2018 MINI Countryman Review and Road Test In 4K UHD

The second generation MINI Countryman is the biggest and most powerful MINI ever built. Quibbles about this MINI not being terribly mini aside, the Countryman is a good value in the subcompact crossover segment if you can control your options selection. Slotting somewhere between the Fiat 500x and Audi Q3 in base form, top end models may actually get more expensive than the closely related BMW X1.
0-30 : Not Tested
0-60 : 7.2 Seconds
1/4 Mile : Not Tested
60-0 Braking : 128 Feet
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[@jenw85]

I just test drove the new Countryman S for the weekend. Initially, I didn't want to after test driving one around 7 or 8 years ago... and wow! What a difference a few years makes! Iv'e been a mini owner since 2002 (now in the 2012 Clubman) and was not enthused about the prospect of having to use the Countryman to haul 2 bikes and all of our camping gear for a race about a half day's drive away (while my Clubman, outfitted with roof racks and everything I need for weekend trips sat in the body shop... long story.) Well, I am now a believer. It handles and drives like the X1. Addressing the prior comments here about reliability, my experience has been nothing but positive. In my opinion these are good cars... this is coming from a woman who used to drive nothing but SUV's and trucks. I had my first mini for 11 years and put 120,000 pain-free miles on it before selling it and purchasing my present car. I put hard miles on whatever I drive. My Clubman serves as my construction vehicle with no problems. (Boards and drywall go up on the roof rack... much to the delight of people all over the city. I get the large loads delivered.) While I'll probably be keeping my present car until I run the wheels off of it, I can see adding a Countryman to the fleet in the next year or so. One more thing I would like to add... I've been in two collisions in the Clubman that could have gone very wrong in a lesser car. I am still walking. The car is fixed and runs fine. I am a big fan to say the least. I don't think $30k to $35K is asking too much for a car that drives and rides like this. Check your opinion and pre-judgments at the door and go drive one. You are in for a treat!

[@mynameIan]

People that ask “why is the new mini model larger than the previous, should have a look at ANY vehicle that has had previous generations. Look at the original Golf versus the latest. I can’t think of any vehicle that has stayed the same size as it’s original.

[@mart0225]

The opening shot is awesome! With you standing in the background and the MINI positioned near the camera, the vehicle looks huge.

[@h2w22002]

This is an EXCELLENT review, Alex !

[@darexdarex]

Thank you for reviewing this car, at last. Your review was very fair and balanced. I found the comparison of the X1 and Countryman particularly insightful. Two small points: 1) The "phone holder" in the armrest, is actually a QI charger. 2) This is not a 2018. 2018s have redesigned fuel gauges, a relocated driving mode switch, and a software-only HUD raising/lowering controller, as well as (depending on options) Apple CarPlay (but not Android Auto). I have a 2018 Cooper Countryman S All4, so I know.

[@obiesario6915]

Love your channel and vital information provided. Thanks

[@308_Negra_Arroyo_Lane]

Wow. That is one HUGE Mini.

[@tsun890]

Alex, great review as always. One thing I feel like you need to put more attention is to prep the car a little before shooting. With AVA you will for sure review more premium cars and preping them before videotaping would definitely help both the quality of the content and makes the sponsors happy as you show how much you care about their product.

[@Sarumanthewhite888]

This is a really professional video done on the Mini Countryman 2018, I got an exact one very recently, thank you so much!

[@georgewkush542]

I really like this mini!

[@lorrilewis2178]

People, you don't have to pay $51,000 for a Countryman. That's THIS model. They are available for $30,000, so stop complaining.

[@metalaras999]

The 30k model has literaly nothing on it , in terms of style and technology also , so we will complain as mutch as we want too!!

[@Whitesky077]

Brilliant review! Thank you!!

[@autumnleaf2768]

Thanks so much! Such a good review

[@Noobtrrol]

MINI is a brand, it's not a description of the vehicle, in other words it's got nothing to do with how big ( or not ) the car is.

