I went and drove every vehicle in your competitive list recently, and added the Mazda CX50 as well. The Mini stood out in so many ways it’s hard to know where to start. Yes, it’s a little odd looking at first, but it grew on me really quickly. The interior is also different than any of the others, but again it grew on me. I love the simplistic and clean feel overall, and it’s really comfortable…tons of cool tech. But what really hooked me was the way it drives. Non of the others even came close to that fun, sporty yet super comfortable feeling. I went to the extreme and ordered the JCW with the 20” JCW flag spoke wheels. The JCW takes the fun feel of the “S” and just amplifies it. The JCW drives like a race car…exceptional torque and tight feeling, sporty handling…it’s a blast to drive. The final thought is the quality of everything on this car is amazing. Nothing rattles or buzzes, every gap on the exterior is perfect, and the paint job (I got the melting silver metallic) is flawless. I found that the overall quality felt even a little better than what I found on the X1. Anyway…just love my Countryman JCW. Very happy owner…
Great Reviews as always guys, As an owner of the 2023 mini countryman All 4 S, The new interior I think is a step down,playing either that center stack while driving is a distraction for sure plus the lack of knobs and that lack of gear shifter is a cheap upgrade on the interior. Plus after a few years how to you clean that fabric interior after it gets dirty ! Hard plastics on the dash with the out of touch pricing might make this a hard sell for past mini buyers. All the best to you both& jack, let’s keep the subscribers coming! Evan, From NY
As a recent owner, it’s form over function in the interior. Maybe it will improve in refreshes. I disagree with Zack, I like the shape of it. Beauty. Beholder. It looks odd to North American eyes.
@@jamespaul2587 I was curious too, so I did some digging. Can’t find first generation minivan, but second generation is 3300 lbs. Countryman is 3777 lbs.
Traded my 2017 Countryman S for the 2025. Drives a lot different with the size increase but still better than most compact SUV and loving the extra power with the 7 speed DCT. Certain color combinations look better than others, black roof helps. I'm surprised no mention of the massage seats, that is what sold me. I really enjoyed watching.
@@noboringcars1227 its on the S, idk why they (miniUSA) do not mentjon it ANYWHERE, and idk if you need to get the Iconic trim or the comfort package, but it has massage seats. A few other reviwers have pointed it out while testing the 2025 Mini Countryman S All4. (Edit: im sure theres a way to turn them on regardess of "expeirence mode" but apparently if you put the vehicle in to "balanced" itll auto turn on the massage seats and close the sunroof cover)
@@Plague_Rat778 I just bought the 2025 Countryman and you are correct! It has massaging seats for your back, only. It comes with the Iconic and you can activate it a couple ways. Any time you adjust the lumbar it will ask if you want massage! Very cool but it didn’t seem that great when i tried it.
@@noboringcars1227 fair enough. Tbh it'd probably be nice after doing a few hours on a road trip, but I could be wrong. I hope to get one in a few years (so they can work out any bugs from the first few batches of the re-design) how are you liking it so far?
Great review! I had ruled out Mini’s because they were behind on tech and modern features. These new ones are finally tuned up near the BMW specs of their BMW engines. I also think the price is reasonable. I am looking at Tucson Hybrid Limited trims and they are about the same price. What was big for me is for the first time ever they come with tow hitches and 3500lb of towing (as mentioned). That’s a big deal if you hang bikes off the back or you want to pull a small camper or trailer. The looks to me are nondescript middle of the road, now but that’s okay. The interiors are really special and unusual colors that I like. Glad to hear it still has a sport drive. I just put it on my list to look at.
Totally agree with you guys regarding the look. Mini has totally lost their idendity with the new design language. The old countryman and clubman were such a pretty cars, but this one is just ugly!
For the price they are asking, they should have resolved the wind noise problem from the prior generations. Not a fan of the slab side look for this. It's more Range Rover, especially from the hatch view. MINI is supposed to not take itself seriously. This one does.
For some reason, I am not comfortable to drive it because of the size but it’s perfect on city driving that was it. Interior is not bad. I feel maybe the electric would help. Great show Andrea! 👍🏻👍🏻☕️☕️
While it doesn’t embody the original Mini ethos, it is relatively agile and quick and can function as a family vehicle. We have the related X1 which we find to be fun and functional.
