2023 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman

High-performance crossovers are not a common sight in the USA, so the Mini John Cooper Works Countryman doesn't have a lot of direct competition aside from the Hyundai Kona N. However, the playful Brit is far better known and has a solid reputation for character and corner-hugging antics. It gets the job done with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine from BMW that develops 301 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. Of course, a specially tuned chassis, all-wheel drive, and highly responsive steering help too. All of this is wrapped up in a cute but upscale vehicle that offers just as much style but a touch more practicality than its siblings. However, is that what someone buying a Mini is really looking for, or is the 2023 John Cooper Works Countryman just playing at being grown-up to appeal to a wider audience?

The price of the new 2023 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman is $41,500. Upgrading to the signature sub-trim adds $3,255, while the Iconic will cost you an extra $7,255. These figures don't account for the $994 destination charge or any other administrative fees or dealer markups.

The first thing you'd expect when reading a review of the Mini John Cooper Works Countryman is raving about how fun it is, and we're happy to say it doesn't disappoint. It has more than enough kick to get going, despite the extra weight of its SUV body. And while the suspension is comfier than your standard hatchback, it's still quite firm and stiffens up even more when you get going, letting you really hug the corners. The brakes are strong and quite easy to modulate by feel. Finally, there's the steering, which is designed to draw you into the driving experience, offering plenty of feedback, with quick responses to ensure you're always totally in control.

As stated, the suspension is not bad for a crossover, and it softens a bit when you switch out of Sport mode and into Comfort - it does a better job of absorbing bumps. The engine sounds a bit more relaxed, too, as throttle responses are less pronounced. You can still have some fun in this mode, but in a more subdued manner that makes it perfect for the playful urbanite. Still, the John Cooper Works Countryman is always going to be a car made for fun, and those who only want to play now and then might find it hard to live with.

If you are looking for a car that is fun, uniquely styled, and relatively practical, the 2023 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman should definitely be near the top of your list. Despite its size, it may not be particularly well-suited to family living, and it is a bit bare-bones in the features department. But if you have a passion for driving, these shortcomings are easily overlooked; it is that much of a hoot. As more of a personal toy, it serves extremely well, and for a single adult or even a couple, the extra practicality is a nice bonus, especially for those spur-of-the-moment weekend getaways. There really is nothing to compare it to, and it's a rather unique proposition in the market. Sadly, that uniqueness comes at a daunting price.

If you are looking to buy a new Mini John Cooper Works Countryman, the only thing you really need to worry about is which sub-trim to choose, as the range comprises just the singular model. However, since it starts out quite pricey, you may want to think twice before ticking the Iconic box. The Classic is a perfectly fine choice, as it will give you the same performance and driving experience as any other, but if this is going to be your daily driver, we would suggest considering an upgrade to the Signature. Aside from some quality-of-life improvements, this opens up additional paint and package options that will let you customize your JCW to fit your personal needs more accurately.