2011 MINI Cooper Countryman vs. Its Competition

2011 MINI Cooper Countryman
Martin Padgett Martin Padgett Editorial Director

They're nowhere near as flavorful as this mini MINI, but the competing crossovers from other countries outpoint the Countryman in some ways.

The Acura RDX has more cargo space and a smartly coordinated cabin, and matches the MINI's non- and turbo-four drivetrains.

The VW Tiguan has the same substantial feel welded into the Countryman, but it's anonymous to see--and to drive.

Mazda builds the CX-7 with more than the usual zoom-zoom of other crossovers; the back seat's a tight fit, and the price-to-prestige ratio is nowhere near that of the MINI.

2011 MINI Cooper Countryman2011 MINI Cooper Countryman
Browse Used Listings		2011 Acura RDX AWD 4-door Tech Pkg Angular Front Exterior View2011 Acura RDX
Browse Used Listings		2010 Mazda CX-7 FWD 4-door i Sport Angular Front Exterior View2011 Mazda CX-7
Browse Used Listings		2011 Volkswagen Tiguan 2WD 4-door Auto S Angular Front Exterior View2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
8.0
MINI legitimizes the crossover movement with the vibrant, all-the-right-moves Countryman.
7.8
The 2011 Acura RDX is delightfully frisky and nimble, but it doesn't feel as lavish as other luxury crossovers.
7.4
The 2011 Mazda CX-7 remains a good compromise vehicle for small families—especially if you want a driving experience that's closer to that of a sport sedan and can't be seen in a minivan.
7.8
The 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan feels refined and sophisticated, but it's not especially rewarding to drive.
MSRP From   
$21,650$32,895$21,990$23,720
Gas Mileage   
25 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy17 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy17 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy18 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy
Engine   
Gas 4-CylTurbocharged Gas I4Gas I4Turbocharged Gas I4
EPA Class   
CompactSport Utility Vehicle2WD Sport Utility Vehicles2WD Sport Utility Vehicles
Style Name   
FWD 4-DoorFWD 4-DoorFWD 4-Door i SV2WD 4-Door Manual S
Drivetrain   
Front Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity   
4555
Passenger Doors   
N/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style   
4 Door Crossover4 Door4 Door Sport Utility Vehicle4 Door
Transmission   
ManualAutomatic w/ODAutomaticManual
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2011 MINI Cooper Countryman vs. 2011 Acura RDX2011 MINI Cooper Countryman vs. 2011 Mazda CX-72011 MINI Cooper Countryman vs. 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan