True to its name, Mini makes small vehicles. These little cars offer an abundance of charm, but some consumers may want a bit more space without sacrificing the Cooper’s iconic look. If you’re one of these people, check out the Mini Cooper Countryman.

With 47.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, it’s the largest Mini available. Here’s what you can expect from the Countryman.

How does the Mini Cooper Countryman compare to the brand’s other models?

When it comes to size, the Countryman has every other Mini model beat by a long shot. Compared with the Countryman’s 47.6 cubic feet of cargo space, the Cooper Hardtop two-door has 34 cubic feet, the Cooper Hardtop four-door has 40.7 cubic feet, and the Cooper Convertible offers only 7.6 cubic feet.

The Mini Countryman is the most similar in size to the four-door Mini Hardtop. Both of these options seat five adults, but the Countryman offers more room for luggage, with 17.6 cubic feet of trunk volume, Mini reports. That means the Countryman will likely be preferable for families or folks who travel frequently.

What to expect from the Mini Cooper Countryman

The Mini Cooper Countryman features a 1.5-liter twin-turbo engine that makes 136 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. It starts at $29,100, has four doors, and seats five adults. This SUV has a combined fuel economy of 29 mpg. It’s also available as a plug-in hybrid.

The Countryman offers two new exterior colors for 2021: White Silver and Sage Green. It also offers the option of Piano Black exterior trim. Additionally, the automaker redesigned the Union Jack design on the headlights and taillights and updated the front grille design for a distinctive new look. 

The Countryman is also compatible with Amazon Alexa. And it offers an optional digital gauge cluster mounted on the steering column.

What reviewers have to say about the 2021 model

Car and Driver gives the 2021 Mini Cooper Countryman a rating of only 5.5/10. Test drivers found the Countryman’s ride experience to be somewhat lacking. They said it feels more like a station wagon than a subcompact SUV. For drivers who are accustomed to the more playful feel of the smaller Mini Cooper, this may be something of an adjustment. 

However, reviewers found the Countryman’s cabin comfortable and full of high-quality materials. The interior offers the same distinctive design features as other Mini models. A circular infotainment system is set in the center of the dash, and toggle switches control the ignition and interior lights.

As expected from the largest vehicle in the Mini lineup, the Countryman offers a decent amount of passenger space. Car and Driver praises the many nooks within the cabin that make it easy to store small items. This SUV also provides rear underfloor storage space, but if you choose the optional spare tire, it will take up most of this space. Reviewers also point out that while this may be the biggest Mini available, it’s still less spacious than some smaller rivals.

If cargo space is a high priority for you, you may be better off looking at other vehicles. Then again, if you need a significant amount of space, you’re probably not shopping for a Mini to begin with. For folks who love the look of a Mini but need a little more room, the Countryman is worth a look.