The Mini Cooper Countryman grows bigger, and that's not a bad thing

The Countryman serves as Mini's compact crossover model, and it gets a generational update for the 2017 model year.

The Countryman can be had with Mini's All4 all-wheel-drive system, but its meager 6.5 inches of ground clearance limits its capability.

The Countryman features the same styling that makes Mini vehicles so unique.

The Countryman can be had as a Cooper or Cooper S, denoting different engines, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and with a manual or automatic transmission.

The Countryman's all-wheel-drive system puts up to 40 percent of torque to the rear wheels in low speed conditions, then shifts to front-wheel drive at higher speeds, improving fuel economy.

LED headlights can be had on Cooper S Countryman models.

Mini proudly proclaims the new Countryman as the biggest car it has ever made, although it remains small compared to crossovers from other makers.

The Countryman's new platform lets it deliver a comfortable ride with engaged handling.

The Countryman serves as a daily commuter and weekend getaway driver.

For the Cooper S, Mini fits S badges around the body.

The Cooper S Countryman gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder engine making 189 horsepower. Cooper versions get a turbocharged 1.5-liter three cylinder engine, good for 134 horsepower.

The high roofline and large windows contribute to good visibility all around.

Mini fits more S badges on the hood scuttles.

A panoramic sunroof comes standard, as do roof rails.