We were looking for a car. We randomly stopped at MINI. We didn’t think much of it..THENNNN WE DROVE IT!!!! OMG IT WAS AMAZING!… The price? Not so amazing with an 8.49%APR. 😬 Terrible storage. But it’s a MINI. ❤
@@Hallowsaw No credit issues thankfully. That’s just what was being offered in September. But compared to everyone we saw that day Mini was the highest APR.
Oh Zack I had a blue interior with a matching roof on my silver Porsche Boxster beauty! And I just remembered 80 something white Mustang had a blue interior. 😁
It's like Mini design team were seating in a meeting and discussing: "Ok, guys. Too many people find our current Countryman and Clubman models very beautiful, and even those who aren't Mini entusiasts react positively when they see our cars in the streets. So the challenge now is HOW we can make our cars uglier so that even Mini entusiasts run away from our brand?!?" I mean seriously, most of the car design in decades become better and better. But Mini and BMW go the opposite direction. Their design chiefs must be fired if they haven't yet! Because it has gone too long when even the Mini and BMW entusiasts hate the new design language, and that should be the most important parameter (or WARNING) for a company to learn from! And NO, you can not get used to a ugly car. I have never understood this sense. You cannot force yourself to like something new, just because you use to like the previous ones!
Great review. I have very mixed feelings about the look of the dash. Usually, I think a Mini dash is childish looking, not whimsical. Besides the cheap looking heads-up and the gimmicky round lcd, it’s an improvement here as far as “form”/looks. BUT, no hard buttons/toggles. The “function” quotient is a big fail.
the countryman S is 41K at dealer and X1 at 47K at dealer(before tax and fees in usa) is there really a 7 K worth of diff consider drive tran is the same and package as well?
People love to cry and or love to complain. Personally I like the fresh gen and this gen. The second gen just looked awful but anyways it's opinions right
I just traded in my Countryman S All4 after 4.5 months. The seats are initially comfortable but after an hour is nor so much because you feel every wrinkle in the road. On shorter trips not much of an issue. After 6000 miles of driving, the ride became more harsh so, after several hours driving, it got very tiring. I don’t know how long you drove it. The all important software in the “big eye” is still very glitchy and, in my case, subject to shutting down while driving at the most inappropriate times. MINImUSAvwere not very helpful. I wanted to love this car, but maybe in a year or two it will be better, but also even more expensive!
I've actually seen a couple versions of the JCW that I actually like the exterior styling, not sure if you could spec a S model somewhat similar. Was also hoping for a PHEV version.....maybe that's coming?
@@lolotus4borderless Yeah I like the red roof with red door mirror caps but I can't seem to get that spec (in Canada at least). Only way is if I have red on red, which I don't want.
I agree the exterior is bland. The interior is a triumph of style over function. At nearly 3800 lbs, this Mini has just gotten too big. At this price and size, there are better alternatives.
My friend just bought the 2024 x2, she loves it. I’m curious what you think of the x2’s CR average reliability, same as the 25 countryman, do you know of it being problematic? Is it because of the IBS recall !?!
A couple things...the HUD is worthless.....I have the same HUD in my Mazda CX 3....totally worthless. Mini should have put in a doggy window on the rear hatch. Finally, Mini made a horrible mistake killing the Clubman.....huge mistake!
It’s not boring at all. That’s the point. The competitor cars they showed are all boring design wise, with the possible exception of the Volvo. This gen Countryman is just a bigger and more practically sized version of the previous gen. It does have some downsides though, as a recent owner. 😞
That is NOT a Mini anymore! I hate their new interior design language. Especially the Mini itself. Interior looks cheap! Chrome and leather traded for cloth and plastic! Especially the cloth dashes and seats. Miss the rich leather seats with the thick oval headrest that were super comfortable. And dont get me started on the rolling arcade of a cartoon disk in the middle now! 🤮
This review disappoints me. I know you don’t like giving negative reviews and at the start I thought you were going there on this - ugly, strange interior and controls, bad infotainment, jerky transmission, noisy, too big for a Mini. Yet around halfway through you do a 180 on it and seem to love things that are problematic and praise them as features. I do not like this vehicle at all because it’s weird for the sake of being weird. But in the questions you pick it over the XT4. Really? They are totally different classes of vehicles that don’t seem to compete. I don’t get it. I’m very confused by this review.
