The 2021 Mini Countryman trades some of its small car driving charm for a roomier interior.
Pros Roomiest Mini Distinct looks Fits a fun family Varied powertrains Meager plug-in hybrid range
Cons No Android Auto No standard Apple CarPlay Overmatched turbo-3 Mismatched features Luxury price
The 2021 MINI Cooper Countryman's #4 ranking is based on its score within the Subcompact SUVs category. Currently the MINI Cooper Countryman has a score of 7.8 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 25 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Roomy, supportive seats Well-crafted interior Fun to drive
Cons Weak base engine Below-average cargo capacity High price tag
The biggest Mini gets a smattering of updates for 2021. Its unmistakable appearance is now even more distinctive due to a restyled front end. LED lighting elements promote its British heritage through a Union Jack motif on the taillights. There's now a Piano Black Exterior option that replaces the Mini's chrome trim with gloss-black pieces. A set of fresh wheel designs as well as White Silver and Sage Green metallic paint colors are new too. Inside, the infotainment system's housing is redesigned with gloss-black material.
Pros Well-built interior, Mini character in a family size, generous complimentary maintenance.
Cons Neither quick or nimble, plug-in hybrid is unremarkable, lacks some popular driver assists.
The 2021 Subaru Outback hangs on to its remarkably rugged stance as it grows more refined than ever.
Pros Capable as ever Big 11.6-inch touchscreen A roomy interior Excellent safety record Rides very well
Cons Careful styling Moderate acceleration from base engine Needs more small-item storage
The 2021 Subaru Outback comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.Adaptive LED headlights now standard on all trims.Seat-belt reminder standard for all passengers.Reminder to check rear seat added as standard safety feature.
Pros Spacious cabin and smooth, comfortable ride Optional turbocharged engine provides plenty of power Loading the roof or cargo area is easier than in most SUVs Above-average off-road ability
Cons Big touchscreen is slow to respond and buries many controls in complicated menus Slow acceleration from standard engine Native voice recognition system isn't very accurate
The Outback was redesigned from the ground up for the 2020 model year, so for 2021 Subaru has made only three minor changes: Adaptive headlamps, a rear-seat reminder system, and a passenger's seatbelt warning light and chime are now standard across the lineup.
Pros Ground clearance helps off-road or in snow, spacious cabin, tons of available tech.
Cons Unhurried acceleration, ho-hum driving dynamics, indistinct exterior styling.
