New MINI Countryman off-road variant coming for adventure enthusiasts
MINI developing adventure-oriented Countryman with off-road capabilities
New MINI Countryman off-road variant coming for adventure enthusiasts
MINI confirms new Countryman variant with increased ground clearance, body cladding, and off-road tires for outdoor enthusiasts. Coming in coming years for light off-road use.
2026-02-14T23:22:15+03:00
2026-02-14T23:22:15+03:00
2026-02-14T23:22:15+03:00
MINI is developing a new version of the Countryman with a focus on off-road capabilities. The brand's head of design, Holger Hampf, confirmed that a more "adventure-oriented" variant of the crossover will join the lineup in the coming years, targeting outdoor enthusiasts.The current generation Countryman (U25) has only been on the market for a few years, and production is reportedly set to continue into the early 2030s. This timeline gives the company room to expand the model range. MINI previously introduced a Countryman Rugged Edition in South Africa, but that version featured mainly cosmetic changes and General Grabber AT3 tires without significant technical modifications.The new variant is expected to gain increased ground clearance, additional body cladding, off-road tires, and all-wheel drive. However, MINI doesn't plan to transform the model into a direct competitor for body-on-frame SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler. The Countryman will remain a unibody crossover.The company notes growing interest in vehicles suited for active lifestyles. Expanding the lineup could strengthen the model's position amid rising demand for premium off-roaders in 2026, though the new Countryman will primarily be designed for light off-road use rather than extreme terrain.
MINI Countryman, off-road variant, adventure vehicle, ground clearance, all-wheel drive, outdoor enthusiasts, crossover SUV
2026
Michael Powers
news
MINI developing adventure-oriented Countryman with off-road capabilities
MINI confirms new Countryman variant with increased ground clearance, body cladding, and off-road tires for outdoor enthusiasts. Coming in coming years for light off-road use.
Michael Powers, Editor
MINI is developing a new version of the Countryman with a focus on off-road capabilities. The brand's head of design, Holger Hampf, confirmed that a more "adventure-oriented" variant of the crossover will join the lineup in the coming years, targeting outdoor enthusiasts.
The current generation Countryman (U25) has only been on the market for a few years, and production is reportedly set to continue into the early 2030s. This timeline gives the company room to expand the model range. MINI previously introduced a Countryman Rugged Edition in South Africa, but that version featured mainly cosmetic changes and General Grabber AT3 tires without significant technical modifications.
The new variant is expected to gain increased ground clearance, additional body cladding, off-road tires, and all-wheel drive. However, MINI doesn't plan to transform the model into a direct competitor for body-on-frame SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler. The Countryman will remain a unibody crossover.
The company notes growing interest in vehicles suited for active lifestyles. Expanding the lineup could strengthen the model's position amid rising demand for premium off-roaders in 2026, though the new Countryman will primarily be designed for light off-road use rather than extreme terrain.
