By: Joshua Lee
May 22, 2026
The latest generation of the 2026 MINI Countryman S ALL4 doesn’t try to reinvent what loyal owners already love. Instead, it sharpens it, stretches it, and quietly grows into something far more complete. If you’ve been living with a previous Countryman, this new one will feel immediately familiar, but give it a few days and you’ll realize just how much MINI has elevated the formula.
Under the hood, the Countryman S ALL4 packs a noticeable punch with 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque, which is a substantial increase over the outgoing model. Paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the power delivery feels immediate and responsive, especially off the line. Around town, it’s quick without feeling frantic, and on the highway, it settles into a confident, effortless rhythm. The ALL4 all-wheel drive system continues to be a core strength. Whether it’s wet pavement or a snowy back road, the system works seamlessly in the background, distributing power where it’s needed most. Handling remains a defining trait as well. While the new Countryman has grown in size, it hasn’t lost that signature MINI agility. The steering is precise, and with the available adaptive suspension, you can toggle between comfort and sportier dynamics depending on your mood. It’s not quite the go-kart feel of a smaller MINI, but for a crossover, it remains impressively engaging.
At a glance, the 2026 Countryman S ALL4 is unmistakably MINI, but it has clearly matured. The proportions have grown, lending it a more planted, crossover-like stance without abandoning the brand’s playful DNA. The front end is cleaner, with simplified LED headlights and a more geometric grille that dials back some of the cartoonish charm in favour of something more contemporary. Around the sides, the sculpting is subtler, trading excessive creases for smoother surfaces that catch light more elegantly. What stands out most is how intentional everything feels. Our Indigo Sunset Blue Metallic tester featured a contrasting two-tone roof, exterior accents, and 20-inch John Cooper Works Flag Spoke alloy wheels. There’s a sense that MINI is no longer trying to prove anything; it simply knows its audience. For current owners, it feels more like a reassuring evolution rather than a jarring departure.
Step inside and this is where the biggest transformation becomes apparent. The centerpiece is the 9.4-inch circular OLED display, which is bold, crisp, intuitive, and surprisingly functional, handling everything from navigation to media through a fluid and modern interface. The cabin embraces minimalism without feeling sparse. Materials like Vescin upholstery offer a premium, leather-like feel while aligning with MINI’s more sustainable approach. The available Harman Kardon sound system delivers rich, immersive audio, while features like the head-up display and augmented reality navigation add a level of sophistication that older Countryman models simply didn’t have.
MINI’s Experience Modes are another highlight, subtly altering lighting, sound, and display themes to match your driving mood. It’s a bit theatrical, but it works. It gives the cabin personality in a way few competitors attempt. Comfort has also taken a noticeable step forward. The seats, especially the available JCW sport seats, strike an excellent balance between support and long-distance comfort. Ride quality, particularly with the adaptive suspension, feels more composed than before, smoothing out rough pavement without losing that connected MINI feel.
Rear seat space has improved thanks to the larger footprint, making it more usable for adults on longer drives and a genuinely comfortable place to spend time. One of the most practical upgrades comes in the form of cargo capacity. MINI claims a 25% increase over the previous generation, and it’s immediately noticeable. With the rear seats up, there’s significantly more usable space for groceries, gear, or weekend luggage. Fold the seats down, and it transforms into a genuinely versatile hauler. Depending on configuration, the Countryman now offers approximately 707 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,591 litres with them folded. For a vehicle that still prioritizes style and driving enjoyment, that’s a meaningful improvement.
While performance has improved, efficiency remains reasonable for the segment. The Countryman S ALL4 manages its power well, especially in mixed driving conditions. It’s not class-leading in fuel economy, but it strikes a fair balance between spirited driving and everyday usability. For current owners, the slight trade-off in efficiency is easily justified by the added performance and refinement. During our week with the vehicle, we observed an average fuel economy of 8.1L/100km.
The Countryman S ALL4 starts at $49,682 CAD, while our tester came in at $54,340 CAD with optional packages equipped. Buyers looking for something even sportier can step up to the performance-oriented JCW trim, while those wanting a fully electric option can consider the Countryman SE.
The 2026 MINI Countryman S ALL4 isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about refining a niche it already understands extremely well. It’s bigger, more powerful, more comfortable, and significantly more advanced technologically, yet it never loses sight of what makes a MINI feel like a MINI. For existing Countryman owners, this isn’t a leap into the unknown. It feels like a confident next step that preserves the character people already love while adding the maturity and capability expected from a modern premium crossover.
