2023 Mini Cooper Countryman Review: Quirky And Fun, But Impractical
A Mini isn't meant to be practical, or so many will tell you, which is why the seemingly large 2023 Mini Cooper Countryman is often shunned by purists. However, if you know the history of the brand and understand that the crossover SUV segment is currently most popular in the USA, the Countryman makes sense. This subcompact SUV serves as a foot in the door for the luxury brand (despite being a bit of an oddball) because not having an entrant in the segment is just losing out on money. There will always be people willing to buy such an unusual car, and we can't actually blame them. It's got quirky looks, a decent turbo three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower, and more space than anything else in the Mini stable. There is even a stronger engine available. However, competitors like the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 are more powerful and more practical, but none are as small and nimble as the 2023 Countryman.
What's the Price of the 2023 Mini Cooper Countryman?
As with any luxury car in the USA, you need to be willing to pay a premium price for the new 2023 Mini Cooper Countryman. The base Cooper falls just shy of $30k at $29,600. Starting from the Cooper ALL4 upwards, you need to have a sizeable stack of cash on hand since it sells for $31,600. The Cooper S sells for $31,900, and the Cooper S ALL4 for 37,500. These are the MSRP prices for the Mini Cooper Countryman and do not include the $995 destination fee or administrative costs.
2023 Cooper Countryman Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 169.7 in | 105.1 in | 61.3 in | 71.7 in | 61.5 in | 61.6 in | 3,443.0 lbs |
2023 Cooper Countryman Performance
2023 Mini Cooper Countryman Handling and Driving Impressions
Don't let the size of the Countryman fool you; this is a surprisingly nimble SUV that will guarantee you a fun experience. Sure, it weighs quite a bit more than a traditional Mini, but it boasts impressive handling. The steering is sharp and accurate, but if you take the corner too enthusiastically, you should be prepared for some leaning. Luckily, the chassis can handle it, and most drivers will actually enjoy the experience. Strong brakes ensure that if you do lose your head figuratively, you won't lose it literally. Despite all this focus on fun, the Mini Countryman is still a luxury car and can deliver a comfortable ride when you aren't zipping around at top speed. The suspension can't handle off-roading, though, and there isn't much ground clearance, for that matter. This crossover is strictly for the city.
2023 Cooper Countryman Interior
2023 Cooper Countryman Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is The 2023 Mini Cooper Countryman A Good SUV?
If you review the Mini Countryman alongside more mainstream SUVs, it may not seem like a good choice. It is not nearly as practical, it can't tow or go off-road, and it isn't the most comfortable car. But nobody buys a Mini for any of these reasons, and if you keep that in mind, it is almost as fun as the smaller models in the range and helps to shore up weaknesses such as rear-passenger and cargo capacity. Of course, it also comes with styling and a badge that will turn heads. The high price tag and lack of certain desirable features, unless you pay even more, can be a deterrent for more sensible shoppers, but sometimes it's nice just to throw caution to the wind and have a good time. The Countryman can deliver that.
What 2023 Mini Cooper Countryman Model Should I Buy?
The base engine just isn't strong enough to make the Countryman feel spritely like a Mini should. Therefore, you need to aim for the Cooper S at the very least. The ALL4 model with AWD is an option if you live in a cold-weather state, but the added weight can affect the driving experience. Also, you'll want to save some of that money if you want more than the barebones Classic sub-trim. The Signature comes with more standard features, and it's far more customizable.