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10 Best Sedans Under $25,000

2011 MINI Cooper Countryman

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman

Overview

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2011 MINI Cooper Countryman Review

By Joe Santos, KBB.com Editor

KBB Expert Rating: 7.0

We can be pretty certain that the terms "cute," "small," "fun" and "fuel efficient" have been used to describe the Mini Cooper since its U.S. inception in 2001. And while the Mini line-up has always consisted of different flavors like the standard Cooper hardtop, the sun-friendly Cooper convertible and the slightly larger, Cooper Clubman, buyers and enthusiasts alike have probably wondered if the word "practical" could ever be associated with a Mini. A bigger backseat? More cargo room? More headroom? Well, wonder no more, as the all-new 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman is here to answer all those questions. And the answers are, "yes," "yes" and "yes." The Mini Countryman is the fourth addition to the brand's lineup and brings to the table everything one would expect in a Mini – including exceptional handling and a solid build - but with the welcomed addition of more people and cargo space and all-wheel-drive capability. Competitors in the Mini Countryman's category include the Nissan Rogue, Suzuki SX4 and the Toyota RAV4.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you've always been infatuated by Mini's unique styling, but wished they offered something bigger, the Countryman could be for you.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Like the other vehicles in Mini's lineup, the Countryman reaches out to a niche market both in terms of styling and driving dynamics. While it exudes the same fun driving characteristics as its Cooper siblings, the Countryman's ride-comfort level is at the lower end of the 10-point scale; which might not be everyone's cup of tea.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.0
Driving Dynamics

7.0
Comfort & Convenience

6.0
Design: Interior & Exterior

8.0
Value

8.0
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#9

out of 15

MPG

#11

out of 15

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

8.9 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's Significant About This Car?

The 4-seat 2011 Mini Countryman broadens the brand's horizons by offering more flexibility in the inherent retro design, both in passenger and cargo room, and by introducing the ALL4 all-wheel-drive system. The Countryman is available in three trim levels: Cooper Countryman, Cooper S Countryman and Cooper S Countryman with ALL4.

Driving the Cooper Countryman

Driving Impressions The Mini Cooper's driving dynamics have long been compared to that of a go kart, and while we can technically say the same for the Countryman, we'd compare it more...

to "a go-kart that's hauling 100-pounds of cargo." Actually, the Countryman weighs about 400 more pounds than the standard-issue Mini Cooper, so in a related sense it has the same sporty driving dynamics of its siblings – including the razor-sharp steering and crisp handling - but not the same overall tossability. The ride quality is a little firm, but we found it comfortable enough for a long road trip. On the inside, the seats could be softer, but they are adequately contoured and bolstered for the everyday drive and visibility is good from all angles. One note: We found the side mirrors to be placed too low, making them hard to see for shorter drivers.

Favorite Features

Mini Connected w/ Navigation
The 6.5-inch screen is easy to navigate and the system offers Bluetooth and smartphone integration to stream music from a device and Internet radio. Users with iPhones will benefit from the Mini Connected App, which allows access to social-media programs, RSS news feeds and Google Local Search.

ALL4 (All-Wheel Drive)
We like the availability of a permanent all-wheel-drive system in a Mini to improve traction on slippery surfaces and challenging terrain.

2011 MINI Cooper Countryman Details

Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 2011 Mini Countryman's retro styling carries over to the interior where the most noticeable feature is the oversized speedometer in the center of the dashboard. The look is eccentric and stylish, from the chrome flip switches for the window to the 2-toned color scheme and symmetrical ovoid patterns that extend to the rear doors, the interior of the Mini Countryman can be considered a lesson in art-deco fashion. There's plenty of headroom and legroom for both the front and rear-seat passengers (a first for a Mini), although seating is limited to four at a time.

Exterior

Novelty meets functionality when it comes to the styling of the 2011 Mini Countryman. It has the same retro look as every other Cooper in the Mini lineup with the main differences being the additional rear doors, the larger size and the taller ride height. It's almost hard to tell it's that much bigger at first glance, but it is. Like all other Minis, the Countryman can be painted in a multitude of different colors both inside and out and every trim level comes with 17-inch wheels, although different styles can be chosen.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

While the 2012 Mini Countryman carries a higher entry price than its competitors, the decision to purchase a Countryman can be reinforced by a long list of standard equipment. On the outside, 17-inch alloy wheels are standard, and the on the inside are 6-way manually adjustable seats, a 3-spoke leather steering wheel and air conditioning. Also on the list is a start/stop button to turn the engine on and off, a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with HD radio and SiriusXM that's in charge of the tunes, and a 6-speed manual transmission.

