The not-so-mini MINI jokes never end when you show off your Countryman to your mates. Standing six feet tall, most are surprised that I even fit inside until they discover the cavernous interior for themselves and that modern MINIs are only mini by name. The Countryman has consistently grown in size over its model years, but it’s only responding to market demand for a spacious, premium subcompact SUV that’s about the same height as a Honda CR-V. 

It’s the circular, frameless, 9.4-inch center OLED touchscreen that grabs their attention next, a design nod to the original MINI Cooper that also had its dials mounted in the dashboard center. The splash of blue and orange livens up the cabin with colour and expression, making it feel even more spacious and inviting, and it’s our favourite way to spec the Countryman. The styling garnishes continue on the steering wheel, from the bulky leather grips to the gold-coloured accents that pair nicely with the blue fabrics. It’s the star of the interior, and even the bottom spoke is adorned with a decorative fabric strap.

The steering wheel features actual buttons and dials and doesn’t rely on haptic touch sensors like on the Mercedes or Audi wheels. Operating them feels positive, engaging, and logical to use without taking your eyes off the road. There is BMW-sourced switchgear everywhere too, from the window switches to the flush door handles, and every touchpoint feels more premium than the MINI’s commanding price tag. Ironically enough, there’s more charm and character in this interior than in the more expensive BMW X1. 

While the last generation of MINIs adopted airplane-style switches to make you feel like a pilot, here they have integrated a turn-key switch, similar to those found on Porsches, a throwback to ignition start sequences, and greatly elevates the Countryman’s sense of occasion. Even the dashboard illuminates with different colours and patterns depending on the driving mode. The rest of the cabin has been cleverly designed, complete with a cubby box in the center console, which opens with a pull strap. The wireless charging pad receives an elevated dock for easy access, and the center armrest no longer gets in the way of your elbow as you reach for the cupholders. Each layer feels purposeful and ergonomically designed, and the Countryman’s swollen dimensions have truly aided this goal. 

Ergonomics was a major focus, and we’re glad they didn’t resort to hidden fan vents with complicated toggles, as they have in BMWs. To reduce clutter, it would have been a logical decision to implement volume control into the touchscreen, as in Land Rover models, but there’s an actual volume dial here. Not so lucky for the temperature controls, though, which can be cumbersome to operate, and switching on the heated seats and steering wheel requires millimetre-accurate finger presses on each startup.

The Countryman continues to be offered in three flavours: S, SE (electric), and JCW. The base model is gone, and the Countryman S uses the carried-over 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Quick in a straight line, highway overtakes are a breeze, but the 7-speed dual clutch transmission continues to be a thorn in our sides. Hesitant and disjointed at low speeds, gears sometimes refuse to engage with partial throttle, with added confusion from the start-stop system. This was most recurrent during low-speed rolling stops, such as at stop signs. It’s an inherent issue with most dual-clutch transmissions on the market, and the payoff is lightning-quick shifts on sporty runs, but the lack of gentle low-speed polish makes the tradeoff difficult to accept. 

The adaptive suspension is well worth the $600 upgrade, as the ride feels more compliant and composed, notably at higher speeds. Even on 20-inch wheels, there’s better cushioning on hard impacts than without it. The front end feels livelier too, and though the Countryman is still the largest offering in the stable, it hasn’t lost all of that hard-earned MINI agility when the road begins to snake, and it’s more engaging and rewarding to drive than the Volvo XC40 and Audi Q3.

It’s not just the driving dynamics that set the Countryman S apart, but it’s the way it effectively offers a combination of charm, character, and style, without attempting to mimic anyone else. No one steps inside a MINI and thinks, ‘Oh, they just copied BMW and Audi.’ Their bold use of colours, textures, and shapes greatly elevates the appeal of the cabin above the Mercedes-Benz GLB, and though the dual-clutch gearbox remains a sore spot in an otherwise flawless powertrain, it’s great fun to drive, and no longer hampered by a small trunk or cramped rear seats.

Specifications:

Model: 2026 MINI Countryman S ALL4
Paint Type: Indigo Sunset Blue Metallic
Base Price: $45,990
Price as Tested: $54,340
Wheelbase(mm): 2,692
Length/Width/Height (mm):  4,433 / 1,843 / 1,656
Powertrain: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower: 241 hp
Torque: 295 lb-ft
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch
Engine & Drive Configuration: Front engine, AWD
Observed Fuel Economy (L/100km): 9.8
Tires: 245/40R20; Pirelli P Zero Winter