2025 MINI Countryman

Bigger might not always be better, but with the redesigned Mini Countryman, its upsized dimensions will likely give it a better footing in the premium SUV space. With multiple powertrain options — including a fully electric version with an estimated range of around 250 miles — the 2025 Countryman stacks up nicely against other family haulers of this size.

Though this is the largest Mini model to date — measuring 4.8 inches longer and 4 inches taller than its predecessor — the 2025 Countryman still exhibits the small-car charm that the automaker is known for. The new exterior is readily identifiable as a Mini, and while the cabin is completely overhauled with an updated touchscreen interface, a number of quirky toggles and buttons will no doubt please the brand's fans. This compact crossover has the right amount of personality, but also more modern hardware to back it up.

The gasoline-powered Countryman comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine plus a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Mini's All4 all-wheel-drive system. In the Countryman S, this engine produces 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, allowing the 3,777-pound crossover to accelerate to 60 mph in a Mini-estimated 6.2 seconds. That's pretty quick for a base small crossover SUV. Stepping up to the John Cooper Works version ups the output to 312 hp and 295 lb-ft and reduces the 0-to-60-mph time to 5.2 seconds.

As of this writing, the EPA has not released fuel economy estimates for either of the gas-powered Countryman models.

In the U.S., we'll also get the fully electric Countryman SE All4, which is powered by a 63.8-kWh battery pack and two electric motors, one at each axle. Total system output is a robust 313 hp and 364 lb-ft of torque, allowing the Countryman SE to zip to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Of course, thanks to the instant shove of electric torque, acceleration off the line feels much quicker than that spec would suggest. Electric power really suits the diminutive Mini; it's a nice shot of fun.

That's still TBD right now, but Mini quotes 433 kilometers — or 269 miles — on the European WLTP testing cycle. The U.S. EPA's test regimen is more strict, and Mini says we can expect a range of around 250 miles Stateside. For comparison, the similarly sized Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin can go 254 miles on a full charge, according to the EPA. Mini is not planning to offer a single-motor Countryman EV in the U.S. at this time.

Plugging into a 240-volt (Level 2) outlet allows for a max charging speed of 11 kW, which should easily be enough to fully recharge the Countryman SE's battery if you leave it plugged in overnight. Connect to a Level 3 public DC fast charger, however, and you'll see charging speeds of up to 130 kW, which is good but not great, especially at a time when more than 200-kW charging speeds are quickly becoming the norm.

As we said, electric power really suits Mini's models; there's something about instant oomph in a relatively small car that's just super fun. Unfortunately, that's where a lot of the thrills end.

Mini loves to tout its cars' "go-kart" handling, yet this is notably absent in the new Countryman — especially in the John Cooper Works. In its standard drive setting, the Countryman's steering is light and uncharacteristically vague. Yes, it weights up appreciably if you switch to the Sport setting, but even then, we miss the rambunctiously darty characteristics that made the older Countryman models so fun. This one just feels … dull.

The Countryman SE weighs in at an un-Mini-like 4,574 pounds, and you really feel the weight of this crossover while chucking it into a turn. That said, the Countryman EV's low center of gravity does keep body motions in check while cornering. But on the whole, the new Mini Countryman models exhibit a real lack of verve. The aforementioned Volvo XC40 Recharge is a lot more entertaining to drive.

We're hopeful that Mini's smaller two-door Cooper C, Cooper S and electric Cooper SE models make it a larger priority to retain some of their forebears' driver engagement.

Quite comfortable — more so than its predecessor, in fact. While the Countryman's embiggening hasn't yielded major increases in headroom or legroom, the upright dimensions and expansive greenhouse are boons for both driving comfort and overall visibility. Drivers of all heights won't have trouble getting comfortable behind the wheel, and real adult humans can actually sit in the back seats without their knees being crunched up against the front chairs.

The Countryman's ride quality is also much improved — especially in the sporty John Cooper Works. Depending on the model, the Countryman rides on either 18-, 19- or 20-inch wheels, and even with the largest rolling stock fitted to the small SUV, it's not overly crashy on broken pavement. That's not something we can say about the Mini Countryman's corporate cousin, the new BMW X2.

The new Countryman shines brighter than its predecessors, with a fresh take on a classic Mini interior. This generation keeps the minimalist dash design that we've become accustomed to, but with a far more daring use of materials.

Check out the neat textiles that adorn the doors and seats. Made from recycled polyester, some of the fabric on the doors feels a little rough, but the seats are nevertheless plush and we love little details like the fabric lower "arm" of the steering wheel and the pull tab for the center console.

The Countryman's upsized dimensions pay dividends in the cargo area as well. Dimensions for the EV variant haven't been finalized just yet, but fold the seats down in the Countryman S or JCW models and you'll find 56.2 cubic feet of space — a welcome improvement over the old SUV's 47.6 cubic feet. That makes the Countryman able to carry more cargo than an Audi Q3, Lexus UX or Mercedes-Benz GLA.

The focal point of the cabin is the new OLED circular center touchscreen. The level of customization is quite impressive, allowing drivers to select a mode that best displays their personal preferences. There are eight modes including Go-Kart, which puts a huge speedometer front and center, and Heritage, which turns the screen into a throwback Mini instrument cluster.

There's also a surprising number of useful built-in features that should help court a younger audience. Mini will offer standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with apps like Spotify built in directly, with more planned after launch. With AirConsole integration, passengers can play games on the display using their phones as controllers, and navigation is now cloud-based with charging-optimized routes for EV models. Even the voice assistant is fun — it features a cute little British dog avatar that pops up on the screen when summoned to help with basic functions.

Using the screen proves to be somewhat difficult, though — especially while driving. Switching between the different modes is surprisingly laggy, and if you try to dig into some submenus too quickly, the infotainment interface is often slow to respond. Hopefully, future over-the-air updates will be able to provide quicker, more consistent performance.

Happily, the Countryman's driver assistance technologies don't need immediate improvement. The Level 2 hands-free highway assistant lets the Mini take over the throttle, steering and braking at speeds up to 37 mph, and it works really well — smoothly and seamlessly. Other niceties like blind-spot warning, lane keeping assistance and forward collision warning also work as advertised, without an annoying overabundance of chimes or false-positive interjections.

The three Mini Countryman models will all launch over the coming months, with the gas versions arriving first. Pricing for the base 2025 Mini Countryman S All4 starts at $39,895, including a mandatory $995 destination charge. The more powerful Countryman John Cooper Works starts at $47,895.

The electric Mini Countryman SE All4 falls between the gas-powered versions, though it's on the more expensive end of the spectrum. Pricing for the Countryman EV starts at $46,195, including $995 for destination, and because it's built in Leipzig, Germany, the SE All4 will not be available for the full $7,500 EV tax credit. However, local incentives may still be available.

While the gas-powered Countryman S and Countryman John Cooper Works will continue to be the volume models, the electric Countryman SE will be an essential addition to Mini's SUV lineup. With its larger dimensions, more robust tech suite and solid EV powertrain, the 2025 Countryman quite literally expands what a Mini is capable of.