We just bought one several weeks ago, and so far it's been very enjoyable to drive! It has quite a bit of giddyup and is extremely roomy inside compared to how compact it looks from the outside. The heads-up display is a nice touch, the sound system is really solid, and the pricing was quite competitive. The overall fun factor definitely makes the Mini Countryman S ALL4 a vehicle worth checking out. 🤙🏼
Mini has used that style of heads up display for years. So, it’s probably not an afterthought, though it may look like one. Also, due to the angle of Mini windshields, projecting a heads up display is challenging.
Just listened to the podcast version. You guys are spot on with a few comments and way out to lunch on most of your review. Agree that it has lost some of it’s Mini DNA. I’m actually not a fan of the exterior looks and do miss all the toggle switches on the interior. And can’t believe they got rid of the BMW shortcut numbered buttons to anything you want (Navi, Sat, FM, Phone call, etc…). That said, they did a great job, IMO with the car. First, the HUD is a carry over from the last generation, so it wasn’t something they decided to add last minute when they moved everything to the center screen as you suggested. And, having had both types of HUDs (built in to the windshield and the pop up on my 2023 Mini Cooper Countryman S All4), I prefer the pop up…had the built in version on my Q7 and when you need a windshield replacement on those, it’s $$$$$$. And I love the comment from one of you sarcastically saying that you had to use it a bunch because the center screen is in the center…no kidding…that’s why it’s there! Second, you guys need to learn to drive a DCT. This tranny is right up there in my books with my BMW ZF tranny. Not as good as my previous Porsche PDK (but what is?). You just need to know how to use the throttle to find the right points for each mode. I can’t recall when I’ve thought (why is it in that gear?). I find mine works very well in the Sport Mode and the Economy mode (surprisingly)…doesn’t work well in the regular mode. Agreed with the stop/start, but once you get used to the car and drive it every day, it’s pretty easy to get used to. Interior center storage/stack is much more useful now which his a nice upgrade. Seats are excellent. Sound system is outstanding! It’s just a Harmon Kardon, but it’s the best iteration of an HK that I’ve listened to. In the end, if you want a mini cooper driving experience, you need to buy the smaller versions (there are plenty to choose from)…I look at this new mini as more of a luxury CRV (though smaller than the current CRV, it’s akin to the size from a couple of gens ago when it was a “right-sized” car). So, you get a BMW for 12K less. LOL…you guys were funny about the cameras…definitely sound like an “older” generation…sorry to let you know, but there are cameras covering pretty much every mile of anywhere you spend time in public…All in all, if you don’t need something as big as a CRV, don’t care for the HRV, or the Toyota equivalent, and want that size with more luxury, this is the car for you. If you drive it some more and get used to how to use the DCT, you’ll find yourself using it more…I drive mine daily in DC and it’s awesome. Test drove the 2025 and was pleasantly impressed.
In America this is an only 4 wheel drive car. In Europe we have front wheel drive versions under the Mini C in Classic, Elegance and Sport. The Sport we have which has the same exterior as the JCW. The front wheel versions feel more like a regular Mini (we have owned 5 Mini cars). I listened to your video and it was like you were talking about a totally different car to the one we own. We’re not experiencing any issues with the auto gear box it’s as if the European setup is different. The driving experiences are admittedly confusing but we find the Core screen is great for everyday use. We did have a minor software glitch where the spoken satnav stated the language was not supported. This was quickly resolved over the air by Mini. One thing I find annoying is the head up display does not show the turn indicator you have to look at the central display taking your eyes off of the road. Also heating controls are at least a double tap to change on the central display which is distracting for drivers and should be adjustable from the Home Screen by sliding the temperature bar. Overall we’re really happy with the car and think some of your complaints petty and picky.
25 years ago, a large Florida dealer told me to call the added fees anything I wanted to because at that very moment, the total of all of it is what they will accept for the car. If market adjusted value sounds better than vin etching, rust coating, clear coat protection, etc, just call it that.
Every auto manufacturer (and electronics manufacturer) thinks they’re entitled to all your personal information. Now they want to monitor where you go, what you do and use audio and video to monitor drivers. It is illegal and unconstitutional. And Congress must put a stop to it with strong laws that include civil and CRIMINAL penalties.
Just upgraded from the 22 Countryman to the 25, my 22 was great and will miss some features but the new mini is more practical with it’s cargo space, utilization of interior space, easier to keep clean inside (less crevices), and awesome infusion of technology keeping the Mini’s reputation as a fun car to ride. Talking cars was more like gossip and knit picking as opposed to providing the buyer with the facts of the mini. I understand some new learning with the tech but that is because it offers more technology than any other car. The ride other than some more horse power is not much different in my test drive than the 22 which once you got use to it was a very smooth ride.
Kelly is the only one who dressed like they seemed to know that they would be on camera today. Keith is channeling David Foster Wallace, and Joe just finished up some landscaping. Great review of a vehicle no one will buy.
Love my 2023 mini countryman All4 S with 15K on it , runs flawless! New model has different engine so you can run it on 89 instead of 81 or higher❤, but no screen in front of you now moved over, shifter a little weird with that new type of toggle switch, and fabric material on doors & dash, good luck trying to clean it when it’s dirty! I meant 89 octane instead of 91! I run mine on 93 shell runs like a top, I live right by the nj birder and the shell is the cheaper fuel at 3.95 a gallon as we speak!
