats
• Good fuel economy
• Agile handling

• Confusing tech features
• Poorly-designed center rail storage
• Sluggish acceleration in base model

Research Other Years

• 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman
• 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman

The 2013 Mini Cooper Countryman ranks 8 out of 21 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 36 published reviews and test drives of the Mini Cooper Countryman, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Though many reviewers are impressed with the 2013 Mini Cooper Countryman’s roomy cabin, others are frustrated with its confusing tech features and the base engine’s sluggish acceleration.

All Cooper Countryman models are powered by a four-cylinder engine, but they have different horsepower ratings. The base model makes 121 horsepower, and the Cooper S Countryman and John Cooper Works Countryman’s turbocharged engines make 181 horsepower and 208 horsepower, respectively. Every model comes with a six-speed manual transmission, though a six-speed automatic is optional. The Cooper Countryman also offers all-wheel drive on Cooper S ALL4 and John Cooper Works models. If you don't need the Cooper Countryman's all-wheel drive or don't want to upgrade to a turbocharged engine, you should consider a competing model. Rivals, like the Audi A3, deliver good performance on the base model, and they also have better reliability. The base Cooper Countryman gets an EPA-estimated 25/30 mpg city/highway with the automatic transmission, which is good for the class. The Cooper Countryman requires premium fuel, while most rivals use regular. Overall, test drivers are impressed with the Cooper Countryman’s agile handling. Auto critics notice, however, that the Cooper Countryman’s ride height and extra weight contribute to body lean and a tippy feeling they’re not used to experiencing in a Mini Cooper.

Most reviewers like the Cooper Countryman’s retro design, and are satisfied with the Cooper Countryman’s interior quality, saying only a few materials are cheap. Test drivers also say that the Mini Cooper Countryman’s cabin is spacious and that adults who are more than 6 feet tall will have plenty of head- and legroom in the front seats. The new three-seat rear bench seat increases the Cooper Countryman’s seating capacity from four to five, but one critic says the rear row is cramped. According to another test driver, the no-cost twin bucket seats fit 6-foot-tall adults comfortably. When compared with its classmates, the Cooper Countryman’s cargo room is good. To increase interior storage, the Cooper Countryman has a center rail, which has clip-on holders for cups and other items. Most test drivers really dislike this feature and say it is poorly designed. The Cooper Countryman comes standard with a six-speaker stereo, auxiliary input jack, HD Radio and Bluetooth, while a USB adapter, satellite radio, Harman Kardon sound system, navigation and Mini Connected infotainment system are optional. Most test drivers are frustrated with the layout of the features and dislike that they’re so confusing. The navigation, audio and Bluetooth systems are controlled through a knob, and their operation doesn’t make much sense to auto writers.

• "Compared with the Cooper, the Countryman is a giant. It offers more rear cargo space, more room for passengers and, thus, more utility than either the Cooper or Clubman." -- MSN Autos (2011)
• "Alas, the Countryman suffers some of the same drawbacks as smaller Minis, including a stiff ride, fair noise levels, and form-over-function retro interior design. Worse, the nickel-and-dime options strategy can quickly boost delivered prices to eye-watering levels. Still, the Countryman is the only SUV that's also a Mini, and that will be enough for many buyers. Those seeking a compact crossover with better space, refinement, and value should look elsewhere." -- Consumer Guide

Other Cars to Consider

If you want a crossover, but need something larger than the Cooper Countryman, consider the Mazda CX-5. Reviewers give it a glowing recommendation for its phenomenal handling. Compared with the Cooper Countryman, the CX-5 also has more cargo space, a well-made interior and doesn’t need premium fuel.

As a small crossover, the Nissan Juke is one of the Cooper Countryman’s closest competitors. Although the Juke seats five, the rear row is very cramped. With the rear seats up, there isn’t much cargo room. Although the Juke is small, reviewers like this crossover for its strong turbocharged engine, sharp handling and good fuel economy.

Compare the Cooper Countryman, CX-5 and Juke »

Details: 2013 Mini Cooper Countryman

The Mini Cooper Countryman is Mini’s only crossover. It is available in Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper S ALL4 and John Cooper Works models. Each Cooper Countryman has a four-cylinder engine and a standard-six speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is optional. ALL4 is Mini’s available all-wheel drive system. There are a few changes to the Cooper Countryman this year. For the first time, the Cooper Countryman is available as a John Cooper Works model, which has a 208-horsepower engine. Also, a three-person rear bench seat is standard, while the two rear bucket seats that were standard last year are a no-cost option. Other than that, the Cooper Countryman hasn’t changed much since it debuted for the 2011 model year, so this overview uses applicable research and reviews from 2011 to 2013.

See the full list of 2013 Mini Cooper Countryman specs »