2021 Mini Countryman Photos, engines & full specs

In 2020, the British automaker MINI facelifted the second generation of its largest vehicle, the Countryman crossover, to keep it fresh in terms of technology and refinement.

The world was still suffering from the pandemic situation, but the car industry had to move on with all the difficulties it endured. On May 27, 2020, MINI released the facelift for its B-segment crossover, the Countryman. Even though it didn't have too many changes at first sight, it was drastically improved. It featured new exterior and interior upgrades and, most importantly, new engines that complied with the Euro 6d emission standards that were due to become mandatory starting in January 2021. The largest MINI in production at that time was not just a fun vehicle but also one that could tackle some unpaved roads and bring more joy to its owners thanks to its available all-wheel drive systems and advanced safety features. In addition, the automaker also improved the infotainment system.

The 2020 MINI Countryman showcased a refreshed front fascia featuring a new grille with three chromed horizontal slats. The redesigned headlights, now with encircling daytime running lights, added a touch of modernity. The car also boasted new adaptive LED headlights, which were standard. The lower bumper was updated with a fresh lower air intake, round fog lamps, and a pair of side scoops, enhancing the car's sporty appeal.

From its profile, MINI didn't change the vehicle that much, but it still offered it with an extra piano-black appearance package. The car's door mirrors were available either in a contrasting or body color. Despite being a small vehicle, the automaker tried to emphasize the higher ground clearance and placed black plastic moldings around the wheel arches and on the side sills. As a result, the subcompact crossover appeared to have a taller ground clearance than it had. Out back, the car sported redesigned LED taillights that sported the Union Jack flag, giving the vehicle a unique appearance on the road.

Inside, the most significant change was noticed on the dashboard, where the car manufacturer installed a new, five-inch binnacle for the instrument cluster. It was carried over from the MINI Electric showcased at the Los Angeles Auto Show in late 2019. Customers who opted for the piano black package also got specific trims on the door cards and on the dashboard. Atop the center stack, the automaker kept the same options for a 6.5-inch or an 8.6-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. The bucket seats up front were the same as before, albeit the automaker offered them in two new colors: Chester Malt Brown and Indigo Blue.

Under the hood, the base versions came with front-wheel drive systems and six-speed manuals, with an option for a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch). All-wheel drive versions were available and fitted with a standard eight-speed automatic. Besides the gasoline and turbodiesel engines, the 2020 Countryman also had a plug-in hybrid version featuring standard AWD. It was powered by a turbocharged inline-three and an electric motor fed by a 9.6 kWh battery.