For those of you looking for something a little bit different, the 2025 Mini Countryman JCW might just be up your alley. Mini is synonymous with small, fun-to-drive cars, but things are a little bit different in 2025. Cars keep getting bigger and more expensive, including this latest-generation Countryman, so we’re seeing if this John Cooper Works-tuned version retains its standing as a family friendly compact crossover that’s more interesting and fun-to-drive than the rest.
What’s new for 2025?
Taking in the Countryman JCW for the first time might be a bit of a shock. Most people think a Mini is supposed to be small, but the Countryman is the largest Mini ever, especially compared to the standard Cooper. This isn’t an accident: this third-generation Countryman shares its underpinnings with the BMW X1 and X2, meaning it grows in every dimension. For those who like Mini styling but want more usable space, the redesigned Countryman is much roomier, comfortable, and capable than before despite being considered a “subcompact” crossover. Compared to the standard Countryman, JCW versions have more aggressive-looking front and rear fascias, a busier checkered flag front grille design, unique wheels and two-tone paint that add to the racy design, and quad exhaust tips that hint at the extra bit of sportiness.
Interior design, comfort, and cargo space
Inside, four adults can sit comfortably with more than enough room for their heads, shoulders, and legs thanks to the Countryman’s increased dimensions overall. The 9.4-inch touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard takes some getting used to—it relays all information you need and controls most functions, but activating some functions require surfing through multiple menus and some smaller icons might be difficult to locate and tap at speed. The heads-up display—a little plastic piece that rises from in front of the driver, rather than being projected directly onto the windshield—looks cheap for a $50,000-plus vehicle, and the lack of standard heated rear seats at this price point is a no-no.
The 2025 Mini Countryman JCW makes up for most of our complaints with good fit-and-finish and unique materials throughout. The cloth dashboard trim and steering wheel spoke add to the Mini’s quirky personality, and the placement of the wireless phone charger is perfectly sized, easily accessible, and actually keeps my phone in place during spirited driving. The added dimensions means cargo space is plentiful, rated at 707 L with the seats up and 1,591 when folded.
How does the 2025 Countryman JCW drive?
Under the hood, the Countryman John Cooper Works is powered by BMW’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, known as the B48. It produces 312 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque—11 more horsepower than last year, but torque is down 36 pound-feet. Still, the Countryman JCW felt punchy and quick. Matched with the standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system, it sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. Shifts are quick and power is plentiful; there’s a hint of turbo lag off the line and the synthesized exhaust note under aggressive driving isn’t for everyone, but they’re not deal-breakers.
The Countryman JCW handles as you would expect a Mini would, even at this size. It feels athletic and nimble, and the all-wheel-drive effectively manages power to all four wheels. This being the JCW model, it rides harsher than the standard Countryman, but that is to be expected. Make no mistake, the Countryman JCW is a properly fun crossover that can eat up twisty roads without breaking a sweat.
Final thoughts
At $57,690 before destination fees, taxes, and anything else, the 2025 Mini Countryman JCW isn’t for everyone. I don’t mean that with any disrespect—there are more practical and more powerful crossovers out there for less money, and if you want a BMW, the X1 and X2 aren’t much more money. But Minis are for those who want something different from the norm. Sure, the infotainment display and controls are a bit fussy, but the driving dynamics and fun design choices should result in smiles all around.
