2018 MINI Countryman Cooper S

The Countryman is MINI's small SUV, the roomiest of the bunch and the one that makes sense for a small family. It keeps the brand's go-kart steering feel, so it's genuinely fun to hustle down a back road despite its size. Inside, you get a taller seating position and more passenger space than other MINIs, plus a useful amount of cargo room. Owners note that maintenance can be pricey because parts are shared with BMW, but mechanical issues are rare. The Cooper S is the mid-range pick, splitting the difference between the base Cooper and the John Cooper Works, and it's the one to get if you want the punchier engine without the all-wheel-drive weight. Under the hood, the 2.0L I4 makes 189 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, and with the eight-speed automatic sending power to the front wheels, it feels eager and responsive around town. This front-drive setup is the lighter, more economical choice in the range, returning 27 mpg combined while still keeping the go-kart handling that makes the Countryman fun.