2026 MINI Countryman

The 2026 Mini Countryman pushes the idea of how big a car can be and still be considered a "Mini." The Countryman's exterior dimensions are within shouting distance of small SUVs like the Toyota RAV4, which is a pretty spacious vehicle these days. The Countryman is the most livable Mini you can buy thanks to its generous interior room, adequate cargo space and decent fuel economy. Available in electric, gas-powered or performance models, Mini fully redesigned the Countryman last year, updating its distinctive look inside and out. As such, we don't expect significant changes for 2026.

Edmunds spotlight: Where's the fun?

Mini's ace in the hole used to be that its vehicles were more fun to drive than its competitors. However, with the new Countryman, Mini seems to have lost the thread. Instead of the darty, playful, eager personality from before, the new Countryman feels every inch and pound bigger and heavier than its predecessor. Granted, it's more comfortable around town, but if you were shopping the Countryman for that zippy feel, the thrilling driving experience seems to have been left on the cutting-room floor.

Competitors to consider

While one might think Mini is a budget-conscious brand, the reality is it positions the Countryman next to entry-level luxury crossover SUVs. That means its rivals include the gas-powered Audi Q3 and electric Q4 E-Tron, the Mercedes-Benz GLA and electric EQB, and the Volvo XC40 and electric EX40. If you're looking for more power, the performance-oriented John Cooper Works competes against the likes of the BMW X1 M35i and Mercedes-AMG GLA 35. A more budget-friendly alternative might be turbocharged versions of the Mazda CX-5 and CX-50.

Mini's desire to appeal to a broader audience may be part of the reason why the newest Countryman trades fun for function, and from a business standpoint that makes sense. We just hope at some point the company returns to its roots to give this little SUV the fun we remember.