Own one JCW trim. I would have never purchased it on a test drive, it takes 150 miles to comprehend the vehicle. NOT FOR NEw DRIVERS. What it is - fast and nimble - quirky but funny - infotainment takes a learning curb but well designed overall - rather practical, well packaged - be ready to experience 1st generation teething - if it comes with summer tires invest in a winter set or pass winter in a garage. What it is not - plush and comfy - boring 😊 - cheap😢 - logical and comparable to other vehicle, just start from ground zero with an open mind or buy a reasonable car, they have plenty out there. - comparable to former Minis, looks like those are now looking for a completely different clientele. Hope this helps
Nothing cheap about the head a display. The reason it has a small screen is due to the upright windscreen, it makes it impossible for BMW to put a conventional head up display in. I’m sure once you know the reason for it you will get over your hang up about it. I’ve been using it my wife’s car for about 5 years, mine has a conventional one and I have no problem with the Mini’s set up. It’s actually a very clever solution…
Ironically, I quite love the exterior looks. Unique and modern and yet with the MINI iconic looks.
You guys put a lot of effort in these videos. Highly appreciated!
I went and drove every vehicle in your competitive list recently, and added the Mazda CX50 as well. The Mini stood out in so many ways it’s hard to know where to start. Yes, it’s a little odd looking at first, but it grew on me really quickly. The interior is also different than any of the others, but again it grew on me. I love the simplistic and clean feel overall, and it’s really comfortable…tons of cool tech. But what really hooked me was the way it drives. Non of the others even came close to that fun, sporty yet super comfortable feeling. I went to the extreme and ordered the JCW with the 20” JCW flag spoke wheels. The JCW takes the fun feel of the “S” and just amplifies it. The JCW drives like a race car…exceptional torque and tight feeling, sporty handling…it’s a blast to drive. The final thought is the quality of everything on this car is amazing. Nothing rattles or buzzes, every gap on the exterior is perfect, and the paint job (I got the melting silver metallic) is flawless. I found that the overall quality felt even a little better than what I found on the X1. Anyway…just love my Countryman JCW. Very happy owner…
Great Reviews as always guys, As an owner of the 2023 mini countryman All 4 S, The new interior I think is a step down,playing either that center stack while driving is a distraction for sure plus the lack of knobs and that lack of gear shifter is a cheap upgrade on the interior. Plus after a few years how to you clean that fabric interior after it gets dirty ! Hard plastics on the dash with the out of touch pricing might make this a hard sell for past mini buyers. All the best to you both& jack, let’s keep the subscribers coming! Evan, From NY
As a recent owner, it’s form over function in the interior. Maybe it will improve in refreshes. I disagree with Zack, I like the shape of it. Beauty. Beholder. It looks odd to North American eyes.
The exterior size of this mini got me thinking…. Mini dimensions L175” W72” H65”, 1984 Chrysler Minivan L176” W70” H64”. Thanks for the review team! 👍
Lol, sounds more like a Maxi 😊 I wonder how the weights compare?
🤣Good catch. That's really funny.
@@jamespaul2587 I was curious too, so I did some digging. Can’t find first generation minivan, but second generation is 3300 lbs. Countryman is 3777 lbs.
@gregholloway2656 thanks, that's quite scary, and I guess it reflects how much "more robust" people are now 😊
I really like the way this looks
Traded my 2017 Countryman S for the 2025. Drives a lot different with the size increase but still better than most compact SUV and loving the extra power with the 7 speed DCT. Certain color combinations look better than others, black roof helps. I'm surprised no mention of the massage seats, that is what sold me. I really enjoyed watching.
I was on the Miniusa site and did not see massage seats. Is that a JCW or EV thing?
@@noboringcars1227 its on the S, idk why they (miniUSA) do not mentjon it ANYWHERE, and idk if you need to get the Iconic trim or the comfort package, but it has massage seats. A few other reviwers have pointed it out while testing the 2025 Mini Countryman S All4.
