Is a Mini Hybrid Worth It?
Everything you need to know about the Mini Cooper SE Countryman PHEV model begins here.
Written by Mariza Morin
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Want to have a fun driving experience while saving on gas? Well, you’re in luck! Mini currently has one PHEV model on the market: the
Cooper SE Countryman
. As drivers across the nation watch gas prices soar, the need for a fuel-efficient alternative is more apparent than ever. Like many other automakers, Mini took up the call and introduced its first plug-in hybrid model in 2018 as part of their Countryman lineup. And two years later, they unveiled their first electric car to give conscious drivers even more options.
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2022 Mini Cooper SE Countryman guide
Mini is fairly new to the hybrid game and debuted the Cooper SE Countryman as their first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) back in 2018.
The subcompact SUV is practical but quick, fun to drive, and saves you more at the pump compared to its gas-only Countryman counterparts. It’s the only hybrid that Mini produces, but it has been upgraded every year since it came out, including improved MPGe since 2020.
The table below details each Cooper Countryman SE plug-in hybrid model year, along with starting prices and fuel economy numbers:
Model | Vehicle type | Starting price | Fuel economy (base trim) |
|---|---|---|---|
2018 Mini Cooper SE Countryman | Subcompact SUV | $37,650 | 65 combined MPGe |
2019 Mini Cooper SE Countryman | Subcompact SUV | $37,750 | 65 combined MPGe |
2020 Mini Cooper SE Countryman | Subcompact SUV | $38,750 | 73 combined MPGe |
2021 Mini Cooper SE Countryman | Subcompact SUV | $42,350 | 73 combined MPGe |
2022 Mini Cooper SE Countryman | Subcompact SUV | $42,350 | 73 combined MPGe |
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversHybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric car: what’s the difference?
What separates a Mini Cooper SE Countryman plug-in hybrid from a regular hybrid vehicle like the
Toyota Prius
? Before we go any further, let’s look at the distinction between a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicle. Standard hybrid vehicles—like the Prius—use both an electric motor and a gas engine. Hybrid vehicles still depend on gasoline, but you charge your hybrid battery through regenerative braking or electrical power that charges the vehicle’s high voltage battery by capturing the kinetic energy from braking.
Likewise, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle or PHEV, like the Cooper SE Countryman, also uses both an electric motor and a gas engine. However, when it’s fully charged, a plug-in hybrid can function as an electric car due to its larger battery. Once the charge on the PHEV model runs out, the gas engine kicks in.
Full-electric vehicles, also known as EVs (electric vehicles) or BEVs (battery electric vehicles) use an electric motor instead of a regular gas engine. So no gas is required for EVs—only a good charging station!
The best Mini plug-in hybrid cars
Though there is currently only one Mini PHEV option, there are still five model years you can choose from. Here are our picks for the best Mini plug-in hybrid vehicle:
Best Mini PHEV overall: 2022 Cooper SE Countryman
The 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman SE is the most spacious and practical Mini to date. It also comes with some new standard updates, like LED headlights, lane-departure warning, and a free 12-month subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio. It received a 7.8/10 rating and is ranked #6 on the Best Subcompact SUVs for 2022 list by U.S. News & World Report.
Best used Mini PHEV: 2019 Cooper SE Countryman
If you’re looking to save about $5,000, then you should consider buying used. One of the best options is the used 2019 Mini Cooper SE Countryman. It’s relatively cheaper than the latest Cooper Countryman SE model, but the only difference is you get 65 MPGe rather than 73 MPGe.
Mini Cooper SE Countryman PHEVs to avoid include the 2020 and 2021 model years. Both had recalls due to electrical system issues and the possibility of a short-circuited hybrid battery that could increase the risk of fire, according to Consumer Reports.
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Are Mini plug-in hybrids worth it?
Now, let’s look at the performance, reliability, and cost of ownership for a Mini Cooper SE Countryman.
Performance
If you’re looking for a little pep in your step, the Cooper SE out beats the gas-only trim models. The PHEV comes with a twin-power turbocharged engine with an electric motor that delivers 221 horsepower and 284 ft-lb of torque. While the subcompact SUV was not exactly designed for superior performance power, it can go from zero to 60 in 6.7 seconds.
Reliability
When it comes to reliability, the Cooper SE delivers! J.D. Powers gives the latest Mini PHEV model an 82/100 rating for quality & reliability and it’s also ranked #1 in their Small SUV category. RepairPal also gives the subcompact SUV a 3.5/5 rating which is considered above average!
Cost of ownership
While the 2022 Cooper SE has decent performance and great reliability ratings, you still must consider the ongoing costs for an already-pricey PHEV model. Though the data is not available for the Cooper SE plug-in hybrid option, let’s look at the cost of owning the base 2022 Mini Cooper S Countryman model.
Edmunds calculates the five-year cost of ownership as $49,324. That includes:
- Insurance: $7,159
- Maintenance: $7,375
- Repairs: $2,585
- Financing: $3,586
- Fuel: $10,728
- Depreciation: $15,166
While you may pay similar costs for most of these categories with the 2022 Cooper SE you can expect to save when it comes to fuel costs. In fact, you’ll actually save $3,000 in fuel costs over five years. And speaking of savings, if you own a plug-in Mini, you might qualify for insurance discounts or you could potentially receive a federal tax credit of up to $7,500!
How to get sustainable rates on car insurance
No matter which Mini Cooper SE Countryman model year you land on, don’t forget you can save even more when you use the car insurance comparison super app
Jerry
.All you have to do is download the Jerry app, enter your information, and in 45 seconds you’ll be given a list of the lowest quotes from some of the nation’s top insurers. Once you pick a new policy, Jerry’s team of expert agents will handle all the paperwork and phone calls, and we’ll even help you cancel your old policy.
With Jerry—it’s all about saving you time and money. But how much can you save? On average, Jerry users save over $800 a year on car insurance when they make the switch!
“I thought my previous insurance rate was the best I could get, since I have a luxury SUV. AfterJerryfound me quotes, I ended up paying only $80 a month for the same exact coverage. I’ll be shopping for auto insurance through Jerry from now on!” —Petra S.
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Do you pay less tax on a hybrid car?
The federal government offers
tax credits
if you buy an eligible electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). You might be able to earn up to $7,500 in tax credits!How much does it cost to replace a Mini hybrid battery?
The average cost to replace the high voltage hybrid battery in a Mini Cooper SE Countryman is about $7,350. However, this could depend on the specific model year, replacement needed, and where you're taking your subcompact SUV to get serviced.
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