Flash Drive

2019 Mini Cooper Countryman

April 9, 2019 - Featured, Flash Drive - Comments: 
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Model Tested: 2019 Mini Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 (PHEV) John Cooper Works

Being fun to drive has always been a mainstay of the Mini experience and the 2019 Countryman continues that heritage.

Engine:1.5-liter turbocharged I-3, 134-horsepower, 162 lb-ft torque plus electric motor 87-horsepower, 122 lb-ft torque, total of 221-hp and 284 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 27-mpg gasoline only, 65-mpg electric + gasoline

Base Price: $36,900

As Tested: $45,750

Performance:

Peppy acceleration

A Countryman with ALL4 all-wheel-drive can handle some pretty rugged dirt roads or heavy snow.

Sport and Green modes

Pretty nimble

Plug-in electric hybrid, our best was 29.5-mpg

All-weather AWD confidence

Comfort:

Comfy, supportive seats with deep bolsters

Adjustable thigh support cushion

Three temp heated seats

Stretch-out driver and front passenger

The Mini Cooper S is now available as a plug-in hybrid with a handy charging port on the left front fender.

legroom

Excellent headroom

Front seatbacks deeply recessed for added knee room

Adults fit fine in back seat if fronts up slightly

Only room for two adults in rear

Extra thick contoured leather steering wheel

Utility:

Extra sun visor over driver’s window

Split, folding rear seats have slight slope

Front row room and comfort are excellent as is the thick, contoured steering wheel.

Rear seat split: 40/20/40

Inexpensive carpet on cargo deck

Medium size front door bins

Large rear door bins

Medium glovebox, non-locking

Small fabric seatback pouches

Power tailgate with excellent clearance

Wide opening, no lift-over, flat cargo deck

Ample space behind rear seat

Full-width, deep storage bin under rear

Back seat room is ample for two big adults, but not three.

part of cargo floor

WOW Factors:

Nice styling, still recalls Mini heritage

Good fuel economy

Fun to drive

Whines:

BMW style expensive options list

Many missing features even at $45,750

Hard plastic door panels

Kind of a large “mini”

Rudimentary owner’s manual

Rear storage space is acceptable and access is easy with the high opening lift gate.

Bottom Line:

The 2019 Mini Cooper S Countryman ALL4 hybrid is the furthest extension of the modern Mini family both in size and capabilities. It could also be considered a compact SUV with its four doors, rear liftgate, and all-wheel-drive. It’s roomy and comfortable for four adults, fun to drive, very capable in most weather conditions, and reasonably fuel efficient with the plug-in hybrid feature.