Mini's––ahem––mini-sized SUV may not be so small anymore. Debuting alongside the redesigned Cooper hatchback, the Mini Countryman has entered its third generation, bringing a stretched wheelbase, a fresh design, and a choice of two electric powertrains to go alongside the existing gas and diesel options.

The 2025 Countryman grows by as much as 5 inches compared to the previous generation, measuring 174.5 inches in total. The SUV is also wider and taller than before, lending it a more capable appearance than its predecessors.

Much like the new Cooper, the Countryman adds larger wheels that range from 17 to 20 inches, along with cleaned-up bodywork that features fewer lines. Adorning the Countryman's face is a new octagonal grille, and while the actual front intake is around the same size and shape as before, a new octagonal frame houses a large chunk of paint-colored bodywork. The headlights now feature a squarer shape, and sit higher on the SUV's widened hood. The Countryman's stretched side profile is decorated with a vibrant floating roof, which adds an interesting C-pillar trim piece that varies in appearance depending on trim. At the rear, the Matrix LED taillights have been thinned out, though their discinctive Union Jack graphics remain in a subtler form. Other design elements include chunkier front and rear fenders, thinner plastic cladding, and new flush door handles. It's also worth noting the Countryman's lack of chrome detailing on the exterior, a decision that stems from environmental concerns.

Stepping inside reveals a tastefully simple interior, which is not dissimilar to the one found in the latest Cooper. The Countryman's stylish interior design results from the brand getting creative with eco-friendly materials, as Mini says the door cards and floor mats consist of recycled polyester, while the glitter-like two-tone pattern on the upper door panels is made using a special knitting process. The dashboard is available in a multitude of unique textile designs on most trims, which feature their own integrated ambient lighting patterns.

Mounted centrally on the dashboard is a new 9.4-inch rounded OLED display, which combines the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system into a single circular panel. The crisp display houses Mini Operating System 9, the brand's playful new Android-based software. It includes an AI-based virtual assistant, which comes in the form of an adorable dog named Spike, along with eight Experience Modes that pair with the car's dazzling ambient lighting. With the gauges integrated into the Countryman's central screen, the space behind the steering wheel is devoid of any displays, but buyers can opt for a head-up display to keep things familiar.

Physical controls are minimal, as even the climate controls are housed inside the Countryman's central display. However, you can still find the volume knob, start/stop function, gear selector, parking brake, and experience mode selector within the SUV's oval-shaped toggle bar. Other practical features include enlarged cupholders, a pouch exclusively made for smartphones, and an available storage area within the SUV's center tunnel.

For larger cargo, people included, the Countryman's notable growth spurt means you can fit more of them than ever. In fact, Mini calls the redesigned SUV its most spacious model yet. The rear seats can slide forward or rearward by as much as 5.1 inches, allowing owners to expand rear passenger room or the cargo area based on their needs. Rear seat passengers can also adjust the seatbacks in six different positions, and shoulder room has increased by around an inch in both the front and back. Human beings aside, other cargo can be stuffed into the spacious rear cargo area, which now measures between 16.2 and 51.2 cubic feet.

While the Countryman retains its gas powertrain, it also adds fully electric power for the first time. The all-electric Countryman is available in two different powertrains, which include the Countryman E and Countryman SE ALL4. The former uses a single, front-mounted electric motor making 201 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, with a WLTP range of up to 287 miles. This setup gets the SUV from 0-62 mph in a leisurely 8.6 seconds. Meanwhile, the latter option adds an additional motor to the rear axle, which in turn produces a much more powerful 308 hp and 364 lb-ft of torque from its AWD setup, lowering the SUV's 0-62 mph time to a more acceptable 5.6 seconds. Range does take a hit, though, as it drops to 269 miles for the SE ALL4 model. While Mini didn't mention battery capacities, it did say that all Countryman EVs can charge at up to 22 kW with an AC charger and up to 130 kW when using a DC fast charger.

The electric Countryman will be available in four different trim levels––Essential, Classic, Favoured, and JCW––which mirror the latest Cooper EV. The entry-level Essential starts things off with black multitone textile sports seats, while moving up to the Classic trim switches out the base two-spoke steering wheel with a three-spoke one, which uses a stylish textile strap for its third spoke. The Favoured model adds Dark Petrol finish to the interior, along with contrast stitching and embroidered Mini emblems for the sports seats. At the top of the Countryman EV lineup sits the JCW, which serves as a sporty appearance package that mirrors the high-performance John Cooper Works variant. It features a unique front fascia on the outside, along with multitone knitted textile sports seats with tweaked lateral support on the inside, paired with black synthetic leather upholstery and red contrast stitching.

The Mini Countryman will begin arriving for European customers by the end of 2023, which matches the expected launch date for the new Cooper. Meanwhile, U.S. customers should expect to see the new Minis sometime in 2024. A smaller crossover called the Aceman is set to join them later that year.

What do you think of Mini's revamped lineup?

Image Credits: Mini