2026 Mini Countryman C Review: Pros and Cons

The 2026 Mini Countryman C is a more accessible version of the entry-level luxury SUV, positioned below the JCW All4. It has its share of strengths and weaknesses, making it a car to consider, but also one to think twice about.

## A Funky yet Premium Look

The new Countryman looks sharper, boxier, and larger than before. It has grown in size and is now the tallest SUV in the segment, offering the highest ground clearance. However, Mini has also made it look large, replacing the rounder styling of the earlier model with smaller, sharper, and more angular details.

| Feature | Countryman C | Countryman Electric | | --- | --- | --- | | Ground Clearance | highest in segment | - | | Seating Position | more comfortable | - | | Boot Space | 505 litres | 455 litres | | Spare Wheel | space-saver | - |

The Countryman C also gets champagne-coloured accents, a contrast roof, and large 19-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. There are five exterior colours to choose from, with more expressive shades than those usually seen on conventional luxury SUVs.

## Loaded with Features

The Countryman C comes with a generous list of features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, powered front seats with memory and a massage function for the driver, a surround-view camera with auto park, a Harman Kardon sound system, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, a voice assistant, wireless phone charging, and a digital key.

## Good Space and Practicality

It feels roomier and more open than any previous Countryman, and it also has an advantage over some rivals in this area. Compared to the Countryman Electric, the Countryman C's floor sits lower, making the seating position more comfortable. The large panoramic sunroof also makes the cabin feel brighter.

Boot space is another area where the Countryman C has an edge over the EV. Capacity has increased by 50 litres to 505 litres, and sliding the rear seats forward can free up even more space. It also comes with a space-saver spare wheel, which the EV does not get.

Practicality has also been well thought out, with an open centre console, a covered storage box, and a sliding armrest. The front seats are large and comfortable, while the high seating position gives a good view outside.

## Reasons to Avoid the 2026 Mini Countryman C

## Engine and Gearbox Clunky at Low Speeds

The Experience Modes are also mostly cosmetic. Only Green (Eco) and Go Kart (Sport) modes change drive performance. Eco makes the powertrain calmer, while Go Kart makes it more responsive. There is no option to adjust individual settings, and ESC is switched off by default in Go Kart mode, with no option to turn it back on.

There are no paddleshifters either or any other way to change gears manually. The gearbox is generally quick and easy to work with, but at very low speeds, the powertrain suffers from turbo lag and gearbox hesitation.

## Large Wheels Hurt Ride Quality

Yes, the 19-inch wheels look great, but they do affect the ride. They crash hard through potholes and even over some steeper speed breakers. That said, the suspension keeps the SUV controlled around corners with limited body roll despite being tuned to be more comfortable and compliant than the previous Countryman.

The 2026 Mini Countryman C is a car that has its share of strengths and weaknesses. While it offers a funky yet premium look, loaded with features, and good space and practicality, it also has its drawbacks, including an engine and gearbox that can be clunky at low speeds and large wheels that hurt ride quality.