Comparison: Boot space Mini Countryman vs. competitors 2025

Let's roll back the Union Jack carpet and look at how the Countryman's boot has evolved, shall we? Initially, coming into play with the Countryman R60 (2010-2014) and its ever-so-slightly refreshed sibling, the R60 (1. Facelift) 2014-2016, MINI's adventurous offspring offered 350 liters of boot space, with a whopping 1170 liters upon folding the rear seats—a respectable area to accommodate your weekend getaway gear. Fast forward to the Countryman F60 (2017-2020), and the Countryman stretches its legs and broadens its chest to a hearty 450 liters, blossoming further to 1390 liters with the seats down. This gluttonous growth marked a significant step up for those requiring just that extra dollop of space for their potted plants and flat-pack furniture adventures. But hold your tweed hat, for the current model in our spotlight, the Countryman U25 2024-now, has cinched its belt slightly, offering a dynamic 405 liters or a still commendable 1275 liters with the back seats banished. A bizarre twist in the plot, but certainly, the car for those who appreciate a bit of a fitness regimen for their vehicles.

And how does our expansive Countryman compare within its own family? If you look at the MINI lineup, anything that remotely smacks of 'Electrics' or '3 doors' offers a rather cozy 210 to 211 liters. Really, just enough room for your wellies and a picnic basket if you're keen on minimalism. Fancy a drop-top? The MINI Cabrio models flirt with a tad more wiggle room at 215 liters, while the five-doored MINI expands to 278 liters—suitable for those with a smaller dog or perhaps a larger lunchbox. The MINI Clubman tips the scales at a more substantial 360 liters, yet is left in the dust by the Countryman's capacious 450-liter cargo hold. And let's not forget the rambunctious MINI Countryman John Cooper Works that flexes with a robust 505 liters, allowing for that extra set of golf clubs for your impromptu swing sessions.

But in the grand game of vehicular Tetris, how does the Countryman's luggage lounge fare against its nearest rivals? Against the cheeky charm of the Nissan Qashqai, with its 410 liters, our British underdog holds its ground with a slightly lesser 405 liters. Renault's Kadjar, with its Gallic gusto, boasts a heftier 472 liters, nudging ahead of the MINI in this round. We could pit our intrepid explorer against the Citroen C5 Aircross, which frankly triumphs with a cavernous 580 liters, but one does recognize the allure of the MINI's dapper design over sheer volumetric victory, right?

On the smaller, perhaps nimbler end of things, the Toyota C-HR and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross both cater to the more compact class with 377 and 378 liters, respectively. And should you be in a sporty mood, the BMW X1 revs up with a 420-liter boot, shading the Countryman, but let's be honest, that's like comparing a finely aged Stilton with a bold Brie—they're both delightful in their own rights.

What we have here in the MINI Countryman is a boot that plays a rather decent hand of 'practical space' poker; it may not always have the winning card against its rivals, but one can't help but admire its pluck.