2016 MINI Countryman
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- Cooper S All4 4dr SUV, John Cooper Works All4 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 26 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 161.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,252–3,307 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints15 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 48 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 MINI Countryman is a compact car offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl and 1.6L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 162 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,252 lb (Cooper S All4 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 32 highway), 9% better than the 2016 compact car average of 26.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,850 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Countryman — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Countryman →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper S All4 4dr SUV | 161.8 in | 70.5 in | 61.4 in | 102.4 in | 60.2 / 61.4 in | 3,252 lb | 58/42 |
| John Cooper Works All4 4dr SUV | 161.8 in | 70.5 in | 61.4 in | 102.4 in | 60.2 / 61.4 in | 3,307 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper Countryman | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 32 / 29 | +9% | $2,850 | 311 |
| Cooper S Countryman | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 31 / 28 | +5% | $2,950 | 321 |
| Cooper S Countryman | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 32 / 28 | +5% | $2,950 | 313 |
| Cooper Countryman | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 29 / 27 | +2% | $3,050 | 332 |
| Cooper S Countryman All4 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 25 / 30 / 27 | +2% | $3,050 | 327 |
| JCW Countryman All4 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 25 / 30 / 27 | +2% | $3,050 | 327 |
| Cooper S Countryman All4 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | -2% | $3,150 | 343 |
| JCW Countryman All4 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | -2% | $3,150 | 343 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 MINI Countryman.
Similar 2016 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 MINI Countryman (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Mazda 3 | 33 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 29 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2016 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Toyota Yaris | 33 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 Ford Focus | 34 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2016 Ford Fiesta | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2016 MINI Countryman.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2016 MINI Countryman is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 MINI Countryman buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Engine — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 3 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 30,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 MINI Countryman. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Countryman years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Countryman | 27 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Countryman | 27 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 1 |
| 2025 Countryman | 27 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 6 | 19 |
| 2024 Countryman | 28 | 169.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2023 Countryman | 29 | 169.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2022 Countryman | 29 | 169.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2021 Countryman | 29 | 169.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 2 |
| 2020 Countryman | 29 | 169.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 6 |
| 2019 Countryman | 28 | 169.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 11 |
| 2018 Countryman | 28 | 169.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 11 |
| 2017 Countryman | 28 | 169.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 7 |
| 2015 Countryman | 29 | 161.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 13 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or MINI. How we calculate this →