2016 MINI Countryman Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$22,750 to $35,350

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.6

avg user rating

(9 reviews)
2016 MINI Countryman Preview summaryImage

Those wanting to display their uniqueness will doubtless flock once again to their local MINI Cooper dealership this autumn for a look at the 2016 MINI Countryman. Of course, the MINI Cooper brand isn’t as distinctive as it once was, with the Cooper having haunted highways here in the U.S. since the early 2000’s. And as a thoroughly mainstream corporate response to consumer whims, the Countryman is BMW-owned MINI’s challenge to such 5-passenger compact wagons and crossovers as Ford’s techno-savvy Escape, Mazda’s roomy-yet-sporty CX-5, and Nissan’s more affordable Juke. But familiar as it may be, the MINI Cooper lineup in general--and the Countryman in particular--is still a quirky-but-practical alternative to the more staid offerings that fill out this corner of the auto market.

In any case, look for the 2016 MINI Countryman to return in 4 iterations: the entry-level Base, the up-featured and turbocharged S, the all-wheel-drive (AWD) S ALL4, and the flagship (also with AWD) John Cooper Works (JCW).

The MINI Countryman stable went through a minor refresh for 2015, and is scheduled to sport a few additional garnishes for the upcoming model year. The brand new MINI Countryman Park Lane sub-trim, available to spiff up the S and S ALL4 variants for 2016, will offer a number of unique exterior colors, trim pieces, graphics, and badges. And debuting safety features are slated to include a head-up display, collision and pedestrian warnings, a new speed-limit information system, and parking assistance technology.

No changes to the powerplant choices are expected for 2016, leaving both normally aspirated and turbocharged inline 4-cylinder (I4) engines available for specific Countryman trims. The base trim will therefore retain the traditional non-turbocharged 121-hp 1.6-liter I4, mated with either the standard 6-speed manual transmission or an available 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Look for 114 lb-ft of torque from this admittedly anemic drivetrain, with mileage expected to be again estimated at an impressive 27 mpg city/34 highway/30 combined in stick-shift-toting iterations, and 25/30/27 in automatic-packing versions.

The 2016 Countryman S and its traction-boosted S ALL4 sibling will both keep a turbocharged 1.6-liter I4, also with either the 6-speed manual shifter or the 6-speed shiftable automatic. Expect 181 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque from this force-fed powertrain, while mileage figures return at 26/32/29 in the FWD S with the stick-shift, 25/32/28 in the automatic-toting FWD S, 25/31/27 in the stick-shift-loaded S ALL4, and 23/30/26 in the S ALL4 with the shiftable automatic.

The top-shelf Countryman JCW, meanwhile, also totes the turbocharged 1.6-liter I4, but with a few tweaks that bump the grunt factor up to 208 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque, with the same choice of either the 6-speed manual gearbox or the 6-speed shiftable automatic. Mileage numbers for the up-ponied and AWD-only JCW still mirror those of its S ALL4 sibling.

Standard appearance features aboard the 2016 Countryman are again slated to include 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, heated exterior mirrors, and a roof rack, with improved exterior trim options as you move towards the higher trims.

Inside, depending on the selected trim, look for such standard equipment as power windows and door locks, leatherette upholstery, a cooled storage compartment, cruise control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, and automatic climate control. Upgraded equipment that comes standard in higher trims includes sport front seats, cloth upholstery, and a rear spoiler, with the JCW also boasting a standard sport-tuned suspension.

The techno-goodies slated to return in the various 2016 Countryman trims include Bluetooth hands-free calling and a single-CD player boasting 6 speakers, HD Radio, and an auxiliary audio input.

Optional equipment available to lower 2016 Countryman editions include a number of bells and whistles that come standard aboard higher trims, along with the Park Lane sub-trim that will be available to the S and S ALL4 iterations. Other returning trim-specific options in this ultra-customizable wagon include almost unlimited exterior and interior badges, graphics, and color combinations, as well as upgraded and up-sized wheels, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and satellite radio. Available at an extra cost are heated front seats, rear parking sensors, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, as well as a 10-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio upgrade. Cooper’s MINI Connected package is also scheduled to return with a 6.5-inch infotainment display interfaced with a BMW-inspired console-mounted joystick, smartphone apps, and, for even more money, a GPS navigation system.

Altogether, the 2016 Countryman is pretty well packed with perks. But you pay a premium for said perks, and cargo area returns at a somewhat cramped 42.4 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded.

Standard safety features for the 2016 Countryman lineup (other than the new features mentioned above) are expected to include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head curtain airbags, daytime running lights, and a post-collision safety system. The Countryman S will again boast standard dynamic traction control, with the S and higher trims also toting standard front fog/driving lights. Adaptive xenon headlights remain optional for all 2016 iterations.

No government testing data is available for the current Countryman. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, however, gives this distinctive wagon its highest rating of Good overall.

Published May 31, 2022 by Eric Tallberg

User reviews for 2016 MINI Countryman

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User rating:
by Khayyriyyah A
Apr 24, 2024
Very nice features nice handling on the road awesome carApr 24, 2024
by Anonymous
Apr 12, 2024
The car is well equipped and the quality of the materials is excellent. The engine is a well balanced power/consumption ; all wheel drive for a safe trip on rainy days or snow and a very quick acceleration under any condition Apr 12, 2024
by Teresa H
Nov 03, 2023
Nicely equipped. MINIs are amazing on gas mileage and a whole lot of fun to drive. Sporty and practical the Countryman is a great choice in mid-sized SUVs. Nov 03, 2023

2016 MINI Countryman Pricing

Original MSRP
$22,750 to $35,350
Price range
$11,043 to $11,661
Average price on CG
$11,043
YoY price change
$11,608 to $11,043

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front passenger knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cupholders: front · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.72

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: silver

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front passenger knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cupholders: front · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.71

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: silver

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front passenger knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cupholders: front · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: in-floor · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.71

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: silver

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front passenger knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cupholders: front · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.71

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: silver

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

See all trims (4)