[@kenyattaclay7666]

Karina Tuka that’s not entirely true. While you maybe correct when describing this car it did get its name from its size. I used to live in Germany where these cars are extremely popular because of their size and fuel economy. When I lived there it wasn’t uncommon to find people driving model years from the 70’s. Also, because they were so small it was frustrating when looking for a parking space because you would think there was an empty spot but a Mini was in the spot.

[@laurenelizabeth1607]

Kenyatta Clay thank you, this is correct

[@lapamful]

Forget Mini being small. That's history. Thankfully Mini still have great handling thou. Mini are just stylistically beautiful. BMWs new gen revised front proportions for the grille and lights on their crossovers are just gorgeous, but they're more elegant style-wise. The Mini looks more funky and fun.

[@bazlur-Vancouver]

Very detail review with audio and visual. Buy car knowing everything.

[@SG-sz5vh]

As usual, alex, an excellent review....keep ‘em coming. I noticed in many of your videos featuring small utes, that, unlike the mini, others have the so-called dark privacy glass in them Don’t know why this is as, to me, it looks silly as it does not match the other glass, and makes the interiors dark and outward visibility at night and on dark winter days, more difficult.

[@ist0m]

This is a early 2018 model. The later production models have apple carplay and they also changed some of the toggle switches

[@reserva120]

great QX30 review..

[@ramelep]

thank you for this video…im thinking of getting one tomorrow

[@RetroKingOG]

To put it correctly, I would definitely describe mini as the economy luxury brand of BMW. Cheaper usually than the BMW model range, but nearly double the fuel efficiency in smaller models such as the normal Mini cooper. The small mini coopers can range up to 55 mpg on highways depending on which trim you choose. I own a 2016 Mini Countryman S with 1.6L turbo petrol; it ranges from 27/28 mpg city driving up to 42 mpg highway driving. The only real drawback is the price Mini charges at dealerships for maintenance, other than that, they have dramatically improved reliability after 2014. That is given that people properly maintain it, oil changes every 5'000 to 6'000 km (3'100 to 3'800 miles), changing transmission fluid at 100'000 km (62'000 miles), to properly maintain longevity of the vehicle.

[@LaurenAlexandra417]

do you by chance have a written transcript of this review somewhere? please let me know! Really well done :)

[@garykulka2439]

Alex, thank you for the excellent review. I'm stationed in Europe and bought a used 2017 (demo) Countryman SD which is not available in the United States. Do you know why? It's too bad, because it's a great car and I'm getting around 47 mpg with this diesel engine in eco mode. It also has incredible torque for a sub-compact and it came with a trailer package (European style) which handles a bike rack very nicely.

[@dpz3461]

Thanks, really an excellent review (the best one i watched), except its not a 2018 model.

[@ginodisalvo1787]

Alex, I must say this review made me change my mind, as a former 2012 Mini Countryman owner I was looking into getting a 2017 or 2018 model but after this review I discovered the Infinity QX30 a car I was not familiar with at all, but I was super curious to check it out and after seeing it physically I fell in love with it, there is no comparison, it blows away the Mini Countryman. I just bought a 2017 and I am crazy happy with it. Thank you for this amazing review it was spot on! I loved my Mini although not a reliable car as I has several annoying problems with it but the QX30 is a far better buy in every category. I find Mini overpriced now and as much as I loved it for styling etc. this car is way superior. Sorry Mini Fans! Thanks Alex you definitely know cars and their respective segments.

[@ahlapski]

+Alex on Autos I'd like to know what does comfort of a seat has anything to do with whether it is powered or not (4:14) . Manually adjusted seats can be just as comfortable as powered seats, it all depends on how the seats are designed.

[@austinlugo2378]

i enjoy how the car makes you look taller @ 0:25

[@thatsomefyi]

I really like the Mini Countryman, even though wouldn't buy one myself. Mini for me is more about the car being fun to drive and stuff like that rather than being fast or practical.

[@user-li1mj1jx2j]

This thing is huge

[@bobjones2580]

My thoughts exactly. I was hoping to buy Countryman as a X1 alternate. Not a fan of 3 cylinder though. Not sure why pay more than X1 though..

