Mini Cooper Countryman PHEV Review
2021 Mini Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 PHEV
Price as tested: $46,450
Specs: 1.5 Turbo 3 Cylinder powering front wheels, Electric Motor Driving Rear Wheels
227 HP / 284 TQ
28 MPG as tested
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Guy who did stuff: Yousef Alvi
In a sea of dreary, boring and souless compact crossovers there stands one shining example. That example is this Mini Countryman. On paper, this Countryman is everything I should loathe. It’s an expensive, hybrid crossover…it should make my skin crawl.
BUT
This Countryman is one of the best compact crossovers you can buy on the road today. It is outstanding. Pairing a lovely turbocharged engine driving the front wheels along with pair of electric motors driving the rear wheels…gives this Mini a driving experience like no other compact crossover on the road today!
Let’s break it down:
The Great
Just look at this thing! The Countryman oozes personality and soul! From it’s union jack tail lamps to the wonderfully bright LED headlights, the Countryman is a rolling testament to design and heritage. I love the way this thing looks!
If you think it looks good…just wait until you slip behind the wheel! The hybrid drivetrain works in perfect symphony and delivers sharp reflexes that no other compact crossover delivers! Pair that with Mini’s trademark quick steering you have a compact crossover that will keep you smiling day after day.
The Good
The interior is spacious, supremely comfortable and screwed together tightly. The front seats are beautifully supportive and the rear can hold two child seats comfortably while still having space up front and in the rear cargo area. Add that to the real metallic toggle switches strewn about the cabin…it’s a great place to be.
The Bad
It’s noisy….very noisy. Wind and tire noise predominantly enters the cabin around town and on the highway.
The ride is perfectly firm for me but for the average civilian it might be too much.
The Ugly
The only thing really wrong with the Countryman is the price. Our tester was bordering on $47,000! For a compact crossover!
Overall
Shoving price aside for a second…this ridiculously longed named machine is stunning! It drives like no other crossover on the road and it will leave you with a smile on your face everytime you slip behind the wheel. The Countryman is a testament to design, engineering and fun. I love and adore this verbose machine. Just adore it!
