MINI Clubman vs. Countryman

• The MINI Clubman is lighter with unique side doors and more horsepower. Meanwhile, the MINI Countryman is taller, offers more space, and has hybrid options.
• Both models feature luxury interiors; Clubman offers heated seats and wireless charging, Countryman emphasizes passenger comfort.
• The bottom line: Clubman suits urban driving and enthusiasts; Countryman is ideal for space seekers and SUV-like driving.

For most automotive makes and models, narrowing your search for the perfect car requires consideration of two different models. However, the MINI Clubman and Countryman look very similar at first glance. Check out the table of main differences below to help guide your decision.  

Deliberating on these differences can mean one model wins out over the other if you’re looking for a specific feature. Read on to learn more about how the MINI Countryman and Clubman stack up based on size, interior features, engine and fuel economy, technology and safety, and price. 

Among MINI models, Hardtop 2 Door models can seat up to four passengers between its short wheelbase. However, an extra set of doors affords consumers one more seat, albeit small. Many MINI owners (singles and couples) opt for the four-door models, but growing families may find they quickly outgrow the rear seats. 

The MINI Clubman offers 47.9 cubic feet of cargo volume, a slight increase over the MINI Countryman’s 47.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Trunk volume is practically the same between the Countryman (17.6 cubic feet) and the Clubman (17.5 cubic feet). The Countryman has slightly more headroom in the front and second rows, at 40.5 inches and 38.3 inches, respectively. The Clubman has three inches less in second-row legroom than the Countryman, with 34.3 inches behind the front seats. 

Standard features on 2024 MINI models include a leather steering wheel and seating, a panoramic moonroof (if you don’t opt for the convertible model), LED headlights and fog lights, keyless entry, and heated mirrors. MINI surrounds the cockpit with several flickable switches that resemble a plane’s controls. The digital gauge cluster sits forward of the steering wheel in the clean-cut dash, but the center stack holds the large infotainment system touchscreen and additional climate controls. 

Depending on your desired configuration, you can split the rear seats differently to accommodate cargo of various sizes and shapes. The Clubman also features three trim levels: Classic, Signature, and Iconic. Signature models feature heated front seats, while Iconic trims bring wireless charging and premium leather upholstery to the MINI’s interior. A heated steering wheel is optional on the Clubman variant. 

MINI Coopers are often recognizable by their Union-Jack adorned roofs, but the 2024 MINI Clubman has an optional multi-tone roof. Choose from Chili Red, Soul Blue, and Alpine White gradients to give any MINI that pop of color. Although the MINI Countryman and Clubman fool the eye if you don’t look closely, you can quickly tell the difference by glancing at the tailgate. The Clubman features a split tailgate that opens to the left and right, while the Countryman opts for the standard liftgate associated with hatchbacks. 

MINI offers the Clubman and Countryman in front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with the “ALL4” designation signaling AWD. The MINI Clubman features two engines: a base powerplant and the John Cooper Works variant. The base turbocharged 2.0-liter engine outputs 189 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque. John Cooper Works models receive 301 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque from a similar engine. 

The Countryman features these same engines on the Cooper S and Cooper S ALL4 variants (189-horsepower version) and the John Cooper Works ALL4 model (the higher-horsepower engine block). However, the Cooper Countryman and Cooper ALL4 Countryman have a smaller 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine capable of 134 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. The Cooper SE ALL4 pairs this 1.5-liter engine with an eDrive electric motor for a total of 221 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque. 

According to FuelEconomy.gov, the 2024 MINI Cooper S Clubman earns the highest combined miles-per-gallon (MPG) rating. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine achieves 25 city and 35 highway MPG for a combined 29 MPG rating. The 2024 MINI Cooper Countryman and S Countryman both achieve 28 combined MPG. You’ll get one more highway MPG with the S Countryman, but the standard Countryman model does two MPG better in the city. 

Between the 2024 MINI Cooper S Clubman automatic and manual transmissions, the automatic actually earns a higher fuel-efficiency rating. The manual six-speed transmission earns 22 city and 32 highway MPG, but the automatic beats it with 25 city and 35 highway MPG. That’s a four MPG difference in combined fuel-efficiency ratings. 

The 2024 MINI Clubman and Countryman feature several technological advancements, from an 8.8-inch touchscreen to Apple CarPlay connectivity and navigation with real-time traffic updates. A six-speaker audio system and Bluetooth help set the mood. Unfortunately, Android Auto isn’t yet available on any MINI Cooper model. 

Safety features available on 2024 MINI Coopers include eight airbags, a rearview camera, and rear parking sensors. Additional safety features include: 

• Clubman: Active cruise control (the equivalent of adaptive cruise control); Active Driving Assistant (lane-departure warning, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking); optional Driver Assistance package (heads-up display (HUD) and parking assistance) 
• Countryman: Active Driving Assistant (lane-departure warning, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking); MINI Assist eCall; optional Active Cruise Control

The 2024 MINI Hardtop 2 Door is the only model rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with a four-out-of-five-star overall safety rating. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has rated several 2024 MINI models. The 2024 MINI Countryman earned “Good” ratings in all categories. The 2024 MINI Cooper 2 Door earned similar ratings in the two categories it was tested, but the 4 Door model only received an “Acceptable” rating for its headlights, which was the only area where the vehicle was tested. 

The 2024 MINI Countryman has an MSRP of $32,650. The MINI Cooper S Countryman starts at $32,900, while the MINI Cooper ALL4 is $34,150. Choose the Cooper S ALL4 for $35,000 or the Cooper SE ALL4 for $42,700. The John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 begins at $43,800. 

The 2024 MINI Cooper S Clubman starts slightly higher at $34,050 MSPR. Choosing the ALL4 variant ups the price to $36,150, but the John Cooper Works ALL4 tips the scales at $42,400. Additional features and packages may increase the price on the MINI Clubman, but these are the only three trims available. 

Drivers wishing for more MINI to go around typically decide on the Countryman. Despite incorporating more mainstay features found on larger SUVs (which are still arguably compact), the Countryman retains characteristics undeniably central to the MINI brand. Electric enthusiasts should also consider visiting the dealership to check out the new 2024 MINI Countryman SE ALL4, which directly challenges FIAT’s 500e. 

Customers purchase the MINI Clubman because it offers enthusiasts a platform that meshes well with sprawling urban centers and crowded city streets. The Clubman is one of a select few nameplates still supporting a manual transmission. While the Clubman may not be the most optioned-out model or resemble anything close to its BMW heritage, it’s challenging to replicate the joy of adventure one feels behind the wheel.