2014 MINI Countryman Cooper S ALL4

The Countryman is MINI's compact SUV, the one that trades a bit of the brand's tiny-car charm for real back-seat room and cargo space. It still steers with that eager, precise feel MINI is famous for, so it's genuinely fun on a twisty road despite its taller stance. Inside, you get a roomier cabin than any other MINI of its era, with a tall roof that makes getting in and out easy. Some owners mention that the leather seats can stain if you skip the fabric protector, and maintenance costs run high because parts are shared with BMW. Stepping up to the Cooper S ALL4 from the front-drive Cooper S gives you all-weather traction and a bit more confidence in rain or snow without changing the eager powertrain. The 1.6L I4 makes 181 horsepower and sends power through a six-speed automatic to the all-wheel drive, which keeps the car planted more than most small SUVs; expect 27 mpg combined in mixed driving.