First introduced in 2018, the MINI Cooper Countryman Hybrid Plug-in, a small crossover, has seen few changes over the last couple of years. For 2020, this MINI gets an upgraded battery with increased range. Competitors include small hybrids and electric vehicles such as the Toyota Prius, Chevrolet Bolt, Nissan Leaf, and Hyundai Ioniq. Like all MINIs, the Countryman Hybrid Plug-in features a cute and cheerful exterior design. With a taller ride height, prominent cargo rails, and sporty-looking body cladding, it looks capable. The special badging over the charging port is the only sign that this isn’t a regular MINI. The Countryman Hybrid Plug-in uses the same 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine found in the base Countryman. It's paired with an 87-hp electric motor that drives the rear axle, which gives the car all-wheel-drive (AWD) functionality. The system is rated for a total output of 221 hp and 284 lb-ft of torque. For 2020, MINI upgraded from a 7.6-kWh battery to a 9.6-kWh battery, increasing the all-electric range from 12 miles to about 16 miles. The 2019 model has an estimated total gas and an electric range of about 270 miles, though it’s not yet clear how that will change with the updated battery. The cabin is tech-focused yet playful. The Countryman Hybrid Plug-In is available in Classic, Signature, and Iconic trim levels. Options include heated front seats, sport seats, several sport steering wheel designs, and piano black or metal trims. Most of these are standalone options. A 6.5-inch infotainment display with Bluetooth connectivity comes standard. Options include an 8.8-inch touchscreen display, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, navigation, wireless device charging, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The 2019 MINI Countryman scored the highest Good rating in all five crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). A reversing camera and rear parking sensors come standard. Options include front parking sensors, forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, a head-up display (HUD), and lane-departure warning. With few changes for 2020, the MINI Cooper Countryman Hybrid Plug-in continues to be a charming vehicle.