Used MINI Countryman for sale: everything you need to know
If you’re thinking about purchasing a MINI Countryman, you’re probably drawn to this five-door small SUV’s blend of classic MINI styling with a welcome added dose of practicality. It is the largest new MINI you can buy, and certainly the most family-friendly.
The raised seating position feels good, while a series of engines blend good performance with impressive fuel economy. You can even get a plug-in hybrid version, with a 26-mile pure electric range and ultra-low CO2 emissions – plus the added benefit of ALL4 four-wheel drive.
Rivals to the MINI Countryman include the Audi Q2, the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the impressive Volvo XC40.
Should you buy a MINI Countryman?
Small SUVs are in great demand at the moment. If you want one with all the familiar crossover SUV traits, such as a high seating position and enhanced practicality, but yearn for the more bespoke character that MINI is renowned for, the MINI Countryman fits the bill.
Most models have a 450-litre boot, appreciably larger than something like a Volkswagen Golf, while even the entry-level Cooper does 0-62mph in less than 10 seconds. The top-spec John Cooper Works has well over twice the power and cuts this 0-62mph time in half.
Meanwhile the MINI Countryman Plug-in Hybrid emits as little as 40g/km of CO2 and boasts a pure electric driving range of up to 26 miles. Even this version does 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds; the trademark lively performance of the MINI brand is amply showcased here.
Being related to several BMWs, the MINI Countryman benefits from its parent company’s technology, including one of the best infotainment systems around. Being a MINI, it also offers pin-sharp handling and delivers plenty of smiles per mile. Enthusiasts will love this effervescent crossover SUV as much as families and the style-conscious will.
MINI has tailored the model line-up in recent years. There’s a good level of standard equipment across the range, which can be tailored via Classic or Exclusive add-ons. It means there’s no such thing as a base-spec MINI Countryman, while owners have the opportunity to indulge if they want to buy or lease a more bespoke version.
These trim grades are combined with those core Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and Plug-in Hybrid engine variants, so picking the perfect MINI Countryman for you should be easy.
The latest MINI Countryman is a popular model in the range, with the double-pronged appeal of MINI style and crossover SUV practicality. Add in those grin-inducing MINI dynamics, and it’s not hard to see why it appeals.
MINI has tailored the latest model line-up into an appealing range of trim levels and specs, meaning it’s impossible to choose an unappealing Countryman model. The choice comes down to how much you want to spend, and what sort of bespoke touches you’d like.
The fact you can choose between the pure electric range of a Plug-in Hybrid, the value of a Cooper or Cooper S, or the thrilling performance of a John Cooper Works, simply adds to the breadth of this popular MINI. It overcomes the practicality barriers many face to owning a MINI, yet still delivers the characterful personality and bespoke nature of the brand.
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What’s the best used MINI Countryman model to buy?
If you're going to be doing lots of short trips and are able to charge it easily, then the MINI Countryman Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) is the one to go for. It's got an official electric-only range of 26 miles (though in real-world use this is likely to be less), while there's a three-cylinder petrol engine to kick when needed, delivering 220PS and a 0-62mph time of 6.8 seconds.
Otherwise, the smaller three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine is our pick. Badged Cooper, this is a gutsy little engine that punches above its weight.
There are only three trim levels to choose from (Classic, Sport and Exclusive). We'd be tempted to pick the more affordable Classic trim as it comes with most of the features you'll need and you've got the option of adding on one of MINI's option packs to help tailor the Countryman to suit your requirements. If you're looking for something a little more luxurious, you won't be disappointed by the Countryman in Exclusive trim, though you'll certainly pay for the privilege.
Used MINI Countryman fuel economy and performance
MINI Countryman Cooper: This characterful 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine is the affordable entry-level into the range. Choose it in manual guise or, for an extra £1,600, as an automatic. You can have a Cooper ALL4 with four-wheel drive, too. The 136PS Countryman Cooper boasts CO2 emissions from 143g/km, 0-62mph takes 9.7 seconds and it’s able to average nearly 45mpg.
MINI Countryman Cooper D: The diesel version of the Cooper uses a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine with 150PS . It'll hit 62mph from standstill in 8.9 seconds with a manual gearbox (8.8 with an automatic) and promises up to 65.7mpg.
