MINI Countryman: Which Version to Buy and Why

The MINI Countryman catalogue covers four entries within three generations: the first-generation SUV 5-doors from 2010 to 2017, the second generation from 2016 to 2021, its restyling from 2020 onward, and the third generation from 2024 onward. The best choice depends on the priority.

The MINI Countryman catalogue covers four entries within three generations: the first-generation SUV 5-doors from 2010 to 2017, the second generation from 2016 to 2021, its restyling from 2020 onward, and the third generation from 2024 onward. The best choice depends on the priority. The first generation offers lighter versions starting at 1,265 kg; the second generation combines up to 306 hp with measured fuel-consumption figures; the restyled second generation broadens the choice from 102 hp to 306 hp; and the third generation introduces Electro versions alongside Gasoline engines. Dimensions are not measured in the supplied data, so this comparison concentrates on engines, performance, economy, weight, clearance, tanks, and wheel sizes.

MINI Countryman generations: what changed?

The first generation ran from 2010 to 2017 as an SUV 5-doors and includes 25 versions in the catalogue. Its shown selection spans naturally aspirated Gasoline, turbo Gasoline, and turbo Diesel engines, with FWD or AWD and 6-speed Manual or Automatic gearboxes. Power ranges from 122 hp to 218 hp. Measured ground clearance is 135 or 149 mm, depending on version, while every shown version has a 47-liter tank.

The second generation ran from 2016 to 2021 as an SUV 5-doors and contains 29 catalogue versions. Among those shown, engine choices include 1,499 cc turbo Gasoline units, 1,995 cc turbo Diesel units, and 1,998 cc turbo Gasoline units. Outputs range from 136 hp to 306 hp, while the transmission selection expands to 6-speed Manual, 7-speed Robotic, and 8-speed Automatic. Every shown version has a 51-liter tank and 165 mm of ground clearance—16 mm more than the first-generation 149 mm specification and 30 mm more than its 135 mm specification.

The second-generation restyling began in 2020 and belongs inside the second generation. It contains 15 catalogue versions. The shown range extends from 1.5 MT One and 1.5 AT One at 102 hp to 2.0 AT JCV ALL4 at 306 hp. It retains Gasoline and Diesel choices, FWD and AWD, and Manual or Automatic transmissions with 6, 7, or 8 gears. Every shown version has a 51-liter tank; ground clearance and wheel sizes are not measured.

The third generation began in 2024 as an SUV 5-doors and contains 6 versions. It adds 150 kWt and 230 kWt Electro choices to turbo Gasoline versions. Outputs span 170–313 hp. The listed drivetrains include FWD and AWD, while transmissions are 7-speed Robotic or 1-speed Automatic. This generation’s available performance and weight data are incomplete, so direct comparisons must be limited to versions with measured figures.

MINI Countryman engine options and specs

Identical version names are separated below by generation, output, drivetrain, or another measured specification.

