Mini revitalises the premium small SUV with a fantastically versatile platform.
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As one of the busiest segments in Drive Car of the Year 2025, the Best Small SUV under $80K category saw 15 eligible vehicles vying for attention.
Along with a wave of new brands entering the market, established competitors either fielded new generation models, or in some cases entered entirely new market segments.
Narrowing down the shortlist to just three finalists saw the reigning champion, the Volvo XC40 finally unseated. Its newer, more compact, and more high-tech protégé, the Volvo EX30 instead taking its place.
Australians familiar with the Smart brand may also be surprised to see the name reappear in this segment, with the new Smart #1 small SUV earning a place as a finalist. The all-electric new generation of Smart models may be physically different to their predecessors but philosophically the same clever city-centric DNA remains.
Rounding out the top three, the Mini Countryman also earned a spot as a finalist. Bigger dimensions, the option of petrol and electric power, and a powerful new technology platform helped the Countryman stand out.
Ultimately that versatility translated to an insurmountable advantage that saw the Countryman top its class.
Drive's pick: Mini Countryman SE Favoured from $75,990 plus on-road costs
Mini Countryman key facts:
- Priced from $49,990 to $77,990 plus on-road costs
- 1.5L and 2.0L petrol or single- and dual-motor electric
- 460-505 litre boot capacity
Why the Mini Countryman won:
- Surprisingly large interior space
- Customisable and configurable styling options
- Wide range of models to suit a wide range of lifestyles
Mini’s evolution from a niche enthusiast brand to a more blanched and accessible range of products sees the Countryman deliver an impressive mix of equipment features, interior versatility, and smart powertrain solutions.
Rather than pigeonhole itself with a single solution the Countryman offers a range of three- and four-cylinder petrol engines, and fully electric options. Of course, Mini’s focus on dynamics means that both petrol and electric models come with the option of performance variants too.
Where the Countryman C provides an efficient solution for buyers that rarely venture beyond the suburbs, the Countryman S turns up the heat with willing performance, while the Countryman JCW wraps hot-hatch performance hand handling in a family SUV disguise.
On the electric side, the Countryman E delivers 422km of claimed range to easily dispatch the daily commute. The Countryman SE delivers performance that rivals that of the JCW flagship, mixing with silent running with sharply honed handling.
Drive Car of the Year Judges were far and away most impressed with the Countryman’s spacious and versatile interior. While external dimensions have grown slightly, it’s inside that small Mini has truly grown with interior space to rival larger SUVs.
Practical boot space, spacious rear seats, and easily accessible front seats all scored the Mini Countryman points. The typical Mini design flair helps too with bold styling, playful colour and trim options, and clever integration of technology.
Sliding rear seats in petrol models make mixing and matching cargo and passenger space a breeze. The exterior dimensions don’t fully convey the available space inside, and for growing families, the Countryman offers flexibility to rival medium SUVs.
The scene-stealing circular infotainment display may look like a gimmick on the surface, but Mini has included a wide-ranging array of features, From essential vehicle monitoring, to media and navigation, and even some fun game-style features to remind you that not everything needs to be serious.
Not everyone loved Mini’s chunky steering wheel, a design point that divided opinion and often frustrated in terms of long-distance driving comfort. The lack of a hybrid alternative to help bring down petrol consumption was also flagged as a missing link within the range.
The Countryman range offers a right fit in the premium small SUV class, and the Countryman SE stand out as the star of the range thanks to its dynamic prowess and smooth, silent running.
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Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
