By gaining a few pounds and expanding in every dimension, the new MINI Countryman boasts broader shoulders, improved cargo space, and a more spacious interior than ever before. The overused cliché continues to apply – the MINI isn’t mini anymore – but as every SUV in Canada grows in size, the Countryman is simply filling a demand by being 60 mm taller and 130 mm longer. It sits at the same height as a current-generation Honda CR-V and Porsche Macan for reference, and that means copious amounts of headroom no matter which seat you find yourself in. I stand six feet tall and there’s so much headroom left over that the car truly feels enormous, more so than the BMW X2. And in many ways, the Countryman makes a more handsome, well-packaged, and unique BMW SUV.

While the stylish exterior is a clear evolution in terms of muscle and character, the interior design has been elevated to another plateau. So much of the concept car has been brought forward into this production version from the flurry of colours and fabric materials to the 9.4-inch frameless circular OLED touchscreen, harking back to the days of the original MINI Cooper that had its instrument dials in the center of the dash.

This genre of charm and inimitable persona is exactly what we want from MINI. It sets them apart from other premium brands that try to promote both an automotive appliance and a lifestyle that accompanies it. MINI is aware of what makes its brand stand out and it’s with this timeless yet modern appeal that takes customization, colour, and expression, and presents it to the driver in an inviting way without appearing superfluous. 

Take the new steering wheel, for instance. From the overly bulky leather grips to the gold-coloured accents that pair nicely with the blue fabrics, it’s the star item of the interior and even the bottom spoke is furnished by a decorative fabric strap – a quality piece not only in feel but also in design. The integrated buttons are not those touch-sensitive haptic sensors like they have on Mercedes or Ferrari wheels so the buttons feel much more positive, engaging, and logical to use without taking your eyes off the road. 

And speaking of which, there is BMW switchgear everywhere which is impressive at this price point, from the window switches to the flush door handles. Take a look at the new toggle bar located below the touchscreen. While the last generation of MINIs adopted airplane-style switches to make you feel like a pilot, here they have integrated a turn-key switch, similar to those found on Porsches, a throwback to ignition start sequences that elevates the Countryman’s sense of occasion. Even the dashboard illuminates with different colours and patterns depending on the driving mode. 

The rest of the cabin has been cleverly designed, complete with a cubby box in the center console, which opens with a pull strap. The wireless charging pad receives an elevated dock for easy access and the center armrest no longer gets in the way of your elbow as you reach for the cupholders. Each layer feels purposeful and ergonomically designed, and the Countryman’s swollen dimensions have truly aided this goal. 

The circular touchscreen offers the latest MINI infotainment system and it’s suitably lag-free and responsive to touch inputs. MINI invested a great deal of time and money in designing a colourful and inviting interface for each menu screen, from the air conditioning menu to the driving modes, making each button press a pleasant surprise. 

Ergonomics was a large focus and we’re glad they did not resort to hidden fan vents with complicated toggles like they have in BMWs. To reduce clutter, it would have been a logical decision to implement volume control into the touchscreen like Land Rover models but there’s an actual volume dial here. Not so lucky for the temperature controls though, which can be cumbersome to operate. 

Like the Volvo EX30 without a driver’s instrument panel, we were displeased by the fact that all main information was only displayed on the center touchscreen, forcing you to take your eyes off the road to access vital data and make touchscreen adjustments. There is a small head-up display but its size limits how much information can be shown at once. We also noticed some fickleness with the Apple CarPlay system which would cut out the audio like it lost connection around certain spots of the city. This also occurred when we tried Android Auto.

Mechanically, the new MINI Countryman receives minor updates. The Countryman S uses the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine but it now produces a healthier 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, 52 hp and 89 tq more than before. Even with the added weight and size, the Countryman is spritely in a straight line and makes highway overtakes a breeze also thanks to a clever ALL4 all-wheel drive system. Further, the powertrain emits the same raucous exhaust noises that we’ve come to know and love from recent MINIs.

The engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, which we find to be thorny and inconsistent, resulting in disjointed acceleration at times and an unresponsive throttle pedal. It feels like the engine and gearbox are connected by a thin shoestring rather than a computer chip, frequently lagging on rolling stops getting into gear, and jerking the car forward until a cog happens to make its way through. At times, pressing the go-fast pedal does nothing for a split second, only for the gearbox to finally register the need to propel itself forward, resulting in a tank slap into the headrest. It’s not the most polished or gentle powertrain, and we had the same issues with the BMW X1 and X2 that utilize the same languid unit. 

Our Countryman S is wearing 20-inch wheels and it rides with a heavy dose of underlying firmness. It hugs the road and doesn’t absorb impacts with the same kind of cushioning or deftness as a Mercedes GLC or BMW X3. As expected, but despite the secure and grounded ride, this grown-up MINI has lost some of that agility and front nose bite from before, meaning it’s not as eager to rotate, is lazier on the front end, and has clearly been tuned to be more civil and easier to live with. On a side note, an adaptive suspension is available for $600, which we think would be well worth it for a slightly more compliant ride over bumpy roads.

The largest MINI in the stable has capitalized on its brand appeal, offering charm and style without trying to imitate anyone else. What makes the Countryman unique is its customizability and use of colour and fabrics to elevate its interior to a premium level – you won’t find this kind of visual magnetism in a rivalling Audi Q3 or Mercedes GLB. A firm ride and a recalcitrant transmission gently taint its overall driving polish but otherwise, the new Countryman is a cleverly packaged dose of fun and charisma that we just can’t get enough of. 

Specifications:

Model: 2025 MINI Countryman S ALL4
Paint Type: Smokey Green
Base Price: $45,990
Price as Tested: $53,890
Wheelbase(mm): 2,692
Length/Width/Height (mm):  4,433 / 1,843 / 1,656
Powertrain: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower: 241 hp
Torque: 295 lb-ft
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch
Engine & Drive Configuration: Front engine, AWD
Observed Fuel Economy (L/100km): 9.2
Tires: Pirelli P Zero Winter; 245/40R20