Mini Countryman Regains its Top Safety Pick Rating

When the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety added the automated emergency braking requirement to achieve its Top Safety Pick rating back in the 2016 model year, the Mini Countryman lost the rating it held since 2011. Now completely revamped and with this new safety feature in its lineup, the 2017 Countryman has its eye on this rating once again.

After going through all the IIHS’ tests, the Countryman found itself regaining this designation. The 2017 Countryman landed the Top Safety Pick designation with “Good” ratings in all five major crash tests — small-overlap front, moderate-overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints and seats — and an advanced rating in front-crash avoidance.

Other than its new look and strong construction, the latter played the biggest role in the Countryman regaining this rating. This system mitigated damage from front-end collisions crash by slowing the Countryman by 7 mph from 12 and 25 mph without driver intervention. This earned it an “Advanced” rating in this test, which is the bare minimum to qualify as a Top Safety Pick.

Buyers have to keep in mind, though, the front-crash prevention system is an option on the 2017 Countryman. This system is part of the $1,000 Active Driving Assistant option, which also requires the $6,250 Fully Loaded Package. So, at minimum, buyers have to pay $38,900 to get the Top Safety Pick-rated Countryman.