Review: 2025 MINI Countryman
The MINI Countryman has always been a bit of an oddball in the SUV world. It’s the car that asks, “Why can’t we have a bit of fun while being practical?” And in this all-new 2025 iteration, MINI has doubled down on that ethos. Bigger, bolder, and packed with tech, the latest Countryman is more SUV than ever - but does it still carry that signature MINI charm? Let’s find out.
On-Road Ride: Does it Still Feel MINI?
One of the MINI’s biggest selling points has always been its go-kart-like handling, and while the Countryman isn’t exactly a featherweight, it still manages to deliver a playful drive. The 2025 model is slightly larger than its predecessor, but thanks to some clever chassis tuning and precise steering, it remains nimble in urban environments.
Around town, it feels light on its feet, with a suspension setup that soaks up most potholes and speed bumps without turning into a wallowy mess. On the motorway, it’s composed, offering a refined cruise with minimal road noise - something previous versions struggled with. The new adaptive dampers (available on higher trims) help balance comfort and sportiness, making it a genuinely enjoyable daily driver. However, the 20" Windmill Spoke wheel / tyre combo, although they look great, do take the edge off some of the comfort, especially on neglected and unmaintained roads.
Under the bonnet the 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol remains punchy, though if you opt for the front-wheel drive version I suspect you’ll go through front tyres at an alarming rate, as it’s quite easy to induce wheel-spin - unintentionally, of course.
Off-Road
Let’s be honest, most Countryman owners aren’t going to be fording rivers or tackling the muddy green-lanes. But for those who fancy the occasional venture off the beaten track, or a muddy festival field, the 2025 Countryman is more capable than you might expect. Even this press car, which is admittedly just 2WD!
MINI is also available with ALL4 all-wheel-drive system, which does a decent job of shifting power where it’s needed and getting you out of trouble. ALL4 variants are no Defender, but in my previous experience, for snowy drives, wet fields, and the odd countryside jaunt, they hold their own.
Interior Spec & Comfort: Bigger, Brighter, Better?
Step inside, and it’s immediately obvious that MINI has gone all-in on tech and premium touches. The interior feels more spacious, thanks to the car’s larger footprint, and quality has taken a noticeable step up.
The centrepiece is the massive 9.4” circular OLED display - a proper showstopper that controls everything from navigation to climate settings. It’s bright, responsive, and thankfully, MINI has retained a few physical buttons for key functions (looking at you, volume control). The MINI Operating System 9 keeps things intuitive, and the overall layout remains quirky but functional.
It loses points for not including heating controls as physical buttons, these are on the prod-screen, which is annoying. However, some points are redeemed as there’s an actual button that allows you to easily switch the annoying lane departure off. Thank you MINI.
Comfort-wise, the optional John Cooper sport seats are a tad narrow for my 6’2”, 18 stone frame as I found myself sitting on each of the side bolsters, but everything else about them was good, including decent lumbar adjustment. Initially the seat colour was a bit of a shock, but I soon got used to it.
Practicality: A MINI That Thinks Big
The new Countryman proves that you don’t have to sacrifice practicality for fun. With 460 litres of boot space (expanding to 1,450 litres with the seats down), there’s plenty of room for camping gear, muddy boots, or a sizeable weekly shop.
Rear seat passengers benefit from a sliding bench, allowing for either more legroom or additional boot space. Plus, there are plenty of cubbies and clever storage solutions throughout the cabin. The wider rear doors also make getting in and out a bit easier, perfect for wrangling kids, dogs, or an overenthusiastic mate after a pub lunch.
Fuel Efficiency: Sipping or Guzzling?
Fuel economy for the 1.5-litre petrol is quoted as being around 45mpg, though after a week of very mixed driving and I only saw 35mpg.
MINI App & Tech: Smart, Seamless, and Surprisingly Useful
Tech is where MINI has really stepped up its game. The updated MINI App allows for remote access to vehicle functions, including pre-conditioning (ideal for frosty mornings), locating the car in a crowded car park, and even sending destinations to the sat-nav before you set off.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, and the Countryman now features an AI-powered voice assistant - just say “Hey MINI” and ask it anything from weather updates to adjusting the cabin temperature.
For those with an EV, the app also helps plan routes based on available charging stations, ensuring you’re never caught short on battery.
Conclusion
The 2025 MINI Countryman has grown up, literally and figuratively. It’s more spacious, more tech-laden, and more capable than ever, but it still retains the cheeky character that makes a MINI, well, a MINI.
If you want a fun, stylish, and surprisingly practical SUV that doesn’t take itself too seriously, the new Countryman ticks all the right boxes. It’s not a hardcore off-roader, but for the occasional adventure and everyday life, it’s a cracking option, once you’ve ticked the ALL4 option, of course.
Price: £40,300 (as tested)
Website: MINI UK
