It’s always interesting to drive a review vehicle that catches people’s eye. Taking photos of the 2026 Mini Countryman S ALL4 on a quiet side street elicited a “congratulations, that’s a beautiful SUV,” from a couple who stopped, assuming I was photographing my new ride.
At a gas station, another observer took a long walk around the Countryman while I pumped premium.
“It’s not really mini, is it?” he said.
“But it looks great.”
Mini purists will always look down on the extra-large Countryman, but size-shaming the biggest offering in the Mini stable is pointless. The manufacturer continues to meld the cuteness and nimble driving character of the original nameplate with the practicality of a compact SUV — a wise nod to today’s market realities.
The Countryman S is the entry-level model in the lineup, starting at $45,990. Our tester was equipped with the $2,750 Premier+ Line package, which includes parking assist with surround view, upgraded Harman Kardon surround sound, a head-up display, navigation, and a drive recorder.
Our vehicle also featured the $2,000 Favoured Style package, which adds a heated sport steering wheel, John Cooper Works sport seats, and a black roof liner.
The silver roof and mirror caps added $500, the (ugly) 20-inch Windmill Spoke wheels another $1,000, while the paint was $700. Adaptive suspension added $600, and the stop-and-go driving assistant another $800.
Powertrain: When the Countryman was updated for the previous model year, it gained both horsepower and torque, transforming what was previously lacklustre performance into something genuinely peppy.
The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive — the “ALL4” in the name.
Drive: The Countryman drives like a Mini. It has tight steering, firm suspension, and a responsive throttle. It can be a fun ride, although the higher centre of gravity is noticeable when attacking tighter corners.
What this SUV really needs, however, is paddle shifters. With the livelier engine and adaptive suspension fitted to our tester, it often felt like some driving enjoyment was being left on the table without the ability to manually shift the transmission.
Even the sportier John Cooper Works model doesn’t offer them, however, so clearly that’s not what Mini believes buyers want from the Countryman.
The ALL4 system was not particularly impressive during our late-winter drive in Ontario. At times, the vehicle felt like it was searching for traction rather than confidently applying power. Some of that may also be attributable to the Pirelli winter tires fitted to our tester.
It does feature a Drive-Off Assistant, which distributes power to the wheels with the most grip when pulling away in slippery conditions. On a snowy morning, activating the system noticeably improved initial traction and smoothness when accelerating from a stop.
Exterior: This Countryman turned heads.
Beyond the verbal compliments, you could see drivers doing double-takes as they passed by. Perhaps it’s the Mini badge on something so large — but more likely it’s the striking colour combination.
The Indigo Sunset Blue Metallic paint paired with the so-called silver roof and trim is particularly attractive. It’s classic, sophisticated, and distinctive without crossing into gimmicky territory.
The word “silver,” however, is something of a misnomer — the roof and trim are closer to a Champagne or light gold tone.
One playful exterior detail is the customizable lighting. Three lighting modes are available, including Classic, which recreates Mini’s iconic Union Jack taillight signature.
Interior: Interestingly, despite its muscular exterior presence, the Countryman is not particularly spacious inside.
Open either the front or rear door and the reason becomes clear: the doors themselves are extremely thick, packed with structural reinforcements, safety systems, and airbags. They add visual mass to the exterior but eat into interior space.
That said, the front cabin still feels airy and open. The area between the front seats is left intentionally uncluttered, with no traditional centre console or transmission tunnel. While this enhances the feeling of space, it comes at the expense of storage.
There’s only a small, closed bin for items, along with a wireless charging pad and a narrow shelf sized for sunglasses. The armrest extends and retracts.
Headroom is excellent throughout. When the panoramic sunroof is uncovered, it adds a couple of inches of perceived height, helping the rear bench feel less cramped.
The seats themselves are quite firm. Despite the driver seat’s massage function, even a two-hour drive proved less comfortable than expected. A seat-base extender for longer-legged drivers would be a welcome addition.
Cargo capacity behind the rear seats is 707 litres (25.0 cubic feet). Folding the seats expands this to 1,591 litres (56 cubic feet). The floor isn’t perfectly flat, but it’s close enough to make hauling larger items practical.
Infotainment: The circular Mini display remains a polarizing design feature. But whether you love it or loathe it, the infotainment system in the 2026 Countryman S is excellent.
Phone connectivity is seamless, and wireless Android Auto worked flawlessly throughout the test week.
There are a couple of ergonomic quirks.
Without a traditional driver-facing instrument cluster, key details such as turn-signal indicators sit outside easy peripheral vision, often requiring a brief glance away from the road. It’s puzzling that this information isn’t also replicated in the head-up display.
2026 Mini Countryman S ALL4
2026 Mini Countryman S ALL4
2026 Mini Countryman S ALL4
It can also be difficult to accurately tap the centre of the large circular touchscreen while driving. Thankfully, frequently used functions like climate controls and the main menu sit closer to the edge of the screen, allowing drivers to brace a finger against the bezel for more accurate inputs.