Optional Equipment

As with the other vehicles in Mini's stable, the Countryman can be configured in over 10 million different ways. While we don't have the space to list them all, we can say that many of the standalone options are grouped together in packages. The technology package comes with a harmon/kardon sound system, rear parking sensors, a center armrest and the "Mini Connected" in-car entertainment system (with navigation optional). The premium package includes automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and the comfort access system which locks/unlocks the doors via a button on the outside handles. The sport package adds 18-inch Turbo Fan wheels, black hood stripes, a rear spoiler and dynamic traction control for more spirited cornering. In addition to these packages, a multitude of wheels, interior/exterior color combinations and graphics are available to build a custom Countryman to the owner's content.

Under the Hood

The 2011 Mini Countryman is powered by the same engines that power its siblings. The option of all-wheel drive is a bonus. Both engine choices displace 1.6 liters, with the Cooper receiving a naturally-aspirated version while the Cooper S gets the help of a twin-scroll turbocharger. Despite the increase in weight over its smaller stablemates, the Countryman is still a joy to drive. The Cooper Countryman scoots to 60 mph in under ten seconds and the Cooper S Countryman lowers that time to just over seven seconds.

1.6-liter inline-4
121 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
114 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/35 (manual), 25/30 (automatic)

1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4
181 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
177 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1,600 - 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/32 (manual), 25/32 (automatic), 25/31 (manual, ALL4), 23/30 (automatic, ALL4)

Pricing Notes

The Mini Cooper Countryman holds a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) just over $22,000. Stepping up to the Cooper S trim bumps up the price to just under $26,000. Opting for all-wheel drive tacks $1,700 onto the price, and adding an automatic transmission to any trim adds $1,125. To see what customers are actually paying for their 2011 Mini Cooper "Countrymen," check out KBB's Fair Purchase Price. While the Countryman is priced higher than its competitors, it should hold better-than-average resale values over time.

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2011 MINI Cooper Countryman Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.9

Out of 10

Based on 18 Ratings for the 2011 - 2012 MINI Countryman models.

Review this car

Value

8.7/10

Quality

8.9/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

8.8/10
Comfort

8.6/10

Styling

9.0/10

A great, fun alternative to traditional SUVs!

By Family Motoring (MA) on Friday, May 11, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Fast, nimble and solid; All Wheel Drive grip"

Cons: "MINI (non) ergonomics, Average Reliability"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"We have had the countryman All4 S Automatic for about 6,000 miles and we love it. This this the perfect car for our small family. Rear facing Infant seat fits nicely behind 6' tall front passengers. The trunk is small but can still fit our stroller and luggage for two adults and all the necessary gear for an infant with out folding down the rear seat. We have the bench seat, and each seat can fold down on its own which creates even more flexible loading options. Four adults can easily fit comfortably in the car, and five can fit for shorter road trips (2hours or less) Oh by the way, this car is a blast to drive. You will forget that you are driving a "crossover". In the All4 Cooper S platform, even the automatic is sporty. If you press the SPORT button, the steering gets even more tight and the throttle response shoots up. It truly feels like you are driving a car that is meant to race. There really is no other car on the market that can match its performance, practicality, AWD grip and fuel efficiency. The Acura RDX comes close in terms of performance and practicality but it is more expensive and has horrible fuel efficiency. The Jetta TDI sportwagen is great, but no AWD. The Cayenne will beat the Countryman performance wise I suppose but seriously, a Cayenne? It's easily twice the price of the All4 Countryman. Speaking of cost, the car is not cheap. It is not hard to price one out one for $35K. Creative BMW financing might make this car more affordable. We highly recommend the Countryman and hope that MINI brings to the states the Diesel engine for even more fuel efficiency."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Best car i owed so far

By Kenn (CA) on Wednesday, April 25, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Fun to drive!"

Cons: "Not enough storage room inside. Hard to config opt"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Not too small, nor too big. Easy to park, pretty good mpg, very responsive, quick accelaration and brakes, road hugging special when the sport mode is on. Love it when you see other mini on the road and thumbs up! A little bumpy and noisy. Premium gas, expensive maintenace, parts and accesories."

5 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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