GenerationExact versionEngine specificationPowerTorqueGearboxDrive
First1.6 MT, 218 hp1,598 cc Gasoline, 4-cylinder Inline, Turbo218 hp270 Nm6-speed ManualAWD
First1.6 AT, 184 hp1,598 cc Gasoline, 4-cylinder Inline, Turbo184 hp240 Nm6-speed AutomaticAWD
First1.6 MT, 184 hp, AWD1,598 cc Gasoline, 4-cylinder Inline, Turbo184 hp240 Nm6-speed ManualAWD
First1.6 MT, 184 hp, FWD1,598 cc Gasoline, 4-cylinder Inline, Turbo184 hp240 Nm6-speed ManualFWD
First1.6 MT, 190 hp, 135 mm, FWD1,598 cc Gasoline, 4-cylinder Inline, Turbo190 hp240 Nm6-speed ManualFWD
First1.6 MT, 190 hp, 135 mm, AWD1,598 cc Gasoline, 4-cylinder Inline, Turbo190 hp240 Nm6-speed ManualAWD
First1.6 AT, 190 hp1,598 cc Gasoline, 4-cylinder Inline, Turbo190 hp240 Nm6-speed AutomaticAWD
First2.0 AT, 143 hp, AWD1,995 cc Diesel, 4-cylinder Inline, Turbo143 hp305 Nm6-speed AutomaticAWD
First2.0 MT, 143 hp, AWD1,995 cc Diesel, 4-cylinder Inline, Turbo143 hp305 Nm6-speed ManualAWD
First2.0 AT, 143 hp, FWD1,995 cc Diesel, 4-cylinder Inline, Turbo143 hp305 Nm6-speed AutomaticFWD
First2.0 MT, 143 hp, FWD1,995 cc Diesel, 4-cylinder Inline, Turbo143 hp305 Nm6-speed ManualFWD
First1.6 MT, 122 hp1,598 cc Gasoline, 4-cylinder Inline, No boost122 hp160 Nm6-speed ManualFWD
Second2.0 AT, 231 hp1,998 cc Gasoline, 4-cylinder Inline, Turbo231 hp350 Nm8-speed AutomaticAWD
Second2.0 AT, 306 hp1,998 cc Gasoline, 4-cylinder Inline, Turbo306 hp450 Nm8-speed AutomaticAWD
Second2.0 MT, 231 hp1,998 cc Gasoline, 4-cylinder Inline, Turbo231 hp350 Nm6-speed ManualAWD
Second2.0 AT, 192 hp1,998 cc Gasoline, 4-cylinder Inline, Turbo192 hp280 Nm8-speed AutomaticAWD
Second2.0 MT, 192 hp, FWD1,998 cc Gasoline, 4-cylinder Inline, Turbo192 hp280 Nm6-speed ManualFWD
Second2.0 MT, 192 hp, AWD1,998 cc Gasoline, 4-cylinder Inline, Turbo192 hp280 Nm6-speed ManualAWD
Second2.0 AT, 190 hp, AWD1,995 cc Diesel, 4-cylinder Inline, Turbo190 hp400 Nm8-speed AutomaticAWD
Second2.0 AT, 190 hp, FWD1,995 cc Diesel, 4-cylinder Inline, Turbo190 hp400 Nm8-speed AutomaticFWD
Second1.5 MT, 136 hp, 1,365 kg1,499 cc Gasoline, 3-cylinder Inline, Turbo136 hp220 Nm6-speed ManualFWD
Second1.5 MT, 136 hp, 1,385 kg1,499 cc Gasoline, 3-cylinder Inline, Turbo136 hp220 Nm6-speed ManualFWD
Second1.5 DSG1,499 cc Gasoline, 3-cylinder Inline, Turbo136 hp220 Nm7-speed RoboticFWD
Second1.5 AT1,499 cc Gasoline, 3-cylinder Inline, Turbo136 hp220 Nm8-speed AutomaticAWD
Second, restyling1.5 MT Cooper1,499 cc Gasoline, 3-cylinder Inline, Turbo136 hp220 Nm6-speed ManualFWD
Second, restyling1.5 AT Cooper ALL41,499 cc Gasoline, 3-cylinder Inline, Turbo136 hp220 Nm8-speed AutomaticAWD
Second, restyling1.5 D MT One1,496 cc Diesel, 3-cylinder Inline, Turbo116 hp270 Nm6-speed ManualFWD
Second, restyling1.5 D AT One1,496 cc Diesel, 3-cylinder Inline, Turbo116 hp270 Nm7-speed AutomaticFWD
Second, restyling1.5 MT One1,499 cc Gasoline, 3-cylinder Inline, Turbo102 hp190 Nm6-speed ManualFWD
Second, restyling1.5 AT One1,499 cc Gasoline, 3-cylinder Inline, Turbo102 hp190 Nm7-speed AutomaticFWD
Second, restyling2.0 MT Cooper D1,995 cc Diesel, 4-cylinder Inline, Turbo150 hp350 Nm6-speed ManualFWD
Second, restyling2.0 AT Cooper D1,995 cc Diesel, 4-cylinder Inline, Turbo150 hp350 Nm7-speed AutomaticFWD
Second, restyling2.0 AT Cooper D ALL41,995 cc Diesel, 4-cylinder Inline, Turbo150 hp350 Nm7-speed AutomaticAWD
Second, restyling2.0 AT Cooper SD1,995 cc Diesel, 4-cylinder Inline, Turbo190 hp400 Nm8-speed AutomaticFWD
Second, restyling2.0 AT Cooper SD ALL41,995 cc Diesel, 4-cylinder Inline, Turbo190 hp400 Nm8-speed AutomaticAWD
Second, restyling2.0 AT JCV ALL41,998 cc Gasoline, 4-cylinder Inline, Turbo306 hp450 Nm8-speed AutomaticAWD
Third1.5 i AT, 280 Nm1,500 cc Gasoline, 3-cylinder Inline, Turbo170 hp280 Nm7-speed RoboticFWD
Third2.0 i AT S All42,000 cc Gasoline, 4-cylinder Inline, Turbo218 hp350 Nm7-speed RoboticAWD
Third230 kWtElectro; displacement, cylinders, layout, and boost not measured313 hpnot measured1-speed AutomaticFWD
Third2.0 i AT JCW All42,000 cc Gasoline, 4-cylinder Inline, Turbo300 hp400 Nm7-speed RoboticAWD
Third150 kWtElectro; displacement, cylinders, layout, and boost not measured204 hpnot measured1-speed AutomaticFWD
Third1.5 i AT, 240 Nm1,499 cc Gasoline, 3-cylinder Inline, Turbo170 hp240 Nm7-speed RoboticFWD