(Edit: im sure theres a way to turn them on regardess of "expeirence mode" but apparently if you put the vehicle in to "balanced" itll auto turn on the massage seats and close the sunroof cover)
@@Plague_Rat778 I just bought the 2025 Countryman and you are correct! It has massaging seats for your back, only. It comes with the Iconic and you can activate it a couple ways. Any time you adjust the lumbar it will ask if you want massage! Very cool but it didn’t seem that great when i tried it.
@@noboringcars1227 fair enough. Tbh it'd probably be nice after doing a few hours on a road trip, but I could be wrong. I hope to get one in a few years (so they can work out any bugs from the first few batches of the re-design) how are you liking it so far?
The size is a winner. An adventure trim would work well with the countryman.
I don't even own a car nor i need to own one anytime soon because i love riding bicycles but i love watching your car reviews!
The teenage description is perfect. It's like it wants to be a 'real' SUV but it just looks like a hatchback that lifted weights and took steroids😅
Great review! I had ruled out Mini’s because they were behind on tech and modern features. These new ones are finally tuned up near the BMW specs of their BMW engines. I also think the price is reasonable. I am looking at Tucson Hybrid Limited trims and they are about the same price. What was big for me is for the first time ever they come with tow hitches and 3500lb of towing (as mentioned). That’s a big deal if you hang bikes off the back or you want to pull a small camper or trailer. The looks to me are nondescript middle of the road, now but that’s okay. The interiors are really special and unusual colors that I like. Glad to hear it still has a sport drive. I just put it on my list to look at.
I got this beauty, now im here to watch this video. I've been waiting for you guys to cover it. It's a great car. I love it!
Man I just saw an original Mini drive by me in downtown Toronto. I think this thing is 2 minis maybe more. LOL. IT’S HUGE.
Totally agree with you guys regarding the look. Mini has totally lost their idendity with the new design language. The old countryman and clubman were such a pretty cars, but this one is just ugly!
FUGLY more like it!
It's no longer a Mini, it's just a straight up BMW
@@calebwany8422 So true! 😢
It sure is UgLy 😂. I had a 2016 Countryman for 8 yrs. That was a FuN MINI! Drove it all over the USA.
For the price they are asking, they should have resolved the wind noise problem from the prior generations. Not a fan of the slab side look for this. It's more Range Rover, especially from the hatch view. MINI is supposed to not take itself seriously. This one does.
I have a 2024 Countryman, and don't have any wind noise problems.
For some reason, I am not comfortable to drive it because of the size but it’s perfect on city driving that was it. Interior is not bad. I feel maybe the electric would help. Great show Andrea! 👍🏻👍🏻☕️☕️
Smokey Green is lovely.
I saw one not that long ago. I really liked the look. Would never buy the smaller Minis. Would consider this one though.
None of these cars should have screens replacing buttons and knobs that can be operated without looking at them.
While it doesn’t embody the original Mini ethos, it is relatively agile and quick and can function as a family vehicle. We have the related X1 which we find to be fun and functional.
We were looking for a car. We randomly stopped at MINI. We didn’t think much of it..THENNNN WE DROVE IT!!!! OMG IT WAS AMAZING!… The price? Not so amazing with an 8.49%APR. 😬 Terrible storage. But it’s a MINI. ❤
8.49... you got robbed or your credit is garbage. Over the last 5 years i have had no issues getting less than 5%
@@Hallowsaw No credit issues thankfully. That’s just what was being offered in September. But compared to everyone we saw that day Mini was the highest APR.
B48 engine for the win. Have it in our 21 BMW 330i Xdrive M-sport. Underrated power because it's BMW.
it still sounds like a rattly 4 cylinder. no getting around that. decent mileage though. just too much to pay for this.
Engine sound is synthetic.
Been looking forward to this video, if to see why it's so big and what it's got going for it too? 🎉
Oh Zack I had a blue interior with a matching roof on my silver Porsche Boxster beauty! And I just remembered 80 something white Mustang had a blue interior. 😁
I personally like the new look, but maybe that's just me.
Previous Gen look much more Mini. This looks like an 80’s computer game 16 bit design.
It’s fugly. I drive a 2010 Mini. No bells or whistles. It’s great. One thing about BMW, they sure know how to mess up a brand.
