The 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman JCW is a small crossover SUV that offers more passenger and cargo space than any other Mini, but it remains cramped when measured against similarly priced competitors.
The 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman JCW fills a small niche in the automotive landscape as a genuinely hot little crossover against hot newcomers like the Hyundai Kona N, which perhaps explains why it looks so grumpy that it no longer has the roost all to itself.
The 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman JCW packs a 2.0-liter turbocharged BMW engine under the hood making 301 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque, and it drives as a hot hatch should.
It’s quirky, hip, stylish, and surprisingly roomy inside, making it the most practical fast Mini currently available without compromising on the brand’s contemporary hallmarks. It’s a genuinely quick little vehicle with a slick eight-speed automatic that can be controlled via paddles behind the steering wheel.
Backing up the power is an ALL4 all-wheel-drive system and chassis tuning by the John Cooper Works division of Mini that makes it a joy to whizz round corners. What’s not to love?
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman JCW is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that churns out 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters routes that torque to all four wheels.
It’s the quickest Mini we’ve ever tested, and all that grunt sounds good when trumpeted through the JCW’s exhaust system. While the maximum sound level is reserved for the sportiest drive mode (Sport), the hi-po 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman JCW can still be soothing in Comfort mode.
This subcompact crossover comes with a sport-tuned suspension that delivers entertaining handling and a stiff ride, and it shines as one of the most athletic picks in its class.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman JCW is expected to earn 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. Not bad for one of the hottest baby SUVs you can buy.
On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman JCW delivered 32 mpg. For more information about the Countryman JCW’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman JCW offers cheerful design elements and premium materials. The infotainment display sits above the center stack in a circular housing, which is very Mini.
The Countryman JCW offers reasonably spacious accommodations for passengers, with a good amount of legroom for people in both rows. The 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman JCW provides 18 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear bench, fitting six carry-on suitcases in that space.
That’s one more than the Mini Cooper Clubman station wagon can manage, but one fewer than the BMW X1 holds. With the seats down, the Countryman offers 48 cubes of cargo room and accommodates 16 suitcases. The Volvo XC40 fits 25 in the same configuration.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Mini has equipped the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman JCW with a six-speaker audio system, an auxiliary input jack, and Bluetooth for hands-free calls and music streaming.
You can upgrade your setup with available features such as a Harman/Kardon audio system and an 8.8-inch touchscreen. The options list also includes navigation, Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, and wireless device charging. Android Auto isn’t available.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Mini has equipped the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman JCW with useful driver-assistance features, but lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring are noticeably absent.
For information about the Countryman JCW’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
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Full Specifications
2020 Mini Countryman John Cooper Works ALL4
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED
$50,100 (base price: $42,250)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
122 in3, 1998 cm3
Power
301 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque
331 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 14.2-in vented disc/13.0-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli Cinturato P7 Run Flat PNCS, P225/45R-19 92W ★
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 105.1 in
Length: 169.8 in
Width: 71.7 in
Height: 61.3 in
Passenger volume: 97 ft3
Cargo volume: 17 ft3
Curb weight: 3745 lb
C/D
TEST RESULTS
Rollout, 1 ft: 0.3 sec
60 mph: 4.4 sec
100 mph: 11.6 sec
130 mph: 22.4 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 5.9 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.1 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.4 sec
¼-mile: 13.1 sec @ 105 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 144 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 161 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.91 g
C/D
FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 21 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 32 mpg
Highway range: 510 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 26/23/30 mpg
