Overview
 
It has the cheeky styling and nearly the same level of driving prowess as the smaller Cooper hatchback, but the 2021 Mini Cooper S Clubman has more room for junk in its trunk. The Clubman's side-hinged rear doors open to reveal a cargo hold that's nearly as voluminous as that of the Countryman SUV—though, that's not saying much, as the Countryman isn't a particularly roomy crossover. A turbocharged four-cylinder provides peppy power, and buyers can opt for all-wheel drive. The Clubman straddles the line between mainstream and premium: Base models compete on price with the Subaru Outback and Buick Regal TourX, but start adding options and this car's outlay can easily raise to the level of luxury offerings like the Volvo V60. But the Clubman makes its case with an eager driving demeanor and iconic styling.
 
Technical Overview
 
All 2021 Mini Cooper S Clubman models are motivated by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that generates 189 horsepower. This powerplant is matched with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive. In our tests, a Cooper S Clubman with the previous-gen eight-speed automatic transmission dashed to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds; with optional all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, the sprint took 7.3 seconds. Those numbers make it quicker than the Fiat 500L, which completed the run in 8.0 seconds. The Cooper S Clubman scores high marks for its athletic handling, but this sometimes comes at the expense of ride comfort. If you're looking for a Mini wagon that offers an even higher level of performance, check out the Cooper Clubman John Cooper Works, which we review separately.