The MINI Countryman is a subcompact SUV with distinctive styling, athletic performance, and luxury aspirations. It competes internally with other models from MINI but also rivals the BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.
2026 MINI Countryman Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 MINI Countryman
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 MINI Countryman
The MINI Countryman subcompact SUV was fully redesigned for the 2025 model year, so changes are minimal for 2026. MINI has introduced a new trim level, the Oxford Edition, based on the entry-level S All4 but priced $4,000 lower. That means the Countryman is significantly more affordable for 2026 without sacrificing much in performance or content.
Design
Though the MINI Countryman shares the same basic body shape across its four trim levels, each offers distinctive styling features. The new Oxford Edition is available in Chili Red, Nanuq White, or Blazing Blue exterior colors, with black mirror caps, a black roof, and black multi-spoke 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. The S All4 features a wider range of colors, bigger wheel choices, and exterior accent options. The sporty John Cooper Works All4 model has exclusive badging and other sporty touches, and finally, the electric SE All4 has sleeker styling, appropriate for an EV.
Powertrain
The MINI Countryman’s base powertrain is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated for 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque and paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The John Cooper Works model features a tuned version of the same engine rated for 312 hp, plus a sport-tuned version of the seven-speed transmission (we review the electric MINI Countryman separately). All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard across the lineup and every model is quick, peppy, and usually shifts smoothly. MINI also features selectable driving modes, including a Go Kart mode that sharpens the handling, and fuel economy maxes out at an EPA-rated 27 mpg combined.
Interior
Though the MINI Countryman advertises seating for five, four fit much better, especially if they're adults. The cabin has a stylish, sporty design and incorporates ample space to stash small items. MINI focuses on renewable materials, as some other premium European car brands do, so there are several choices of synthetic leather and recycled fabric paneling among the upholstery options. The cabin can feel snug, but the panoramic sunroof greatly improves the ambiance. That said, there’s plenty of cargo space, with 25 cubic feet behind the second row and a maximum of 56.2 cubic feet with the seats folded.
Technology
Sometimes, MINI’s commitment to uniqueness doesn’t pan out in its favor. For example, the redesign included a 9.4-inch round touchscreen based on the BMW operating system, but it's just too odd to feel natural, especially since there are few physical switches to use as alternatives. Standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless device charging. Options include augmented-reality navigation and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.
Safety
The MINI Countryman includes a wide array of safety technology, such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go that enables some automated driving features, though the driver’s hands must stay on the steering wheel. A limited hands-free system, Assisted Driving Plus, is available. Other standard features include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitors with steering assist, front and rear parking sensors, and intersection assist. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2025 MINI Countryman a Top Safety Pick, and it hadn't been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at the time of writing.
Pricing and Release Date
The 2026 MINI Countryman is available now. At the time of writing, the new Oxford Countryman started at $34,900, the base S All4 kicked off at $38,900, the electric SE All4 at $45,200, and the John Cooper Works All4 at $46,900. These prices do not include MINI’s destination fee of $1,175.
