2026 MINI Countryman Buying Guide: Trims, Models, Pricing, and What to Buy

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The 2026 MINI Countryman marks the most significant evolution of the model since its introduction. Bigger in every dimension, more refined in execution, and fully digital inside, this is no longer a niche MINI stretched into crossover form. It is now a serious premium compact SUV designed to compete directly with vehicles like the BMW X1, Audi Q3, and Mercedes GLA.

As we have seen in our time with the new lineup, this is the best Countryman to date. But despite there being only three models, there are meaningful differences and important decisions to make when choosing which one is right for you.

For U.S. buyers, MINI has simplified the lineup while adding complexity through trims and styles. There are three Countryman models, three trim levels, and three design styles. Understanding how those pieces fit together is the key to buying the right Countryman.

This guide breaks down every version sold in the U.S. and explains which one makes the most sense.

The Three 2026 MINI Countryman Models

Model	Powertrain	Drivetrain	Character
Countryman S	Turbo 2.0L petrol	ALL4 AWD	Balanced daily driver
Countryman SE	Dual-motor electric	ALL4 AWD	Refined EV all-rounder
Countryman JCW	High-output turbo 2.0L	ALL4 AWD	Performance-focused

2026 MINI Countryman S

MotoringFile Review: 2026 MINI Countryman S

The Countryman S is the foundation of the lineup and remains the most approachable option for most buyers. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with ALL4 all-wheel drive in the U.S.

Performance is strong without being aggressive, refinement is a clear step forward over the previous generation, and the Countryman S finally feels effortless in everyday driving. It is quick enough, quiet enough, and comfortable enough to handle commuting, road trips, and winter duty with ease.

Who it is for: Buyers who want one vehicle to do everything well without committing to electric power.

2026 MINI Countryman SE

MotoringFile Review: 2026 MINI Countryman SE

The Best Countryman for Daily Use

The Countryman SE is the standout of the lineup. Not simply because it is electric, but because of how complete it feels as a vehicle.

Dual electric motors produce a combined 308 horsepower and 364 lb-ft of torque, delivering smooth and immediate acceleration that suits the Countryman’s size perfectly. EPA-estimated range is approximately 212 miles, but real-world efficiency, strong DC fast charging capability, and well-integrated route planning make the SE easier to live with than the number suggests.

Quiet, refined, and exceptionally fluid in daily driving, the SE feels like the Countryman MINI always intended to build.

Who it is for: Drivers who value refinement, smooth power delivery, and lower running costs, and who can comfortably live with an EV.

2026 MINI Countryman JCW

MotoringFile Review: 2026 MINI Countryman JCW

Performance Comes First –

The Countryman JCW is the most powerful petrol Countryman ever sold in the U.S. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces 312 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired with ALL4 AWD and a chassis tuned for sharper responses.

Steering is more immediate, body control is tighter, and acceleration is genuinely quick for a vehicle of this size. Ride comfort is firmer than the S or SE, but that tradeoff is intentional.

Who it is for: Buyers who want maximum performance and engagement and are not interested in going electric.

Trim Levels Explained

Trims define features and technology, not appearance. MINI has standardized trim levels across the Countryman lineup, and choosing the right one matters more than ever given how much functionality is now tied to software and driver assistance systems.

Trim	Focus	Best For
Signature (eliminated for 2026 models)	Core tech and safety	Value-focused buyers
Signature Plus	Comfort and driver tech	Most buyers
Iconic	Full luxury specification	Premium-first buyers

Signature Trim

It’s important to note that MINI USA eliminated Signature Trim for 2026 due to low take-rates. However we’re including this as there are still some new 2025 models available.

Key features

• MINI OS9 with circular OLED display
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Panoramic glass roof
• LED headlights and taillights
• Active Driving Assistant
• Power tailgate
• Dual-zone automatic climate control

Signature delivers the full digital and safety experience without luxury extras.

The Signature Plus Trim on the Countryman JCW

Signature Plus Trim

The sweet spot of the lineup:

• Choice of 18” Wheels
• Panoramic Moonroof
• MINI Navigation
• MINI Head Up Display
• Heated Front Seats
• Heated Steering Wheel
• Parking Assistant
• Wireless Charging
• Alarm System
• Remote Engine Start
• Comfort Package
• Choice of Classic or Favoured Style

For most buyers, this is the trim that makes the Countryman feel properly premium without unnecessary cost.

