You’ve probably heard enough of the whole “Mini isn’t so Mini anymore” thing, so we’ll get straight to the point: The new Mini countryman JCW is a darn good time, albeit one you pay dearly for. Now in its third generation, this U25 model shares its underpinnings with the BMW X1 yet brings a vibe and driving experience totally its own to the party. Is it a good car, and is it a good Mini?

The details

Mini calls the 2025 Countryman JCW (John Cooper Works) “The Mightiest Mini,” and that reigns true in both power and size. The 2025 Mini Countryman JCW has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes  312 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It sends power through a 7-speed “Steptronic” automatic gearbox and then to all for tires via Mini’s ALL4 AWD system. sits at around 175” long and weighs just over 3,800 pounds. Mini says it’s a “high-performance compact SUV,” capable of running from 0-60 MPH in 5.2 seconds while averaging 26 MPG.

Inside, it gets the new MINI Operating System 9 that brings all of the gauge functionality to the center screen in traditional Mini fashion. This infotainment houses things like CarPlay and the mode selector, which even has a tacky-yet-fun Go-Kart Mode. There’s seven other modes to choose from, while the sport seats have fixed headrests to let you know this Countryman is serious. Or at least wants to be.

“Mightiest Mini” goes for the money factor, too. The base price of the car seen here runs $46,900. Options were the Iconic Trim ($2,400) Comfort Package Max ($900), 20” wheels ($600), and upgraded brakes ($500). When all is said and done, the car runs $51,995 with Destination. As an overall experience it feels worth the price: It’s quick, well built, and inimitable. Break each component down though and it begins to be a bit of a harder sell.

The Countryman JCW isn’t the fastest or most agile thing out there, but it’s a rip-roaring good time. You can’t help but have fun driving it despite the ride being needlessly stiff, the engine shouting boost noises at every conceivable chance it gets, and the power so peaky that the car manages to torque steer in second and even third gear when you roll hard into the throttle or goose it when exiting a turn. This isn’t the kind of car that makes you want to leave the house explicitly to go for a drive; instead, it just makes going from place to place a little more joyful.

ChatGPT’s “Requirements for a Good Mini”

Longing for a different way to review cars and seeking to match Mini’s plea to keep up with modern times, we succumbed to today’s tech and asked ChatGPT to describe the qualities that make for a Mini. Here’s what the AI generator came up with, and in italics our responses describing if we feel the 2025 Countryman JCW fits the mold.

“1. Compact Design

• Minis are renowned for their small, efficient size, making them perfect for urban environments. Their compact dimensions allow for easy maneuverability and parking in tight spaces. Not anymore, but there’s already multiple reviews-turned-dissertations lamenting the ballooning of the size of the Mini. At least it’s still not what Americans would call big.

2. Distinctive Style

• A Mini is instantly recognizable with its retro-modern design. Features like a rounded body, contrasting roof colors, circular headlights, and a bold grille give it a classic yet contemporary appeal. A resounding yes. The 2025 Countryman JCW doesn’t look like anything else on the road despite being roughly the same size as so many other vehicles out there.

3. Go-Kart-Like Handling

• Minis are celebrated for their sporty driving dynamics. Their low center of gravity and responsive steering provide an exhilarating “go-kart” feel, making driving fun and engaging. It has Go-Kart Mode, so that should tell the story… right? The Countryman JCW is absolutely a willing partner on a back road, though the famous phrase has become an advertising term more than anything. To be clear: The Countryman JCW’s handling cannot and should not be likened to that of a go-kart.

4. Customization Options

• Mini offers extensive customization, allowing buyers to personalize their cars with various paint colors, roof designs, upholstery, wheels, and more. This individuality is a hallmark of the Mini brand. There’s combinations galore. The black-over-black of the press car isn’t particularly endearing, but there’s plenty of other color options to spice it up.

5. Premium Build Quality

• While small, Minis are built with high-quality materials and often feature premium finishes, making them feel luxurious despite their size. This is somewhat the case. The press car’s build quality was solid, and everything felt tightly put together, but the material choices in some places displayed very evident cost-cutting.

6. Efficient Performance

• Minis typically offer a range of efficient yet powerful engine options, striking a balance between performance and fuel economy. Even the entry-level models feel peppy. 

7. Quirky Interior Design

• The interior of a Mini often mirrors its exterior charm, featuring unique design elements like a large circular central display, toggle switches, and creative use of space. Oh, yes. While the exterior isn’t what many would call “attractive,” the interior is quirky and endearing. A backlight dashboard highlights the show, yet there’s interesting details abound like fabric where the steering wheel’s bottom spoke would be as well in place of the traditional plastic lever used to open a center console. There’s also a new virtual assistant in the infotainment screen which– love it or hate it– is in fact quirky.

8. Practicality Despite Size

• Despite being compact, Minis are cleverly designed to maximize interior space, offering decent cargo room and versatile seating configurations. This is the plight of the Countryman: While Coopers feel bigger on the inside than they look on the outside, the Countryman feels the opposite.

9. Brand Heritage

• Originally launched in 1959 by the British Motor Corporation, the Mini has a rich history. It became an icon of 1960s British culture and continues to evoke nostalgia while staying relevant. Despite this car being as much BMW as it is its own thing, they do manage to carry the brand heritage through the modern Minis.

10. Tech-Savvy Features

• Modern Minis are equipped with advanced technology, including infotainment systems, navigation, driver assistance features, and smartphone integration. Nothing technologically groundbreaking to write home about in the case of the Countryman JCW.

11. Community and Lifestyle Appeal

• Owning a Mini often feels like joining a community. Mini enthusiasts share a sense of pride in their cars, often participating in events like Mini rallies and meet-ups. Checkmate.

In essence, a Mini is much more than just a car—it’s a statement of style, a fun driving experience, and a nod to automotive history.”

So there you have it, our debate with ChatGPT over whether the 2025 Mini Countryman JCW is in fact a good Mini. While we won’t under any circumstances praise it as being a fantastic car– the price-to-performance ratio doesn’t play to its favor and it neither dances like a Cooper nor hauls like the SUV they advertise it as– there’s no denying the Countryman JCW has a certain charm and lightheartedness to it. We do worry that this is the furthest Mini should go on the front of taking itself too seriously, as from here there’s a load of competition with sharper teeth and a stronger right hook out there. As-is, it’s a great car for those who want something fun and with a unique flair; just don’t expect perfection.

Yay

• Fun interior that’s unlike anything else in the class
• Drives smaller than it is
• Size makes it usable every day for a family
• Makes good noises

Nay

• Could use more power
• Transmission is slow relative that what others in the class offer
• Torque steer even despite AWD
• Price creep means the material quality is mismatched with the dollar figure

The Takeaway

You don’t buy the 2025 Mini Countryman JCW for its on-paper stats or specs; instead, and to make sense, this is a small crossover that needs to be driven, lived with, and looked at without full consideration for other vehicles in the class. Even though it doesn’t win the numbers game, the Countryman JCW still manages to make each drive more fun… just like a Mini is meant to.