2013 Mini Cooper Countryman

best car 2013 Mini Cooper Countryman

The 2013 Mini Cooper Countryman ranks 7 out of 21 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 36 published reviews and test drives of the Mini Cooper Countryman, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Though many auto writers are impressed with the 2013 Mini Cooper Countryman’s roomy cabin, others are frustrated with its confusing tech features and the base engine’s sluggish acceleration.

All Cooper Countryman models have a four-cylinder engine, but they have different horsepower ratings. The base model makes 121 horsepower, and the Cooper S Countryman and John Cooper Works Countryman’s turbocharged engines make 181 horsepower and 208 horsepower, respectively. Every model comes with a six-speed manual transmission, though a six-speed automatic is optional. The Cooper Countryman also offers all-wheel drive on Cooper S ALL4 and John Cooper Works models. If you don't need the Cooper Countryman's all-wheel drive or don't want to upgrade to a turbocharged engine, you should consider a competing model. Competitors, like the Audi A3, deliver good performance on the base model, and they also have better reliability. The base Cooper Countryman gets an EPA-estimated 25/30 mpg city/highway with the automatic transmission, which is good for the class. The Cooper Countryman requires premium fuel, while most competitors use regular. Overall, test drivers are impressed with the Cooper Countryman’s agile handling. Auto critics notice, however, that the Cooper Countryman’s ride height and extra weight contribute to body lean and a tippy feeling they’re not used to experiencing in a Mini Cooper.

Most reviewers like the Cooper Countryman’s retro design, and are satisfied with the Cooper Countryman’s interior quality, saying only a few materials are cheap. Test drivers also say that the Mini Cooper Countryman’s cabin is spacious and that adults who are more than 6 feet tall will have plenty of head- and legroom in the front seats. The new three-seat rear bench seat increases the Cooper Countryman’s seating capacity from four to five, but one critic says the rear row is cramped. According to another test driver, the no-cost twin bucket seats fit 6-foot-tall adults comfortably. When compared with its classmates, the Cooper Countryman’s cargo room is good. To increase interior storage, the Cooper Countryman has a center rail, which has clip-on holders for cups and other items. Most test drivers really dislike this feature and say it is poorly designed. The Cooper Countryman comes standard with a six-speaker stereo, auxiliary input jack, HD Radio and Bluetooth, while a USB adapter, satellite radio, Harman Kardon sound system, navigation and Mini Connected infotainment system are optional. Most test drivers are frustrated with the layout of the features and dislike that they’re so confusing. The navigation, audio and Bluetooth systems are controlled through a knob, and their operation doesn’t make much sense to auto writers.