Power density helps clarify what each engine delivers. The first-generation 1.6 MT with 218 hp produces about 136.4 hp per liter, versus about 76.3 hp per liter for the naturally aspirated 1.6 MT with 122 hp. The second-generation 2.0 AT with 306 hp reaches about 153.2 hp per liter, while the third-generation 2.0 i AT JCW All4 delivers 150 hp per liter. For a balance rather than maximum output, the third-generation 1.5 i AT versions produce about 113.3 hp per liter.

Performance, mpg, and economy

The quickest measured choices are the second-generation 2.0 AT with 306 hp and the restyled 2.0 AT JCV ALL4: both reach 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and have a 250 km/h top speed. The third-generation 2.0 i AT JCW All4 needs 5.4 seconds and also reaches 250 km/h. Acceleration and top speed for 230 kWt, 150 kWt, 2.0 i AT S All4, and the 1.5 i AT with 280 Nm are not measured.

Among versions with measured consumption, the lowest combined result is 4.7 l/100 km for the first-generation 2.0 MT with 143 hp and FWD. The related 2.0 AT with 143 hp and FWD uses 5.9 l/100 km combined, so choosing the Manual reduces the measured figure by 1.2 l/100 km. The first-generation 2.0 MT with 143 hp and AWD records 4.9 l/100 km, while its Automatic AWD counterpart records 6.1 l/100 km—a further 1.2 l/100 km difference between those transmissions.

In the second generation, the 2.0 AT Diesel with 190 hp and FWD records 4.8 l/100 km combined; AWD raises this to 5.1 l/100 km. Both provide 400 Nm, but the FWD version is 70 kg lighter and uses 0.3 l/100 km less. Among the 136 hp Gasoline choices, 1.5 DSG records 5.9 l/100 km, the two 1.5 MT specifications record 5.7 and 6.0 l/100 km, and 1.5 AT with AWD records 6.1 l/100 km.

Fuel consumption for every shown restyled second-generation version is not measured. For the third generation, the 1.5 i AT with 240 Nm records 6.5 l/100 km combined; city and highway figures are not measured. Consumption for the other third-generation versions is not measured.