[@Agent77X]

This Mini Countryman is now an actually a subcompact instead of a microcompact now! But still very expensive to buy and to maintained! 0-60 is around 6.5 John Coopers Works!

[@irynas9031]

Folks!This is my second Mini.Cannot handle guys on big pick up trucks and Mom vans.Im 39 years old,no kids, no pets.This car is only for cool folks, outdoor folks,for those who don’t care about size and price. Mini is so touchy and sporty. My newest Countrymen S JCW 2017 have a character and size just enough to shop in the Costco or having a trip from Nevada to Colorado In snowy weather without doubt. People who have a bad credit,like to keep a junk in their car can only afford what they can afford.

[@RPMCarReviews]

More maxi than mini I'm afraid. Great review as always Alex but I have to say the Mini leaves me decidedly underwhelmed. Perhaps my opinion will change after I drive one.

[@darexdarex]

In North America, if you want a manual transmission, the Countryman is the ONLY choice here, because you won't find a Q3, X1, GLA, QX30 or Encore available with one.

[@supraphonic88]

I got an ad for the 500X *exactly* when you started to say the handling score for this is above that of the 500X. Nice try, Fiat.

[@sheridanbucket]

Other than a difference in ground clearance, what would be the practical difference between a Countryman and a Clubman? I think that the Countryman looks better than the Clubman, but I don't understand Mini's need for a Clubman or a Cooper 4 Door when their Countryman seems to fit the niche, better.

[@kigiphoto638]

Mostly a style difference (apart from the AWD as you mention) though I think the Clubman has a longer back area.

[@jaredstephenson6468]

Great video as always, but man, has Mini lost their way.

[@NetvoTV]

Which color is the best?

[@user-gu9qk5sn4k]

How bigi would you like Mini to be? BMW: YES

[@laurenyeh2314]

I just love this mini look . I don’t care the price .. damn price in China even higher than US.

[@CalvinHikes]

It's a Medium.

[@Treizez34]

I think in general we have to stop focusing on 0-60 times. For the people that are worried about that stuff and are shopping a Mini Countryman, they really need to pause and ask themselves what are they really looking for? Cars really need to be about much more than this

[@evtrekker1317]

BMW, make an I3 version of this Mini.

[@bird718]

i consider that mini countryman and infiniti qx30 to be station wagons

[@mrxyz2k]

bird718 I heard that Crossover cars are among the main reasons to cancel station wagons and other big cars, like Caprices and Buick Roadmaster.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

a wagon is something with a long trunk, they are short just like normal hatchbacks, not wagons

[@ultratech6671]

station wagans are like Audi's Avants

[@bird718]

mrxyz2k what does that have to do with mini making a station wagon and calling it a crossover?

[@bird718]

Mgoblagulkablong according to you, they are now hatchbacks, not crossovers... Definition of station wagon an automobile that has a passenger compartment which extends to the back of the vehicle, that has no trunk, that has one or more rear seats which can be folded down to make space for light cargo, and that has a tailgate or liftgate

[@icurus222]

Every new model is bigger then the last, can any one think of one that is not? If the old classic UK Mini was still being made by British Leyland, it too would have grown in proportions just like the BMW ones!

[@yep2088]

I have exact car and it was 30,000! 2018.

[@Spyder3534]

I love when Alex explains "why would anyone even buy this car"

[@briannickson6631]

Why o why do all of these road tests use the top of the range cars. Most people want to know what the average model drives like as they probably are likely to stick to this price range.

[@JC-rm6pm]

way too expensive

[@witsendcottage595]

Good review. Sadly, Mini is prici g themselves out the market. 51K for a Mini? Very few people can afford that or are willing to pay that much for a car whose reliability is questionable.

[@swanblake]

I wish Mini/BMW would have less models and use that money to make their core models more reliable. Shame

[@theodorekell]

Mini has very few models

[@swanblake]

theodorekell it only needs two. One in my opinion. The Clubman and the hybrids need to go. Focus on making a reliable Countryman for the women and a reliable Cooper for the drivers

[@jenw85]

Nothing sexist about that statement...

