Mini Oxford Edition Countryman Arrives As Brand’s Cheapest SUV

Not-so-mini crossover gets a smaller price tag

It feels like a contradiction to call the latest Countryman crossover a Mini, such is the gulf in size between this and the brand’s smaller hatchback. The Countryman’s growth spurt offers practical advantages, of course, and it’s still considered one of the small SUVs on sale in America. Now, it has a smaller price tag, too.

The 2026 Mini Oxford Edition Countryman S ALL4 is now the company’s most affordable crossover, and starts at $34,900. Previously, the cheapest model you could get cost $38,900, so the $4,000 saving is not insubstantial. 

Related: MINI Drops Amazing 2025 Countryman Lease Deal for November

Still a Sportier-Than-Average Crossover

Mini didn’t specify any powertrain changes to the Oxford Edition, so it’s expected to retain the normal Countryman’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which produces a decent 241 horsepower. Power goes to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and handling is quite responsive. Mini claims a 0-60 mph time of 6.2 seconds for the Countryman with this powertrain, so it’s quick enough.

Of course, there had to be some omissions for that $4k saving. It starts with customization—whereas the trim one step up has a wide color palette of nine shades, the Oxford Edition is only available in Chili Red, Nanuq White, or Blazing Blue. The black roof and mirror caps add a sporty contrasting look, though. Wheels are 18-inch Asteroid Spoke Black items with all-season tires.

Inside, the Oxford Edition comes with an Anthracite headliner and the brand’s Active Driving Assistant, a suite of driver-assistance technologies like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Note that the Countryman SE is pictured above, as Mini didn’t share interior images of the new Oxford Edition.

We expect a few other extras equipped to upper trims to be missing or optional, but Mini hasn’t specified what these are. Pricing for the gas-powered Countryman lineup is as follows:

• Oxford Edition: $34,900
• Signature Plus: $38,900
• Iconic: $42,300

The top Iconic model comes with extras like augmented reality navigation, a more advanced parking assistant, and a Harman Kardon sound system.

If you want more power, the JCW Countryman ALL4 with 312 hp will cost you at least $46,900.

Countryman’s Closest Rivals

At $34,900, the Mini Countryman Oxford Edition goes up against several other premium subcompact crossovers. Most are more expensive, but for similar money, these are some key competitors and their base prices:

• Lexus UX: $36,740
• Acura ADX: $35,000
• Alfa Romeo Tonale: $36,495

Of these three, we’d say the Alfa is closest in spirit to the Mini. It’s fun to drive on a twisty road and has more power (268 hp) than comparable crossovers, plus it’s also distinctively styled. The Lexus and Acura are more comfortable, refined options at this price point, but not as powerful.

If you can spend over $40k, your options widen to include the Audi Q3, BMW X1 (which shares a platform with the Mini), and Volvo XC40.

Related: 2026 Mini Countryman S vs 2025 Acura ADX: Which Wins in Style-For-Money?

Final Thoughts

Buying a new vehicle is a challenge for the majority of Americans, with many even cutting back on other daily expenses to buy the car they want. If you want a premium or luxury car, your choices are even more limited. Fortunately, though, we’re seeing a few upscale brands like Mini offer more attainable options.

Besides Mini with the new Countryman Oxford Edition, Volvo’s EX30 is one of the most affordable luxury EVs at around the $40k mark. Tesla has new base derivatives of its Model 3 and Model Y, while the Acura Integra is one of the most affordable ways to drive off in a luxury sedan, as it starts at $33k.

If you want your daily commute to be in something that feels a cut above mass-market brands, there are still some affordable options out there if you don’t want to buy used.