2023 Mini Cooper Countryman

The 2023 Mini Cooper Countryman‘s plus-size proportions—plus-size for Mini, that is—make it more useful than most other Mini models, which are more suited to handling two passengers.

While we think its increased dimensions and extra mass diminish the fun factor–one of the brand’s defining traits–we acknowledge that the Countryman’s larger size probably appeals to a wider audience than its smaller siblings.

For 2023, Mini adds a special edition to the Countryman lineup. The new Untamed Edition package is available on the Cooper S and plug-in-hybrid S E models.

It wears exclusive Momentum Grey metallic paint and includes unique Frozen Bluestone stripping on the doors. Likewise, a set of two-tone 18-inch wheels pair with a black roof and mirror caps. For additional black exterior accents, Mini offers a Piano Black Exterior option.

Inside the Untamed are shades of blue and green that complement the exclusive Highland Green interior as well as special graphics and “Untamed” lettering on various surfaces. There’s also a backlit panel on the dashboard that displays a mountain landscape.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Countryman family includes three distinct powertrains. The base engine is a 134-hp turbocharged three-cylinder that lacks the power to move the crossover’s 3300-plus pounds with any authority. The Cooper S has a more powerful 189-hp turbo-four, but it still doesn’t provide the giddyap that we crave.

The plug-in-hybrid model is the quickest non-JCW Countryman we’ve tested, but it’s also the most expensive. Nonhybrid front-drive versions feature a snappy seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission; all-wheel-drive models receive an eight-speed automatic.

The 2023 Mini Cooper Countryman‘s stoic disposition isn’t a bad thing; it’s just different from the attitudes of other Minis, which are unreservedly playful.

It’s worth noting that none of our test vehicles featured Mini’s adjustable dampers, which might help offset the sometimes-harsh ride quality we’ve experienced. The plug-in hybrid’s brake pedal has a long-dead spot at the top of its travel, which takes some getting used to.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The most fuel-efficient 2023 Mini Cooper Countryman is the plug-in-hybrid Cooper S E, which has a combined EPA rating of 73 MPGe. Among the nonhybrid models, the three-cylinder version is the thriftiest, earning up to 26 mpg city and 33 highway.

The more powerful four-cylinder Cooper S achieves up to 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the freeway. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, the Cooper S Countryman All4 returned a decent 32 mpg. For more information about the 2023 Mini Cooper Countryman’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The 2023 Mini Cooper Countryman‘s interior showcases typical Mini design elements, such as an infotainment system set in a large circular housing in the center of the dash and toggle switches for controlling the interior lights, the ignition, and the standard stop-start system.

There’s a lot to like about the 2023 Mini Cooper Countryman‘s cabin, which is assembled from high-quality materials and offers adequate passenger space. Back-seat riders will be comfortable on long trips, but you’ll have to pay for the Convenience package if you want a center armrest.

The cabin has a number of storage nooks, providing sufficient space for stashing personal items; however, the Countryman offers less cargo room than some smaller competitors. Mini makes up for that with a fair amount of underfloor storage space, but opting for the available spare tire takes up most of that.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2023 Mini Cooper Countryman comes standard with a 6.5-inch screen for its infotainment system, and an 8.8-inch display with navigation and Apple CarPlay capability is available. Buyers can control the latter via touch inputs, a console-mounted dial, and voice commands.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

While the 2023 Mini Cooper Countryman comes standard with automated emergency braking, oddly, the Countryman lacks some other common driver-assistance technology, namely blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist.

For more information about the Countryman’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