Text by Tom Appel
2025 Mini Countryman JCW
Specs
Class: Subcompact Crossover
Color: Blazing Blue
Seating Capacity: 5
Miles driven: 163
Real-world fuel economy: 24.7 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | B |
| Power and Performance | A- |
| Fit and Finish | B+ |
| Fuel Economy | B |
| Value | B |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | B+ |
| Tall Guy | B |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 312-hp 2.0-liter |
| Engine Type | Turbo 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 7-speed automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving mix: 60% city, 40% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 23/30/26 (city, highway, combined)
Fuel type: Premium gas
Base price: $46,900 (not including $995 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Iconic trim package ($2400), Comfort Package Max ($900), Remote Engine Start Prep (-$300), 20-inch “Flag Spoke” wheels ($600), JCW Performance Brakes ($500)
Price as tested: $51,995
Pros and Cons
The great: Genuinely fun to drive, roomy and comfortable cabin
The good: Relatively easy on the gas, long-trip comfort
The not so good: Glitchy Bluetooth connectivity, premium price
Review
It’s easy to relate. As the years go by, it gets a little harder to stay in shape. This author admits that he is not just a little heavier than he was in high school. Things are no different with BMW’s “small,” sporty, and arguably affordable brand, Mini. Born in 1959, the very first Mini was just 153 inches long, and clocked in at only 1290 pounds. But that was a long time ago.
Size
Redesigned for 2025, the largest model in the Mini lineup, the Countryman, now measures 175 inches in length, and weighs—wait for it—more than 3800 pounds. That’s right, the 2025 Countryman is almost three times heavier than the first Mini. But to be fair, the new Countryman wears the extra pounds well, and, frankly, few Americans would actually purchase a car as small and bereft of amenities as the first Mini anyway.
Also, to be additionally fair, that first Mini was a sporty coupe, while the Countryman is an AWD crossover—and a very appealing crossover at that.
As before, the new Countryman shares its underbits with the BMW X1 small crossover. And like the BMW, the Mini is pretty engaging to drive. More on that in a moment.
Prices and Trim Levels
The Countryman lineup returns for 2025 in standard and JCW (John Cooper Works) trim levels. The standard lineup consists of Signature Plus ($39,895) and Iconic ($43,095) trim levels. Both are powered by a 241-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder.
Engines
The JCW is offered in the same two trim levels, but swaps the 241-horsepower engine for a potent 312-horse unit, along with a number of suspension and chassis bits, all in the name of better performance. The upgrade Iconic package brings with it, among other niceties, larger wheels and tires, and a Harman Kardan-brand premium audio system. All Countryman models come with AWD and a 7-speed “dual-clutch” automatic transmission.
The Countryman JCW Signature Plus starts at $47,895, the Iconic $50,295. Note that both a plug-in-hybrid and pure-electric version of the Country are also offered for ’25.
As for size, the Countryman is approximately as large as Hyundai’s popular Kona small crossover. Overall, the Mini is about 2 inches longer than the Hyundai, and roughly 3 inches higher. The Mini is considerably heavier, however. The Countryman does put those extra pounds to good use, though, as this versatile Mini proved to be both sporty and luxurious, if maybe a little expensive.
Consumer Guide recently spent a week behind the wheel of a 2025 Mini Countryman in Iconic trim painted Blazing Blue. Including the Comfort Package Max (which includes semi-autonomous cruise control) and 20-inch “Flag” allow wheels, our test car came to $51,995.
Connectivity
Though redesigned, the Countryman cabin retains its playful character. The dashboard is again dominated by a large, round, centrally located screen, which serves as both the Countryman’s infotainment center and instrument panel. What this means is—in keeping with Mini tradition, there are no instruments directly in front of the driver. For those new to the brand, this seemingly odd setup quickly becomes normal in regular use. The large digital speed readout, for example, is easy to locate and read at a glance. Plus, the vehicles head-up display, which is projected onto the windshield directly in front of the drive, includes speed among the info presented.
All that said, se did find icons located near the edge of the pie-plate screen difficult to engage with larger (fatter) fingers. We also, to our great frustration, found ourselves frequently forced to reconnect our phones via Bluetooth to the car. This glitch delayed the start of our commute most days by several minutes.
Cabin
Though casual feeling, the Countryman cabin is lined with high-quality materials, including the strange-but-endearing fabric dashboard surface. And, for those of a vegan bent, the leather-looking seats are actually upholstered in Vescin synthetic leather—which looked pretty good to us.
Even this big editor found the Countryman plenty roomy. Big door openings mean easy access to the cabin, and there’s plenty of space inside for up to four adults. Add a fifth passenger if you must, but things will be tight in back.
Outward visibility is good, and the cabin feels big, bright, and airy. And, despite the low-speed exhaust noise kicked up by the engine during acceleration, the Countryman is surprisingly quiet at speed. Thanks to the peaceful interior, decent ride comfort, and firm, supportive seats, this Mini crossover makes for an excellent long-trip conveyance.
Ride and Handling
The optional ($600) 20-inch alloy wheels, in this case shod with all-season tires, may have firmed up the ride somewhat, but we still found overall comfort to be excellent. Most importantly, the Country serves up rewarding handling along with excellent steering feel, that latter being a rare characteristic these day.
Power and Performance
But whatever the Mini’s ultimate limits, it is among the most entertaining small crossovers to drive around town. It is quick off the line, produces great, snarky exhaust noise, and serves up plenty of passing and merging power. The brakes, too, are firm and strong, adding to the overall sense of control.
And though we poked lovingly at the Countryman’s chunky midriff, we can’t argue with our observed fuel economy. In a mix of driving that slightly favored around-town errands, our test car returned almost 25 mpg, acceptable for any small crossover, and impressive for one serving up 312 horsepower and is this much fun to drive. This is also 2 mpg better than the EPA combined fuel-economy estimate.
Value
The Countryman is so quirky that we find it difficult to pin down direct competition, but we suggest that anyone serious about the Mini crossover also test drive the BMW X1, and also the delightful Acura RDX. While we find the connectivity issues to be a major irritant, there is no denying the Countryman’s excellent blend of fun and functionality. Also, if you don’t want or need all the horsepower, consider the base Countryman with its still healthy 241-horsepower engine. And, all things considered, we’ll forgive the weight gain.
Listen to the Car Stuff Podcast
2025 Mini Countryman JCW Pictures
(Click below for enlarged images)