[@darrell9616]

There were a couple of misses in this review. First, the lack of safety features offered on this model is ridiculous given what is offered as standard even on a Corolla. Secondly, Android Auto will not be offered (BMW decision), only CarPlay. Otherwise, IMO, the main advantages this vehicle has are the available customizations (which are different than options) and a manual transmission on the top trim. You create great reviews. This is the first one I found lacking in a couple of crucial details.

[@darexdarex]

Darrell Candis See my comment above. He missed a couple of other details, too.

[@johnathonbutler5490]

What do you drive?

[@reserva120]

its to bad we cant see the rear seats folded down..WOW..

[@davidjym]

I got a headache looking at the engine options.

[@phuot1]

Alex you ate very polite concerning the reliability of certain vehicules. The Mini are at the low end of reliability. Too much $$ for what they worth!

[@stevewise1656]

Pierre Huot Exactly!! I mentioned this above as well.

[@Wizerud]

You must be looking at prior generations. The new Mini's don't have enough data yet for them to judge. By all accounts the third gen Mini's are doing better.

[@darexdarex]

No. Your information and impressions are out-of-date. F-series MINIs are solidly in the top-half of all reliability rankings of the past couple of years. Google it! The oldest F-series MINIs are the Hardtop, from 2014. All other models are newer than that. Not ancient history, but 2014 until now is sufficient time to reveal unreliability. All MINIs ride on BMW UKL/2 chassis and have BMW B38/B48 engines. You simply cannot compare today's MINIs to those from the previous generation. They literally share ZERO parts with the R-series MINIs.

[@MrAsH412]

7.2 seconds are in the realm of your average family mid size sedan.'....what average sedans have u been driving man? The 'average' family sedans struggle to crack sub 9 second times..unless you opt for the biggest or most powerful trim..

[@user-ym2pn4ec8w]

2018 Mini Copper Countryman All 4 S Problems prior to 60,000 miles: Door Latches: All four door latches failed (at various intervals) requiring the doors to be tied down to the headrest until repaired. The passenger door latched failed twice. Service manager was unable to offer an explanation as to the cause. Battery Replacement: No indication/warning light given that the battery was getting low… It just stopped functioning. Replacing the battery requires removing support bars and engine compartment panels. Somewhat time consuming compared to most cars. Engine Coolant: almost all of the engine coolant evaporated causing the car to overheat. No warning light that coolant was low. Car had been serviced by Mini of Bedford two weeks prior and had been consistently serviced by the dealership. Decals: Decals around the headlights bubbled and needed to be replaced. Tires: Run flat fair weather tires needed to be replaced to allow for inclement/snow conditions. Service/Technicians: There are very few shops that work on Mini Coopers and most are as expensive as the dealer. Overall: The Mini Copper is not a reliable vehicle and owning one in North America is costly unless you have the time to perform the repairs yourself.

[@PixelRoyalOfficial]

OI THATS THE COLOR OF MY CAR

[@markwagner4909]

I will never buy another mini of any model Tires tires and more tires In 8 years and only 55,000 miles I had 18 new tires and never ever wore them out The had to replace the panoramic sunroof twice under warrantee Two wheels A clutch at $4200 at 45,000 I have never ever had to replace a clutch in any of my cars and have driven many of them 140,000 miles

[@zaitcev0]

XC40 nope?

[@717jonpaul]

The model he says 2017...But the review says 2018

[@TAEbot]

I don’t consider this a luxury vehicle even at a ridiculous price of 51k!

[@marve6969]

Agreed... not sure why anyone would buy one at those price points?!?!

[@david821103]

for love lol

[@kigiphoto638]

Because the handling is amazing and the interior is as good as many luxury vehicles.

[@fishwax6371]

And you can find it in a parking lot because it actually looks different.

[@MrTechnology83]

JUMP23MΔN agree with you, not even the basic trim with 3 cylinder for $30k 🤔🤔🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@LoveStallion]

Alex, you sick bae?