Conclusion: It may not be perfect, but the 2026 Mini Countryman S ALL4 is still a winner.
It looks fantastic, offers usable space, and retains the engaging character that defines the Mini brand. With competitive pricing and a strong personality, it would make an appealing choice for an active single buyer, couple, or small family looking for something distinctive in the compact luxury SUV segment.
2026 Mini Countryman S ALL4
Price as tested: $54,340
Configuration: Front-engine / all-wheel drive
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Power: 241 horsepower
Torque: 295 pound-feet of torque
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel type: Premium (54 L tank)
Combined fuel economy: 8.7 L/100 km
Observed fuel economy: 8.2 L/100 km
Warranty: 4 years / 80,000 km basic coverage
Competitors: Audi Q3, BMW X1, Volvo XC40
Website: Mini Canada
THE VICARIOUS TOUCH™
30-Second Verdict
The 2026 Mini Countryman S ALL4 proves that bigger doesn’t mean losing the Mini personality. With lively turbocharged power, sharp steering and distinctive design, it delivers a driving experience that remains more playful than most compact luxury SUVs. Interior space could be better and the circular infotainment display takes some getting used to, but the Countryman’s character, style and competitive pricing make it a compelling alternative to more conventional rivals.
Pros
- Distinctive design that stands out in the segment
- Lively turbocharged performance
- Engaging steering and driving character
Cons
- Interior space tighter than some rivals
- Polarizing circular infotainment layout
- All-wheel drive traction could be more confident in slippery conditions
Performance Meter
Performance
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Efficiency
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Comfort
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Technology
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Value
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(Relative to vehicles in the compact luxury SUV segment.)
Segment Snapshot
Most Powerful: BMW X1 M35i — 312 horsepower
Best Fuel Economy: Volvo XC40 B5 mild hybrid — 8.1 L/100 km
Most Driver-Focused: BMW X1
Best Value Entry Luxury SUV: Audi Q3
Style Leader: Mini Countryman
Segment Leader
Most Distinctive Design in the Compact Luxury SUV Segment
Few vehicles in the category are as immediately recognizable as the Mini Countryman. Its bold styling, unique colour combinations and signature Union Jack lighting give it a personality that stands apart from more conventional compact luxury SUVs.
Corrected Compare-At-A-Glance Table (Canada)
Use this version in the article:
| Model | Powertrain | Horsepower | Drivetrain | Combined Fuel Economy | Starting Price (CAD) |
| ⭐ Mini Countryman S ALL4 | 2.0L turbo | 241 hp | AWD | 8.7 L/100 km | $45,990 |
| Audi Q3 | 2.0L turbo | ~228 hp | AWD | ~9.0 L/100 km | $55,250 |
| BMW X1 | 2.0L turbo | 241 hp | AWD | ~8.7 L/100 km | ~$50,900 |
| Volvo XC40 | 2.0L mild hybrid | 247 hp | AWD | ~8.1 L/100 km | ~$48,000 |
Prices shown in Canadian dollars and rounded for comparison.
Should You Buy It Instead?
Choose the Mini Countryman S ALL4 if you want a compact luxury SUV with personality and playful driving dynamics that stand apart from the crowd.
The BMW X1 remains the benchmark for driving performance in this class, while the Audi Q3 offers a more traditional luxury feel and the Volvo XC40 prioritizes Scandinavian design and safety.
Buyers who value individuality and distinctive styling will likely find the Countryman the most appealing choice of the group.
Fun Fact
Despite its name, the Countryman is the largest vehicle Mini has ever produced, measuring nearly 4.5 metres long, roughly the size of many compact luxury SUVs.
Common Questions
Is the 2026 Mini Countryman S ALL4 worth buying?
Yes. It offers lively performance, distinctive styling and strong everyday usability, making it a compelling option in the compact luxury SUV segment.
How powerful is the Mini Countryman S ALL4?
Its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine produces 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
Is the Mini Countryman good in winter?
The ALL4 all-wheel-drive system provides added traction, though winter tires remain essential for Canadian conditions.
Who should consider the Countryman?
Drivers who want a compact luxury SUV that stands out visually while still delivering an engaging driving experience.
Final Thought
In a segment filled with competent but predictable compact SUVs, the 2026 Mini Countryman S ALL4 succeeds by doing something refreshingly different — injecting a bit of personality back into everyday driving.
Vicarious Evaluation
This vehicle was tested on public roads in Ontario in real-world driving conditions including winter weather, highway travel and urban commuting.
Vicarious Awards Eligibility
Vehicles tested by Vicarious throughout the year are evaluated for consideration in the Vicarious Awards, which recognize excellence across multiple automotive and motorcycle categories including performance, innovation, craftsmanship and real-world usability.