What Is the Best Mini SUV?
With its excellent fuel efficiency, stylish and roomy interior, and sleek infotainment system, the Mini Cooper Countryman is Mini’s best SUV.
Written by Melanie Johnson
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Table of Contents
- The best Mini SUV overall: Mini Cooper Countryman
- The best Mini SUV to buy used: 2014 Mini Cooper Countryman
- The best Mini SUV for off-roading: Mini Countryman X-Raid
- The best Mini SUV for fuel economy: Mini Cooper SE Countryman (plug-in hybrid)
- The best way to shop for Mini insurance
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The Mini Cooper Countryman is Mini’s best (and only) SUV. Its modern aesthetic, excellent fuel economy, and user-friendly infotainment system make it the one to buy.
Sport utility vehicles are popular among families, adventure-seekers, and even solo drivers craving a little extra space. While Mini, the brand known for its small cars, doesn’t have a ton of SUV options, the one it does have is a crowd-pleaser.
The Mini Cooper Countryman may be the only Mini SUV, but stay tuned! There are specific models to consider if you’re looking to buy used or take your SUV off the grid.
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The best Mini SUV overall: Mini Cooper Countryman
Starting price: $29,950
Number of seats: 5
J.D. Power rating: 85
As stated, the Mini Cooper Countryman is Mini’s best SUV. In 2021, 82,362 Countryman’s were sold worldwide and 10,440 were sold in the U.S. The vehicle is more popular in Europe but has a steady base of support here in the States.
What makes the Countryman the top overall pick? For one thing, it’s Mini’s only SUV.
It sports a sleek, unique aesthetic while remaining true to its Mini roots. Its interior features a competent infotainment system set in a large circle in the center of the dashboard and switches for controlling the lights and push-button start. Its materials are high-quality.
It’s also roomy—even backseat riders will be comfortable on long car rides, and all passengers will enjoy sufficient head and legroom. There’s also a lot of storage space. If you’d like to upgrade your Countryman to genuine leather seats (synthetic leather is standard), you may do so. You may also opt for heated seats and steering wheel.
And the best part of it? It’s fuel-efficient. The three-cylinder version earns up to 26 city/33 highway mpg. Luxury and fuel economy? Yes, please.
The best Mini SUV to buy used: 2014 Mini Cooper Countryman
Price range: $13,563 to $18,405
Number of seats: 5
J.D. Power rating: 77
Let’s say you love the idea of the Countryman, but hate the idea of the Countryman’s price. We feel you. You can get a great Mini Cooper Countryman for a fraction of the price by buying used!
Our vote on your best bet for a used Countryman is the 2014 model year. Why? Well, for one thing, it was ranked number two by the U.S. News in its Affordable Subcompact SUVs category. It was also named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and received great ratings in all five crash test categories.
Aesthetically, its exterior is quite similar to the 2022 model, and its interior rocks the same quirky, upscale vibe. It gets comparable fuel economy at up to 28 city/35 highway mpg.
And the best part? Its average price is between $13,563 to $18,405.
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The best Mini SUV for off-roading: Mini Countryman X-Raid
Price range: N/A
Number of seats: 5
J.D. Power rating: N/A
This model may only be offered in Europe, but we’d be remiss not to add it to the list!
The 2021 Mini Countryman Powered by X-raid is a special edition model with some oomph!
Typically, the Mini Cooper Countryman is not suitable for serious offroading with a ground clearance of a meager 6.5 inches. However, the X-raid increases the Countryman’s height by 1.6 inches, bringing its ground clearance to a trail-busting 8.1 inches.
The X-raid’s suspension was also upgraded and so were its wheels, which are specifically designed for off-the-grid use.
While at present it’s not possible to drive an X-Raid unless you live across the pond, the model may be coming to the U.S. soon. Stay tuned!
MORE: The best old-school off-road vehicles
The best Mini SUV for fuel economy: Mini Cooper SE Countryman (plug-in hybrid)
Starting price: $42,350
Number of seats: 5
J.D. Power rating: 85
The most fuel-efficient Countryman is the Cooper SE Countryman, a plug-in hybrid with a combined EPA rating of 73 mpg-equivalent.
It has an electric-only range of 18 miles—which is admittedly not a lot, but not too shabby. Thankfully, it’s a fast charge. The Cooper SE uses a 240-volt outlet that can fully recharge the battery in about two hours.
The SUV is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-three engine and electric motor. It cranks out 221 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque, which is impressive for a hybrid! The Cooper SE is also quicker than many other hybrid crossovers—it has a 0-to-60 time of under seven seconds.
It’s also roomy. Two adults can comfortably sit in the front or rear and enjoy generous head and legroom.
However, the Cooper SE’s performance, comfort, and fuel economy will cost you. This model is among the most expensive of Mini Cooper Countrymans with an MSRP of $42,350.
The best way to shop for Mini insurance
We did it, team! We unpacked the best Mini SUV, and it’s a unanimous victory for the Mini Cooper Countryman! Once you’ve purchased your dream crossover SUV, you’ll want to insure it with the right car insurance policy.
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