The JCW is the best. More horse power and torque. Black with a red roof.
Good info here. Friend is contemplating this or Q3
Why do car manufacturers get rid of a traditional shifter?
The screen should use the Eye of Sauron for a screen saver
It's like Mini design team were seating in a meeting and discussing: "Ok, guys. Too many people find our current Countryman and Clubman models very beautiful, and even those who aren't Mini entusiasts react positively when they see our cars in the streets. So the challenge now is HOW we can make our cars uglier so that even Mini entusiasts run away from our brand?!?"
I mean seriously, most of the car design in decades become better and better. But Mini and BMW go the opposite direction. Their design chiefs must be fired if they haven't yet! Because it has gone too long when even the Mini and BMW entusiasts hate the new design language, and that should be the most important parameter (or WARNING) for a company to learn from!
And NO, you can not get used to a ugly car. I have never understood this sense. You cannot force yourself to like something new, just because you use to like the previous ones!
Great review. I have very mixed feelings about the look of the dash. Usually, I think a Mini dash is childish looking, not whimsical. Besides the cheap looking heads-up and the gimmicky round lcd, it’s an improvement here as far as “form”/looks. BUT, no hard buttons/toggles. The “function” quotient is a big fail.
Love me a dual clutch transmission. When done right, they simply can’t be beat in my book.
Gets awful crowded under the dash with two clutch petals
@@billurban1581 🤣
It sounds nice!
The engine sound is thru the speakers. BMW did a good job with it though.
@@angusmacdonald5300 A lot of cars have piped in sound. It is nicer than most though.
the countryman S is 41K at dealer and X1 at 47K at dealer(before tax and fees in usa) is there really a 7 K worth of diff consider drive tran is the same and package as well?
Thanks for sharing. It doesn't look like MINI to me anymore... Btw, the new XC90 is coming and it does look so pretty will you review it?
We will review it for sure!
I think you guys are great when you do the 123 model choice call out. I got a lot out of this video but still wondering how young are you guys?
I miss the manual
People love to cry and or love to complain. Personally I like the fresh gen and this gen. The second gen just looked awful but anyways it's opinions right
Yeah, I like all minis ❤
@@OkayJose same, the style was weird at first. But compared to the 2nd gen it's way better. First gen was also great to
I just traded in my Countryman S All4 after 4.5 months. The seats are initially comfortable but after an hour is nor so much because you feel every wrinkle in the road. On shorter trips not much of an issue. After 6000 miles of driving, the ride became more harsh so, after several hours driving, it got very tiring. I don’t know how long you drove it. The all important software in the “big eye” is still very glitchy and, in my case, subject to shutting down while driving at the most inappropriate times. MINImUSAvwere not very helpful.
I wanted to love this car, but maybe in a year or two it will be better, but also even more expensive!
I was bewitched by the design and, for sure, it’s fun to drive, but there is a lot of form over function.
When do they release the Suburban competitor?
The Center circle thingy….naw…just ruin the inside of the car. The designers missed it on that one.
I ordered the same car in the same colors. The motormouth's will get used to the design.
Mini ? Maybe they should call it the Maxi
@@copaloadofthis Pad? 🤣
😂😂😂
Andrea, Green and Blue shirt IS Teal color ❤😊 Better Have the Cadillac CT4😊, instead 😉 🇺🇸🇨🇦.
I've actually seen a couple versions of the JCW that I actually like the exterior styling, not sure if you could spec a S model somewhat similar. Was also hoping for a PHEV version.....maybe that's coming?
Yes you can spec it 98% similar without the engine and badge however
@@lolotus4borderless Yeah I like the red roof with red door mirror caps but I can't seem to get that spec (in Canada at least). Only way is if I have red on red, which I don't want.
I just can't get past the looks of this thing. I guess if you like the unique look of the AMC Pacer, you'll like this?
If you think this looks like the Pacer you should see the new little Rivian R3. Schwing! 😂
@@d2mini the only thing that remotely looks like the Pacer is the Porsche 928 and that would be after a lot of drinking
2022's sell for about $33K on Autotrader, Considering this about $50-55K plus tax, i don't like the resale value proposition on this vehicle.
They lost me with the turbo engine and dual clutch transmission.