Iconic Trim

The fully loaded option:

• Everything in SIGNATURE PLUS trim +
• Choice of 18” or 19” Wheels
• Power Front Seats
• Interior Camera
• harman / kardon Premium Sound System
• Navigation with Augmented Reality
• Driving Assistant Plus
• Parking Assistant Plus
• Comfort Package Plus
• Privacy Glass
• Choice of Classic or Favoured Style

Iconic trims push pricing higher, but they eliminate the need to pick and choose options.

Styles Explained

Classic, Favoured, JCW Sport

Styles define the visual and material personality of the Countryman and are chosen separately from trims. You select a style first, then layer a trim level on top.

Style Availability by Model

Style	Countryman S	Countryman SE	Countryman JCW
Classic	Yes	Yes	No
Favoured	Yes	Yes	No
JCW Sport	Yes	Yes	Standard

Classic Style

Classic Style (standard)

The most traditional MINI look:

Choice of 2 Cloth/Vescin upholsteries

Choice of 3 Roof/Mirror Colors

Piano Black exterior accents

Dashboard topper in Black with Blue undertone

Steering wheel with Vibrant Silver Stitching and accents

Satellite Grey Headliner

Sport Seats

Body Color Bumper Accents

Silver Wheels

Favoured Style

Favoured Style ($600)

More premium and with a touch of flare:

Choice of 3 Vescin leather-free upholsteries

Choice of 4 Roof/Mirror Colors

Vibrant Silver exterior accents

Dashboard topper in Petrol blue fading to Vintage brown

Closable Box in center console

Anthracite Black Headliner

John Cooper Works Sport Seats

Vibrant Silver Bumper Accents

Vibrant Silver Wheels

Optional Tow Receiver

JCW Sport Style

JCW Sport Style ($750 + Requires Iconic Trim)

Standard on the JCW model, this Style is also available on the S and SE s a way to add aggressive visuals without requiring the JCW powertrain.

Anthracite Black Headliner

Choice of 19” Wheels

John Cooper Works Aero Body Kit

John Cooper Works Exclusive Wheels

John Cooper Works Sport Brakes

John Cooper Works Sport Seats

John Cooper Works Steering Wheel

John Cooper Works Vescin and Knit Leather-Free Upholstery

Piano Black Exterior Accents

Active Driving Assistant Pro in action

Options Packages

MINI has dramatically reduced the options on this generation of cars down to just two packages.

Comfort Package Plus ($1500 or free on iconic)

Parking Assistant Plus 

MINI Navigation AR

Comfort Package Max ($2400)

Parking Assistant Plus 

MINI Navigation AR 

Active Driving Assistant Pro

Pricing Overview

Model	Starting Price
Countryman S	$38,900
Countryman SE	$45,200
Countryman JCW	$46,900

Iconic trims can push pricing into the low to mid $50,000 range depending on configuration.

What We Would Buy

The way that MINI USA has defined the models and specs of the 2026 MINI Countryman, it’s hard to go wrong. But there are clearly certain models that will appeal to certain use cases. Here’s the way we rank them:

Best overall: Countryman SE
Best value: Countryman S Signature Plus
Most engaging: Countryman JCW

Our ideal configuration

This will be a bit controversial but we would pick the electric Countryman as a daily over the S and JCW. But that’s only if you’re able to charge at home and don’t often take trips of more than 200 miles round trip. If that sounds like you, here’s our recommended spec:

Countryman SE
Trim: Iconic (for the h/k audio system)
Style: Favoured (For the look)
Options: Comfort Package Plus (Assisted Driving Plus auto-routes on the SE)

That combination delivers the strongest balance of performance, refinement, technology, and design without unnecessary cost.

If you need to go petrol it’s hard to pass on the standard Countryman S. Yes the JCW has more power but the Countryman S quietly has the same 280 ft lbs of torque as the JCW and feels almost as fast in everyday use. It’s also around $6,000 cheaper than a similarly equipped JCW. If going that route, here’s what we’d choose:

Countryman S – $43,700
Trim: Iconic (for the Driving Assistant Plus and h/k audio system)
Style JCW (for the shift paddles alone)

Final Thoughts

The 2026 MINI Countryman is no longer a compromise. It is more capable, more refined, and more competitive than any Countryman before it. Whether petrol or electric, MINI has finally delivered a compact SUV that feels fully at home in the premium segment.

The only real challenge now is choosing which version fits your life best.

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