Best Car Reviews - 2021 MINI Cooper S Countryman All4

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Introduction

The 2021 MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 is the practical, performance-oriented member of the MINI family: a five-door compact crossover with standard all-wheel drive, distinctive British-inspired styling, and a genuinely engaging character. It suits drivers who want more passenger and cargo flexibility than a traditional MINI hatchback provides without giving up responsive handling. For 2021, the Countryman received a mild facelift, updated exterior details, and an expanded technology offering.

Design and Exterior Features

Despite its larger footprint, the Countryman remains instantly recognizable as a MINI. Its upright stance, short overhangs, rounded lighting, contrasting roof options, and broad grille give it a playful yet substantial appearance. The 2021 refresh introduced revised front and rear styling, a redesigned grille, updated bumper treatments, and LED lighting signatures. At about 169.7 inches long, it is roomy enough for everyday family use while still easy to place in urban traffic.

2021 facelift with revised grille, bumpers, and lighting details.
ALL4 all-wheel drive for improved traction in rain, snow, and loose-surface conditions.
Standard LED headlights and distinctive rear light graphics.
Available contrast roof, bonnet stripes, roof rails, and larger alloy wheels.
Sporty Cooper S exterior accents and twin visible exhaust outlets.

Interior and Comfort

The cabin combines MINI’s circular center-display theme with a more accommodating layout than smaller models in the range. The dashboard is driver-focused, the controls are easy to reach, and the materials feel suitably premium in well-optioned versions. Five people can fit inside, although the rear center position is best for shorter trips. The sliding and folding rear seat improves flexibility, while cargo volume ranges from 17.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats to 47.6 cubic feet with them folded.

Room for five occupants and a versatile 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat.
Available leather upholstery, heated front seats, panoramic roof, and power tailgate.
Piano Black interior trim was standard on the Cooper S for 2021.
Supportive front seats and a relatively upright driving position.
Useful cargo area for a compact premium crossover.

Performance and Handling

The Cooper S Countryman ALL4 uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine, commonly described as MINI TwinPower Turbo or SIDI, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Output is 189 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque, with ALL4 sending power to all four wheels as conditions require. MINI quoted 0-60 mph in about 7.1 seconds, while independent testing has recorded quicker results in favorable conditions. Steering is direct and body control is more confident than in many compact crossovers, though the ride can become firm on larger wheels. The supplied fuel-consumption figure is 11.4 L/100 km; actual consumption varies substantially with traffic, weather, wheel choice, and driving style. EPA estimates for the ALL4 model were 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined, equivalent to roughly 10.2, 7.6, and 9.0 L/100 km.

Turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder direct-injection engine.
189 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque.
Eight-speed automatic transmission and ALL4 all-wheel drive.
Manufacturer-claimed 0-60 mph time of approximately 7.1 seconds.
Premium gasoline is recommended for best performance and efficiency.

Technology and Connectivity

The 2021 update brought an 8.8-inch touchscreen center display to Countryman models, housed in MINI’s signature circular dashboard surround. Equipment varies by package, but available features include navigation, Apple CarPlay preparation, Bluetooth audio streaming, real-time traffic information, remote services, wireless charging, a digital instrument display, and a Harman Kardon audio system. Buyers should check the original window sticker or vehicle settings, as features such as navigation and certain connected services were package-dependent.

8.8-inch touchscreen center display for 2021.
Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and hands-free calling.
Available navigation, Apple CarPlay, and connected remote services.
Available wireless phone charging and premium Harman Kardon audio.
Available parking sensors, rear-view camera, and parking assistance.

Safety Features

Standard safety equipment includes multiple airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, tire-pressure monitoring, and three-point seat belts. Available driver-assistance equipment can add forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, parking assistance, and blind-spot-related alerts depending on specification. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2021 Countryman Good ratings in the driver-side small-overlap, moderate-overlap front, side-impact, roof-strength, and head-restraint evaluations. Its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash-prevention system earned an Advanced rating under the applicable IIHS test.

Front, side, and head-protection airbags.
Anti-lock brakes, stability control, and tire-pressure monitoring.
Available Active Driving Assistant with forward-collision mitigation.
Available rear-view camera, parking sensors, and parking assistance.
IIHS Good ratings in major crashworthiness categories.

Pricing and Variants

In the United States, the 2021 MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 had a verified starting MSRP of $33,900 before destination charges, taxes, and options. The Countryman line also included the front-wheel-drive Cooper Countryman, Cooper Countryman ALL4, front-wheel-drive Cooper S Countryman, plug-in-hybrid Cooper SE Countryman ALL4, and John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4. The Cooper S ALL4 competed with premium compact crossovers such as the BMW X1, Audi Q3, Volvo XC40, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Mazda CX-5 Turbo. It stood out for personality and handling, although option packages could raise its transaction price quickly.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Enjoyable, responsive handling for a compact crossover.
Strong turbocharged acceleration and confident ALL4 traction.
Distinctive design with extensive personalization possibilities.
Flexible five-seat cabin and useful cargo capacity.
Good IIHS crashworthiness results and available driver assistance.

Cons

Option packages can make the final price much higher than the base MSRP.
Ride quality may feel firm with larger wheels and run-flat tires.
Rear-seat middle position is not ideal for adults on long journeys.
Fuel economy trails less powerful compact crossover alternatives.
Premium-brand parts and specialist labor can increase ownership costs.

Maintenance and Common Issues

A single independently verified annual maintenance-cost figure specific to the 2021 Cooper S Countryman ALL4 is not consistently available, so owners should budget according to mileage, local labor rates, tire choice, and service history rather than rely on a universal estimate. Regular oil changes with the correct specification, timely brake-fluid service, inspection of the ALL4 drivetrain, and proactive attention to warning messages are important. Common owner-reported concerns for the 2017-2024 F60 Countryman generation include upper engine-mount wear causing vibration, cooling-system issues involving the water pump or thermostat housing, battery or electrical faults, infotainment or connectivity glitches, and wear-related suspension, brake, or run-flat-tire expenses. These reports do not mean every vehicle will experience these faults; a documented service history and pre-purchase inspection are especially valuable.

Rating

Overall rating: 8.1/10. Design: 8.8/10 for its memorable and customizable appearance. Comfort: 7.8/10 for a practical cabin with a firm-edged ride. Performance: 8.4/10 for brisk turbo power, ALL4 traction, and agile handling. Technology: 8.0/10 because available equipment is strong but package-dependent. Safety: 8.3/10 for solid crashworthiness results and available collision-mitigation technology.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly centers on the Countryman’s ability to feel more entertaining than a typical small crossover while remaining practical enough for commuting, weekend trips, and small-family duties. Satisfaction is strongest among buyers who value design, handling, and all-weather confidence. The most frequent reservations concern option pricing, firm run-flat tires, and the need to maintain the vehicle carefully after warranty coverage ends.

Owners often praise the lively steering and quick acceleration.
Many appreciate the extra space compared with smaller MINI models.
ALL4 is frequently valued in snowy or wet climates.
The interior design and customization choices receive positive feedback.
Some owners advise budgeting carefully for tires, brakes, and out-of-warranty repairs.

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Summary

The 2021 MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 is best for drivers who want a compact crossover with real personality, strong all-weather usability, and a more engaging feel than most rivals deliver. Its turbocharged engine, eight-speed automatic, and ALL4 system make it capable year-round, while the flexible cabin broadens its appeal beyond that of a conventional MINI. It is not the lowest-cost choice to buy or maintain, but it offers a distinctive blend of practicality, performance, premium character, and style for buyers who value the driving experience.