The Mini Countryman is a fun and premium SUV, but that doesn’t mean it’s the perfect car for you.
If you don’t get on with aspects of the Countryman, or you simply want something different, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best cars that are like a Mini Countryman.
BMW X1
Better than a Mini Countryman for: a more premium badge
Underneath the skin, the Mini Countryman and the BMW X1 share a lot of parts. Since BMW took control, Mini has become a premium brand with lots of lovely materials and a quick step-change away from low prices. But we’d argue that the BMW badge still holds a little more kudos, a little more premium-ness. The X1 is also a bit more practical than the Mini, and its infotainment system is marginally easier to get on with than Mini’s eye-catching but fiddly effort.
Shop used BMW X1 cars for sale at Motorpoint or read our BMW X1 review
Nissan Qashqai
Better than the Countryman for: comfort
The Countryman is a family SUV for keen drivers, and that means that the suspension is firmed up to improve the handling. If you want something cosseting and squishy, the Mini probably isn’t for you. Instead, try the Nissan Qashqai, which knows UK road surfaces like the back of its figurative hand. The Qashqai was developed on British roads, and of course it’s built here too. With such an ingrained suitability to our collection of islands, it’s no wonder the Qashqai is always a best-selling model.
Shop used Nissan Qashqai cars for sale or read our Nissan Qashqai review
Kia Sportage
Better than the Countryman for: warranty
If you’re planning to keep your new car for a few years, you probably want something with a long warranty. Mini’s three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty is fine, but plenty of carmakers now offer longer periods of cover. Kia was the first company to offer a seven-year warranty on its cars sold in the UK, and every Kia still comes with it to this day – provided it’s been serviced in line with Kia’s stipulations. So, even if you buy a three-year-old Sportage, it’ll still have more remaining warranty cover than the Mini Countryman has to begin with.
Shop used Kia Sportage cars for sale or read our Kia Sportage review
Ford Explorer
Better than the Countryman for: electric car range figures
For the first time, the latest Mini Countryman is available as a fully electric car. It comes with a 65kWh battery that enables a maximum range of 310 miles between charges (if you can avoid the allure of the go kart mode). That’s a decent figure, but there are longer-legged options than the electric Countryman. We’ve picked the Ford Explorer, which is almost exactly the same size as the Mini but offers up to 374 miles on a charge. You’ll see around 280 miles at motorway speeds from the Explorer, so you really can go and… explore.
Shop used Ford Explorer cars for sale or read our Ford Explorer review
Peugeot 3008
Better than the Countryman for: style
Clearly, this one’s subjective. You might think the Mini Countryman is the best-looking car on this planet, with styling that’s a reflection of God herself. Or you might think that the Countryman looks like a Mini hatchback that’s been pigging out on doughnuts. The Peugeot 3008 is one of a number of stylish SUVs, and its choice of petrol and electric engines closely aligns with the Countryman’s options. Its chiselled bodywork, detailed front end and distinctive alloy wheels all leave a lasting impression – as does its futuristic interior and ‘floating’ 21-inch screen.
Shop used Peugeot 3008 cars for sale or read our Peugeot 3008 review
Mercedes GLB
Better than the Countryman for: seven seats
The latest Mini Countryman is bigger and longer than ever, but it’s still only a five seater. If you occasionally need an extra pair of seats and don’t want to miss out on a premium interior, check out the Mercedes GLB. You wouldn’t want to use the GLB’s third row on a daily basis, but the extra flexibility is a definite plus point – and you get a bigger boot than the Countryman in five-seat mode. Unlike many seven seaters, the GLB is still compact enough to feel at home in town.
Shop used Mercedes GLB cars for sale or read our Mercedes GLB review
MG ZS
Better than the Mini Countryman for: value
With the cost of living being higher than ever before, maybe it’s time to tighten the belt. The MG ZS is considerably cheaper than a Mini Countryman, but it still offers a great blend of practicality and an easy-to-park size. Go for the top-spec ZS Trophy model and you’ll enjoy luxuries like a 360º parking camera, a heated steering wheel and leatherette upholstery. A used ZS comes with the balance of MG’s seven-year warranty, while low running costs come as standard in the Hybrid+ model that’s capable of 55mpg. We’re not going to pretend the ZS is anywhere near as stylish as the Countryman – it’s quite forgettable to look at to be honest – but sometimes you’ve got to put your sensible head on.
There’s also the bigger MG HS for similar money if you need more space.
Shop used MG ZS cars for sale or read our MG reviews
Volkswagen Tiguan
Better than the Countryman for: boot space
The Countryman is the Mini to go for if you need a big boot, but there are a few family SUVs that offer yet more luggage capacity. The Volkswagen Tiguan’s 652-litre boot dwarfs the Mini’s 460 litres, so you never need to pack light for a holiday again. Despite this, the Tiguan is only a few centimetres bigger than the Countryman – it doesn’t feel like you’re parking a warship in the Tesco car park – and the back seats are very generous.
Shop used Volkswagen Tiguan cars for sale or read our Volkswagen Tiguan review
Renault Austral
Better than the Countryman for: offering a hybrid engine
A number of hybrid SUVs could’ve taken this spot – the Ford Kuga for example, or Hyundai’s Kona or Tucson models. We’ve stuck the Renault Austral in because it’s a bit of a hidden gem. It likely won’t be the first SUV you try, but its hybrid engine returns up to 60mpg and is the perfect halfway house between the Countryman’s petrol and electric options – especially if you can’t regularly plug your car in to recharge. The Austral is comfortable, refined and runs Google infotainment software, and its styling is confident and assured.
Shop used Renault Austral cars for sale or read our Renault Austral review
Jaecoo 7
Better than the Countryman for: trendiness
The Jaecoo 7 is undoubtedly the flavour of the moment for UK car buyers. Few crystal balls would have predicted such success, but clearly the formula of offering Range Rover styling for the price of a Nissan Qashqai is a winner. To sum up the Jaecoo like that is doing it a minor disservice: the 7 is also reasonably practical, very well equipped for the price and comes with a seven-year warranty.
Shop used Jaecoo 7 cars for sale or read our Jaecoo 7 review
Moving towards a Mini after all?
Browse our exciting selection of used Mini Countryman cars for sale at Motorpoint, or read our Mini Countryman review for more info.