MINI Countryman dimensions, weight, clearance, tank, and wheels

Exterior dimensions are not measured for any listed version. Wheel sizes are also not measured except for the third-generation 1.5 i AT with 240 Nm, which lists 205/65 R17 and 225/55 R18.

The first-generation 1.6 MT with 122 hp is the lightest shown Countryman at 1,265 kg, giving about 10.4 kg per hp. The first-generation 1.6 MT with 218 hp weighs 1,405 kg, or about 6.4 kg per hp. Gross weight for that 218 hp version is not measured; the other shown first-generation gross weights range from 1,735 to 1,925 kg. Tank capacity is 47 liters, and clearance is either 135 or 149 mm.

In the second generation, kerb weights run from 1,365 kg for a 1.5 MT with 136 hp to 1,675 kg for the 2.0 AT with 306 hp. The 306 hp version has about 5.5 kg per hp, while the 231 hp 2.0 AT has about 6.7 kg per hp. Gross weights range from 1,950 to 2,175 kg. All shown versions have a 51-liter tank and 165 mm clearance.

Restyled second-generation kerb weights range from 1,390 kg for 1.5 MT One to 1,605 kg for 2.0 AT JCV ALL4. Gross weights range from 1,960 to 2,175 kg, and tanks hold 51 liters. Ground clearance and wheel sizes are not measured.

For the third generation, 2.0 i AT JCW All4 weighs 1,660 kg and has a gross weight of 2,235 kg, producing about 5.5 kg per hp. The 1.5 i AT with 240 Nm weighs 1,620 kg and has a gross weight of 2,095 kg, or about 9.5 kg per hp. Their tanks hold 54 and 45 liters respectively. Weight, gross weight, clearance, tank capacity, and wheel sizes for the remaining third-generation versions are not measured.

Which MINI Countryman version should you buy?

For maximum measured performance, choose the second-generation 2.0 AT with 306 hp or the restyled 2.0 AT JCV ALL4. Each provides 450 Nm, AWD, an 8-speed Automatic, 5.1-second acceleration to 100 km/h, and a 250 km/h top speed. The newer 2.0 i AT JCW All4 has 6 hp and 50 Nm less, takes 0.3 seconds longer to reach 100 km/h, and uses a 7-speed Robotic gearbox, although it retains AWD and the same measured top speed.

For the strongest efficiency case, choose the first-generation 2.0 MT with 143 hp and FWD. Its 4.7 l/100 km combined consumption is the lowest measured figure in the supplied data. If AWD is required, the first-generation 2.0 MT with 143 hp and AWD records 4.9 l/100 km, only 0.2 l/100 km more, while keeping the same 305 Nm.

For a second-generation balance of torque and economy, the 2.0 AT Diesel with 190 hp and FWD is persuasive: 400 Nm, 7.7 seconds to 100 km/h, 220 km/h, and 4.8 l/100 km combined. The AWD alternative is 0.3 seconds quicker but 2 km/h slower, 70 kg heavier, and consumes 0.3 l/100 km more.

For a lighter Gasoline choice, the second-generation 1.5 MT with 136 hp and a 1,365 kg kerb weight combines 5.7 l/100 km with 9.6-second acceleration and a 202 km/h top speed. The 1.5 AT adds AWD but weighs 105 kg more, takes 0.2 seconds longer to reach 100 km/h, and uses 0.4 l/100 km more combined.

For an Electro Countryman, choose between 150 kWt at 204 hp and 230 kWt at 313 hp. The latter adds 109 hp, but torque, acceleration, top speed, consumption, weight, tank or battery data, clearance, and wheel sizes are not measured, so a fuller numerical value comparison is not possible from this catalogue.

For buyers prioritizing measured data over headline output, the second generation provides the clearest comparison because performance, economy, weight, tank capacity, and clearance are available together for many versions. The third generation offers the widest powertrain shift through its Electro choices, but several decisive figures remain not measured. No prices, sale listings, reliability results, or problem data are supplied, so those factors cannot be used to rank the versions.