MINI Countryman Cooper S: This is the sprightly 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-engined MINI Countryman. The BMW-derived engine boasts 178PS and cuts the 0-62mph time to 7.4 seconds in automatic guise. It’s still fuel-efficient, though, with average fuel economy of up to 43.5mpg.
MINI Countryman Cooper SD: The diesel Cooper S boasts 190PS and is only available with an automatic gearbox, although you can choose between two- and four-wheel drive. Its 0-62mph time is 7.7 seconds, or 7.4 with four-wheel drive. Fuel economy is up to 61.4mpg.
MINI Countryman Cooper S E: The first Countryman plug-in hybrid uses the three-cylinder petrol engine for the front wheels and an electric motor for the rears, giving it four-wheel drive. Total power is 224PS, which means 0-62mph in just 6.9 seconds, with CO2 emissions of 49g/km and official fuel economy of 134.5mpg.
MINI Countryman Plug-in Hybrid: The more recent Countryman Plug-in Hybrid combines the 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It’s quick, with 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds, but also has CO2 emissions from 40g/km and official average economy of almost 157mpg (if you plug it in regularly).
MINI Countryman John Cooper Works: This is the thrilling range-topping MINI Countryman. The John Cooper Works uses a tuned-up version of the 2.0-litre turbo engine, for total power of 306PS. This means 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds, which is deliverable in all weathers thanks to standard ALL4 four-wheel drive and an automatic transmission. It returns up to 37.2mpg on the official test.
If you want a diesel-engined MINI Countryman, your only option is to buy used (look for ‘D’ branding – i.e. One D and Cooper D). There are some spicy high-performance John Cooper Works versions as well, while the Cooper and Cooper S have always offered strong performance and decent economy.
What used MINI Countryman trims levels are available?
The MINI Countryman has an easy-to-navigate range of models, trim levels and specifications. For engines, choose between Cooper, Cooper S or Plug-in Hybrid, with the John Cooper Works sitting at the top of the range as a flagship all on its own.
Then pick your trim level: either Classic or Exclusive. There’s also currently a special limited-edition model called the Untamed Edition.
The MINI Countryman Classic is the entry-level version, but even this has a comprehensive standard spec. MINI offers it with every engine from the core range – that’s Cooper, Cooper S and Plug-in Hybrid. Manual and automatic gearboxes are available, as is the option of ALL4 four-wheel drive.
The MINI Countryman Exclusive is a more bespoke version of the Countryman. It has plusher trims, including ‘MINI Yours’ branded upholstery, and carries MINI Yours logos on the outside as well. Otherwise, the engine line-up is the same as Classic grade.
The MINI Countryman Untamed Edition is a special edition described as being for the ‘spontaneous explorer’. It has custom Momentum Grey paint, special Untamed Edition logos and, inside, Mini Yours Lounge leather upholstery in Highland Green.
The MINI Countryman John Cooper Works is the high-performance range-topper with a 306PS 2.0-litre turbo engine, ALL4 four-wheel drive and a racy spec including Sport suspension, a Torsen mechanical differential and bespoke John Cooper Works trim.
Used MINI Countryman dimensions and boot size
The MINI Countryman’s exterior dimensions are:
Length: 4297mm
Width: 1822mm
Height: 1557mm
Ground clearance: 165mm
The MINI Countryman’s boot size is:
Used MINI Countryman road tax
VED rates for most MINI Countryman models fall on the flat rate of £180 per year from the second year, though if you're getting a high-spec car that's had a number of options bolted on, keep an eye on the price. If the list price goes over £40,000, it will be hit with a £390/year premium car tax for five years (from the second time the car is taxed).
How much is to insure a MINI Countryman?
The MINI Countryman might be more affordable to insure than you think. The entry-level Cooper Classic starts from group 17, or group 18 for the automatic, ALL4 and Exclusive versions. The Cooper S starts from insurance group 24, with the Plug-in Hybrid available from group 26. Needless to say, the most expensive MINI Countryman to insure is the John Cooper Works, which has a group 33 insurance rating.
Read our full MINI Countryman review
