Mini Cooper Countryman

How it looks when you see on the street: The Countryman has both the circular pluck of the Mini and the contours of a small SUV, and its redesigned 2025 version it’s leaning toward small SUV vibes. The top A-pillar lifts an crests into the sharp angles of the rear. It has just enough oomps to still appeal to lovers of its offbeat form language. For those that love it, it’s proportions work well for a balance of city and beach driving. It comes in a variety of trim packages including the more beefy and styled JCW, John Cooper Works model

How it makes you feel when you get in: The interior of Countryman stays unique if not ultra comfortable. We love the clever use of fabrics and its vibrant cabin. The screens are distinct to Mini and circles add a bit more personality than the standard infotainment experience. Harman Kardon surround makes for a solid audio system..

How it drives: To fill up the JCW we drove most recently requires premium gasoline and earns 26 miles per gallon combined for city and highway driving. It offers to engines - a 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder and a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder for the S. The 2.01 MINI TwinPower Turbo 4-cyl we drove produced 312 horspeower and 295 lb-ft torque, which gave it a zippy, firm ride.

Space for people and things: What those nimble proportions trade in is cabin room. Seating position is tight.

What to compare it to: BMW X1, a close cousin, or the Volvo XC40.

How much does it cost: The Cooper S starts at $32,900, while the even more peppy John Cooperworks starts at $38,000. We drove the gussied up JCW Countryman All 4 priced at $51,995, adding on privacy glass, power seats, an interior camera, a comfort package to the $46,900 base prices.