[@jamesallen6767]

In 1960's and 70's I drove many mini's. They were everywhere then, in UK. In Canada, there were a couple in interior back in 1970's. Yet their low slung body, left them surfing the snow. Lost my enthusiasm for them, then. The newer BMW maker misses the mark for me. Your review is good but leaves me numb and would not buy one, these days. They are just too low for me despite their better clearance.

[@kigiphoto638]

That's why you get a Countryman though, they have a LOT more clearance than that old Mini you mention plus of course the AWD. My Countryman has been great even in deep snow (with proper tires of course).

[@WSOJ3]

still smaller than a BMW X1

[@jaedevrick6621]

cost to much, better off getting this used!

[@mountainhobo]

2:23 "In case you are wondering, the main difference between the BMW X1 and the Mini Countryman is [...]" - The main difference is that when you own the X1, you drive it to events other than just Mini owners' meetings.

[@patricembabazi1219]

First here. Awesome review

[@LISA75_]

they are no longer mini cars because the people who now buy them are no longer mini people in size to get in them lol

[@BlerixB]

It's like saying the Jaguar doesn't look like a Cat 😒

[@theodorekell]

Push with your finger on the seat and right away you will feel the base. Go to Mazda (for example) and push as hard ad you want, and you will not feel the base. Mini totally takes away DIY element. They don't even have oil dipstick. They give you 48 months full warranty and service so don't even open a hood. If you are metrosexual, this is perfect, right? Add a tiny clutch pedal and the set is complete. Hard seat, hard suspension, hard run-flat tires - makes a crappy ride. I admit, rear seat are pretty good. Clubman's rear seat is horrible vs this one. Funky dash? - I still like a classy dash better.

[@kigiphoto638]

Who told you MINI does not have an oil dipstick?? All of them have oil dipsticks. I know a LOT of MINI owners that are very into performance and do all their own work... this is not a car for metrosexuals, it's a car for people who love to drive and usually drive hard. I also like how you claim it's for metrosexuals but then point out it has runflats which have a hard ride - because sportier drivers don't mind that at all.

[@theodorekell]

Salesman (very knowledgeable dude btw) told me. I also saw the manual. There is only reference to oil filler but not dipstick. "The vehicle is equipped with electronic oil measurement" "The quantity to be added is indicated in the message displayed in the instrument cluster." Basically, you run the special function inside the car that shows oil level on monitor (see youtube vids) Dude, the ride in this thing is a torture. Padding on seat is non-existent but bolsters mange to hurt legs. Once I finished my extensive test, I start driving my 7yo Mazda3 and this is where I knew - no Mini for me. And I will stand by this. Men who drive Mini must also shop at Armani Exchange. And more I think of Mini, more I come to conclusion that this any Mini is just a fashion statement and nothing more. This is valid purpose but then again, as a manly man, I better splash on Mustang.

[@MrShino505]

im sorry but i cannot pay 51 grand for that tiny ass car lol totally not worth it

[@andrewl3847]

It’s wet 😉

[@aliciakeeney1305]

Maybe they should start calling it a Maxi? 🤣🤣🤣

[@troysmith9007]

mini getting bigger smfh

[@Kellettcj71]

51k and you don’t even get leather??? NOT A LUXURY CAR- don’t care what anyone says.

[@rightlanehog3151]

The Mini will break your heart with its utter unreliability.

[@DavidElCid300]

You are living in a pre-2014 world. Times change and things change.

[@theodorekell]

This will be only as bad as BMW

[@DavidElCid300]

theodorekell sounds good

[@rightlanehog3151]

Yes, that is exactly the problem.

[@Mark-ro5zg]

I've had my pre-owned 2012 Countryman S for about 4 years without any issues.

[@edysinsimon8646]

Not my cup of tea...

[@propellerhead9197]

The Mini"s not so mini any more.. Ha ha. Kinda stupid

[@perpelle]

Just get rid of the mini brand. There's nothing mini about it. Make them smaller!

[@TheBEBEJULIE]

I just got my mini and I ❤️it ☺️

[@ctk4949]

Still no Android Auto!!!! Whack!!

[@killacamfoo]

hideous

[@kazkomperda2118]

That interior is UGLY!!!