Mini Countryman

PROS Playful and distinctive interior • Cheerful driving dynamics • Surprisingly practical CONS Limited range • Slow charging speeds • Overly reliant on gimmicks

- Billy Rehbock

If SUV of the Year were a personality contest, the Mini Countryman SE All4 would be a shoo-in for our Golden Calipers. But our contenders need to excel in our six criteria before advancing to the finalist round. The Mini came close but fell short in several areas.

Mini's exterior design language isn't for everyone, but the brand does things that set its cars apart from rivals. Our test SUV's Blazing Blue Metallic paint is contrasted with stylish gold accents, and the taillights reference the U.K.'s flag. Thankfully, the turn signals no longer look like arrows pointing to the wrong direction on either side of the rear fascia.

Judges liked the interior design, which carries over the gold trim for the door handles and vents. Mini uses textile surfacing across the doors, dash, and center console to make the cabin feel distinct from anything on the market.