The MINI has been a trend setter ever since it debuted in 1959. Mary Quant was inspired in 1964 by this fashionable car to name her iconic invention the mini skirt. In fact, this car was so beloved, MINI made no changes to it until 2000! Those exciting changes are evident today in the Hardtop 4-Door and the Countryman. They're both similar vehicles and may be hard to choose between. That's why we've put together this comparison for you to easily see the differences and similarities so you can decide which one best suits your needs.
2021 MINI Hardtop 4-Door vs 2021 MINI Countryman: Size
At first glance you might not think there's much difference between the MINI Hardtop 4-door and the MINI Countryman. But the Countryman is the largest vehicle in the MINI family, a foot longer than the Hardtop 4-door, which means more interior space. Both seat up to five and, although the Countryman is larger and has over ten cubic feet more passenger volume, they're both similar in head and legroom, meaning everyone gets an enjoyable, comfortable ride, no matter where they're sitting. The Countryman delivers 17.6 cubic feet of rear cargo space compared to the Hardtop 4-door's 13.1 cubic feet of trunk volume. Only the Countryman has the ability to lay the rear seats down for even more cargo room.
2021 MINI Hardtop 4-Door vs 2021 MINI Countryman: Interior Features
No matter which MINI you choose, you'll have optimum comfort once you slip inside. Both offer standard Sensatec leatherette upholstery and premium leather Sport seats are available in the higher trim levels. Heated front seats come standard on the MINI Hardtop 4-door but you have to step up a couple trim levels to access that feature on the MINI Countryman. Upgrade trim levels on both vehicles for a panorama roof and LED head- and tail lights, plus on the top trim of both you receive LED cornering lights. A dual-zone climate control comes standard in the Countryman but it's only available on the higher trim levels of the Hardtop 4-door.
2021 MINI Hardtop 4-Door vs 2021 MINI Countryman: Performance
The 2021 MINI Hardtop 4-door gives you the option of two engines, both designed to give you a smooth, exciting ride. The base model comes with a 1.5L engine that generates an impressive 134 horsepower and 162 lb/ft of torque. The Hardtop 4-door S Model boasts a 2.0L twin power turbo engine that kicks out a speedy 189 horsepower and 207 lb/ft of torque. The 2021 MINI Countryman offers a 1.5L twin turbocharged engine that makes 134 horsepower and 162 lb/ft of torque.
2021 MINI Hardtop 4-Door vs 2021 MINI Countryman: Safety & Driver Assist Features
Both the 2021 Hardtop 4-door and the 2021 Countryman come standard with the MINI Active Drive Assistant. This suite of safety features includes Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking to help reduce the risk of an accident. RearPark Distance Control assists in safer reversing during parking, alerting you to potential obstacles. Both vehicles offer available Adaptive Cruise Control and a Self-Parking Assist feature.
2021 MINI Hardtop 4-Door vs 2021 MINI Countryman: Technology
Staying connected with the outside world is convenient inside either the 2021 Hardtop 4-door and the 2021 Countryman. Both come with a standard 6.5-inch media system display and a six-speaker audio system with the available option of Sirius XM® satellite radio. Upgrade trim levels to add navigation to the mix and an 8.8-inch display screen with Apple CarPlay™ capability and a Harman Kardon® twelve-speaker sound system.
2021 MINI Hardtop 4-Door vs 2021 MINI Countryman: Summary
Exceptional comfort, design and value come standard no matter which MINI vehicle you choose. If you're looking for more interior room and excellent fuel economy for just a few dollars more, the 2021 Countryman is the MINI for you. If you're looking to spend less and don't need as much room but still want impressive fuel efficiency, you probably want the 2021 Hardtop 4-door. To see which one truly fits your needs better, stop into South Bay MINI in Torrance today for a test drive.
| 2021 MINI Hardtop 4 Door |  | 2021 MINI Countryman |
| $23,400 | Starting MSRP* | $29,100 |
| 134 | Standard Horsepower | 134 |
| Not Available | All-Wheel Drive | Standard |
| 13.1 cu. ft. | Trunk Volume | 17.6 cu. ft. |
| Available Upgrade | Panorama Roof | Standard Feature |
| 32.3" | 2nd Row Legroom | 37.6" |
| Available Upgrade | LED Headlights & Taillights | Standard Feature |
| 15" Alloy | Standard Wheels | 17" Alloy |
| Available Upgrade | Roof Rails | Standard Feature |
| Available Upgrade | Fog Lights | Standard Feature |
*MSRP does not include destination and handling charge of $850 and excludes license, registration, taxes and options and labor to install. Certain features may be optional. Actual price determined by your authorized MINI dealer.