Why? It's an excellent engine and transmission. Ultra smooth with perfect shifts
It’s better looking in person but the interior has changed for the worse.
Is it really a 5 adult seater ?
More like a 2 1/2
I should say i dont understand that for a 2025 we still have these …… yesterday’s hud technology
there is a lot they cheaped out on in this version. Pity. They seemed to be heading in a better direction with the last gen.
I agree the exterior is bland. The interior is a triumph of style over function. At nearly 3800 lbs, this Mini has just gotten too big. At this price and size, there are better alternatives.
My friend just bought the 2024 x2, she loves it. I’m curious what you think of the x2’s CR average reliability, same as the 25 countryman, do you know of it being problematic? Is it because of the IBS recall !?!
Should I trade in my 2018 Clubman for this ??? !!!
Wait for the 26
A couple things...the HUD is worthless.....I have the same HUD in my Mazda CX 3....totally worthless. Mini should have put in a doggy window on the rear hatch. Finally, Mini made a horrible mistake killing the Clubman.....huge mistake!
The Mini was a cool little fun car. This is an angry appliance. Boring. What is the point.
It’s not boring at all. That’s the point. The competitor cars they showed are all boring design wise, with the possible exception of the Volvo. This gen Countryman is just a bigger and more practically sized version of the previous gen. It does have some downsides though, as a recent owner. 😞
The exterior is fine. The interior is a deal breaker. Someone was trying way too hard. No thanks.
That is NOT a Mini anymore! I hate their new interior design language. Especially the Mini itself. Interior looks cheap! Chrome and leather traded for cloth and plastic! Especially the cloth dashes and seats. Miss the rich leather seats with the thick oval headrest that were super comfortable. And dont get me started on the rolling arcade of a cartoon disk in the middle now! 🤮
👍👍👍👍👍
Hummm, looks like a BMW motor...just saw a X2 review and everything is the same except the badging.
Same platform
I don't like the round screen
This review disappoints me. I know you don’t like giving negative reviews and at the start I thought you were going there on this - ugly, strange interior and controls, bad infotainment, jerky transmission, noisy, too big for a Mini. Yet around halfway through you do a 180 on it and seem to love things that are problematic and praise them as features. I do not like this vehicle at all because it’s weird for the sake of being weird. But in the questions you pick it over the XT4. Really? They are totally different classes of vehicles that don’t seem to compete. I don’t get it. I’m very confused by this review.
"Park by feel" 🤣
I’ll pass, not my style, great review
The screen is so laggy
No Buy
unfortunately only the name is now Mini 😂
Own one JCW trim.
I would have never purchased it on a test drive, it takes 150 miles to comprehend the vehicle. NOT FOR NEw DRIVERS.
What it is
- fast and nimble
- quirky but funny
- infotainment takes a learning curb but well designed overall
- rather practical, well packaged
- be ready to experience 1st generation teething
- if it comes with summer tires invest in a winter set or pass winter in a garage.
What it is not
- plush and comfy
- boring 😊
- cheap😢
- logical and comparable to other vehicle, just start from ground zero with an open mind or buy a reasonable car, they have plenty out there.
- comparable to former Minis, looks like those are now looking for a completely different clientele.
Hope this helps
BMW Group should get a new head designer a.s.a.p. this looks horrible!!! 🧐😵💫
Grest review. Way too pricy for a Mini against all the other brands.
Too big to be called a Mini.
Not liking this and Mini reliability is terrible. I would never buy a Mini.
My wife wants to know what shoes you’re wearing?
I bought them in New York, they are Steve Madden.
Nothing cheap about the head a display. The reason it has a small screen is due to the upright windscreen, it makes it impossible for BMW to put a conventional head up display in. I’m sure once you know the reason for it you will get over your hang up about it. I’ve been using it my wife’s car for about 5 years, mine has a conventional one and I have no problem with the Mini’s set up. It’s actually a very clever solution…
Right on
Naaaa, I'll pass
This is biggie
It tends to be glitchy
Absolutely not.
Looks like a kia
Bently and range rover combined😅
Nope!
very ugly indeed!
This car is so ugly, you could push the front end in dough and make gorilla cookies
Beauty. Beholder.