The MINI Cooper Countryman, a crossover version of the sporty compact car, was last redesigned for 2017. It gets a few noteworthy updates for 2020. Competitors to the Countryman include the Fiat 500X, Kia Soul, and Hyundai Kona.

For 2020, it features new 18- and 19-inch wheel designs and a new side-mirror design. All but the base trim now feature standard LED headlights and fog lights.

There are four main Countryman trims, each with its own engine. The base trim features a turbocharged 3-cylinder, which makes 134 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. The Countryman S gets a turbocharged 4-cylinder, which makes 189 hp and 207 lb-ft. The SE Countryman features a turbocharged 3-cylinder engine and an electric motor that produce a combined output of 221 hp and 284 lb-ft. For 2020, the Countryman John Cooper Works (JCW) features the same gets 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine but gets a bump from 228 to 301 horsepower. The SE and John Cooper Works trims include the ALL4 all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, while the Base and Countryman S trims offer it as an option. The Countryman and Countryman S feature a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), and the Countryman S ALL4 and JCW trims get an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Countryman SE has a 6-speed automatic. As for fuel-economy ratings, the 2019 Base trim is rated for 24 mpg city, 32 highway, and 27 combined. As of this writing, the 2020 trims don’t have estimated fuel-economy returns from the EPA.

Standard features for the Classic interior package include synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, and automatic climate control. The Signature package adds proximity key entry and leather upholstery. The Iconic package combines the options of Classic and Signature with additions like premium interior chrome trim and a leather sport steering wheel. New for 2020 is a leather Chesterfield and Satellite Grey upholstery combination.

The infotainment system is housed in a 6.5-inch display and includes Bluetooth. An 8.8-inch touchscreen, navigation, Apple CarPlay, and wireless-device charging are available with an optional package. Satellite radio and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system are also available as options.

The 2019 MINI Cooper Countryman earns top scores in five tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) but has not been evaluated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Countryman includes a reversing camera and rear parking sensors standard. For 2020, the Active Driving Assistant package now comes standard, adding forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, and speed-limit information. Safety options include front parking sensors, parallel-park assist, and a head-up display (HUD).

Whether you think of the MINI Cooper Countryman as a sporty compact car or a small crossover, its classic looks and added utility will make for a fun daily driver.