Used 2022 MINI Countryman

The 2022 Mini Countryman solves the problems for people who like that distinctive Mini style but need to buy something bigger. It’s a kind of premium subcompact SUV. But whereas something like the Jeep Renegade could be seen as a small SUV, there’s nothing quite so rugged about the Countryman — even though it does offer all-wheel drive.

The SUV look is more to do with fashion than function. The all-wheel-drive system is there for confidence in bad weather and — in the case of the John Cooper Works model — the most efficient way of applying force to dry pavement as well.

There’s definitely an appeal to the Countryman, however. Like the practical aspects of space for four grown-ups (there are five seats, but who wants to sit in the middle spot in the back?) while retaining a parking-space-friendly footprint. The slightly raised driving position enhances outward vision, the extra suspension travel is great for rough road surfaces, and the styling cuts a certain dash.

The irony of the Countryman is that it’s a vehicle that seems tailor-made made for the city.

The pin-sharp reflexes and entertaining agility typically associated with Mini aren’t quite at the same level in the 2022 Countryman. No surprise, really, since a higher ride height and the longer body can’t provide the same sort of precision that the Mini Hardtop 2-Door hatchback enjoys.

Nevertheless, Cooper S models have useful power. And the John Cooper Works model has a remarkable 301 horsepower. How fast is the JCW Countryman? Standstill to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds is pretty darn brisk. This engine is matched to a sport-tuned suspension, allowing keen drivers to explore the outer limits of whatever thrills a subcompact SUV can deliver.

The 9.6 seconds it takes for versions with the 3-cylinder engine to reach 60 mph might interest parents buying their college grad offspring a new Countryman. It should certainly reduce the chances of getting a speeding ticket.

If it’s a Mini, then there are certain obligatory interior design features. Like the dinner plate-sized (and shaped) infotainment screen in the center console and the retro aircraft-style switches just below. The new Countryman Boardwalk Edition comes with black leather upholstery and self-dimming mirrors.

Between this and the Mini Clubman, occupant and cargo spaces (a maximum of 47.6 cubic feet) are extremely similar. The difference is that the Countryman rides higher, allowing easier entries and exits. The standard sliding rear seats help to optimize either rear legroom or cargo space.

The raised ride height, standard-issue roof rails, and relatively large proportions make the 2022 Countryman SUV the least Mini-like of the company’s portfolio. But it’s an indication of how the Mini name has transcended from being a descriptive label into something that means a certain blend of styling elements and driving dynamics, plus the opportunity for owners to turn their cars into personal statements.

There are choices of wheel designs and hood stripes, along with chrome or piano black exterior accents. Or buyers can go for the Boardwalk Edition and have the decision made for them. It comes in Deep Laguna Metallic — with roof, side mirror housings, 18-inch alloy wheels, and various exterior touches all finished in black.

SECOND-ROW SEATING
The giveaway is in the name, but Mini cars are not renowned for their interior space. The Countryman flips that script with a decent amount of rear headroom and legroom, sufficient for a couple of adults of average size.

COOPER S MODEL
The John Cooper Works approach is great for the smaller hatchback models, but there’s a higher likelihood that people buying subcompact crossovers will prefer value over variable valve lift. With a respectable 189 horsepower, the Cooper S is a more affordable, well-rounded package.

Drivetrains are denoted by the Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE ALL4, and John Cooper Works ALL4 names. And there are trim levels that apply to those variants: Classic, Signature, and Iconic.

In Classic trim, standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, simulated leather upholstery, panoramic moonroof, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, rear parking sensors, 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, satellite radio, and a 6-speaker audio system. Blind-spot monitoring is not offered with any trim.

Same trim, different models. The Cooper S gains heated front seats, a heated/leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The JCW also receives these upgrades, plus front sport seats and a sport-tuned suspension. The Cooper SE ALL4 bypasses Classic, coming only in Signature and Iconic.

Anyone with a smartphone (which is most of us) may be dismayed that Apple CarPlay integration is not standard. It’s optional or standard in Signature trim (depending on the drivetrain) and standard in the top Iconic trim. Android Auto is not available at all.

The two higher trim levels not only mean more equipment, they also provide access to a greater number of options. Signature brings keyless entry/ignition, heated front seats, more exterior paint choices, 18-inch alloys, and leather seating surfaces.

The Cooper SE ALL4 adds a powered tailgate and Apple CarPlay. The JCW in Signature gains Dynamic Damper Control.

In the humble Cooper, Iconic trim brings leather for the seats and the steering wheel, 18-inch alloys, full access to paint colors, navigation, Apple CarPlay, power-adjustable front seats, and a Harman Kardon audio system.

The Cooper S adds active cruise control, parking assistance, and a head-up display to its Iconic inventory, plus 19-inch alloy wheels. Changes to the top version of the Cooper SE ALL4 include 18-inch alloy wheels and wireless charging.

Some standard items in the higher trims — like heated front seats or active cruise control — are available as options further down the pecking order.

The base engine in the Cooper version of the 2022 Countryman SUV is a turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder unit making a mere 134 horsepower. If that’s all the budget allows, then don’t challenge anyone to a drag race. A 7-speed dual-clutch automated transmission is the next step in the process, followed by standard front-wheel drive (FWD). All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional, and when this is in the picture, the transmission changes to an 8-speed automatic.

The turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine in the Cooper S is more suited to the Countryman’s weight and mission, generating 189 horsepower. There’s the same FWD/AWD/transmissions formula as the Cooper.

As its name suggests, the Cooper SE ALL4 has all-wheel drive as standard. The most interesting thing about the SE’s drivetrain, though, is that it’s a plug-in hybrid. The combustion component is a turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine, joined by an electric motor running off a lithium-ion battery. The total output is 224 horsepower.

It has an electric-only range of 17 miles. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a method of calculating energy used over distance covered to create a miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe) figure. With these 17 miles factored in, the Cooper SE ALL4 achieves 73 MPGe in combined city/highway driving. When operating as a regular hybrid, it works out to 29 MPGe. Also particular to this model, a 6-speed automatic transmission is employed.

For maximum propulsion, the John Cooper Works ALL4 has its own turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine developing 301 horsepower, which goes to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Premium gasoline is recommended for every Mini Countryman drivetrain.

1.5-liter turbocharged inline-3 (Cooper)
134 horsepower @ 4,500 rpm
162 lb-ft of torque @ 1,480 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/33 mpg (FWD), 23/30 mpg (AWD)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (Cooper S)
189 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
206 lb-ft of torque @ 1,350 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/33 mpg (FWD), 23/31 mpg (AWD)

1.5-liter turbocharged inline-3/electric motor (Cooper SE ALL4)
224 horsepower (total system output)
284 lb-ft of torque @ 1,300 rpm (total system output)
EPA combined fuel economy: 73 MPGe (electric & gasoline), 29 MPG (gas only)
Electric-only range: 17 miles

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (John Cooper Works ALL4)
301 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
331 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/30 mpg