This is rather disappointing. I had wanted a MINI for decades but read how unreliable they are. Reading Consumer Reports I saw for the past decade their reliability ratings got a lot higher. You even named MINI the 3rd most reliable brand. I took a chance and bought a 24 2-door hardtop. 6k miles and nearly a year later and I've not had one single problem. It's the most fun car I have ever owned. I hope the new 25 Cooper won't lose it's go-kart performance.
Exterior reminds me of a...googles...2009 Kia Sportage. Modern minis are actually quite large on the outside. The previous generation's design disguised their actual dimensions with cute styling cues. This one doesn't have that trick to play. Weird, I've never heard anyone complain about massage seats. I'd love if Talking Cars talked about cars later on in their testing cycle.
Per Doug deMuro, Mini is a dying brand. We've got one, but won't get another countryman. Too big, too expensive, not enough physical controls. Closing of a local dealership was the final nail in the coffin -- we won't drive 2-2.5 hours for service.
Beauty. Beholder. It’s just different from MINi Coopers - the 2nd Gen Countryman was different also. I think,they have done a great job with the body styling, but that’s personal taste.
yaaah, it's fine to have peeps like these as analysts or writing reports, but for presentation please get someone (or 2 people, 3 is always odd) with a bit more pizzazz and entertainment value. Decent info, but very yaaawwn.
The front of this car looks like a very early Rav4, which wasn't attractive. Those round headlights are the classic and identifying feature of a Mini and they took that away.
Republicans lower taxes but replace the taxes with fees. Taxes are put in by gobrrments and that irritatesviters, fees are just created and the consumer has no say but to pay.
We just bought one several weeks ago, and so far it's been very enjoyable to drive! It has quite a bit of giddyup and is extremely roomy inside compared to how compact it looks from the outside. The heads-up display is a nice touch, the sound system is really solid, and the pricing was quite competitive. The overall fun factor definitely makes the Mini Countryman S ALL4 a vehicle worth checking out. 🤙🏼
I agree - I have the Countryman S. It’s a small SUV. It’s not a tiny low slung MINI. They still have Coopers for people who want that.
Mini has used that style of heads up display for years. So, it’s probably not an afterthought, though it may look like one. Also, due to the angle of Mini windshields, projecting a heads up display is challenging.
Just listened to the podcast version. You guys are spot on with a few comments and way out to lunch on most of your review. Agree that it has lost some of it’s Mini DNA. I’m actually not a fan of the exterior looks and do miss all the toggle switches on the interior. And can’t believe they got rid of the BMW shortcut numbered buttons to anything you want (Navi, Sat, FM, Phone call, etc…).
That said, they did a great job, IMO with the car. First, the HUD is a carry over from the last generation, so it wasn’t something they decided to add last minute when they moved everything to the center screen as you suggested. And, having had both types of HUDs (built in to the windshield and the pop up on my 2023 Mini Cooper Countryman S All4), I prefer the pop up…had the built in version on my Q7 and when you need a windshield replacement on those, it’s $$$$$$. And I love the comment from one of you sarcastically saying that you had to use it a bunch because the center screen is in the center…no kidding…that’s why it’s there! Second, you guys need to learn to drive a DCT. This tranny is right up there in my books with my BMW ZF tranny. Not as good as my previous Porsche PDK (but what is?). You just need to know how to use the throttle to find the right points for each mode. I can’t recall when I’ve thought (why is it in that gear?). I find mine works very well in the Sport Mode and the Economy mode (surprisingly)…doesn’t work well in the regular mode. Agreed with the stop/start, but once you get used to the car and drive it every day, it’s pretty easy to get used to. Interior center storage/stack is much more useful now which his a nice upgrade. Seats are excellent. Sound system is outstanding! It’s just a Harmon Kardon, but it’s the best iteration of an HK that I’ve listened to. In the end, if you want a mini cooper driving experience, you need to buy the smaller versions (there are plenty to choose from)…I look at this new mini as more of a luxury CRV (though smaller than the current CRV, it’s akin to the size from a couple of gens ago when it was a “right-sized” car). So, you get a BMW for 12K less. LOL…you guys were funny about the cameras…definitely sound like an “older” generation…sorry to let you know, but there are cameras covering pretty much every mile of anywhere you spend time in public…All in all, if you don’t need something as big as a CRV, don’t care for the HRV, or the Toyota equivalent, and want that size with more luxury, this is the car for you. If you drive it some more and get used to how to use the DCT, you’ll find yourself using it more…I drive mine daily in DC and it’s awesome. Test drove the 2025 and was pleasantly impressed.
100% agree with your comments!
Outstanding comment
In America this is an only 4 wheel drive car. In Europe we have front wheel drive versions under the Mini C in Classic, Elegance and Sport. The Sport we have which has the same exterior as the JCW.
The front wheel versions feel more like a regular Mini (we have owned 5 Mini cars).
I listened to your video and it was like you were talking about a totally different car to the one we own. We’re not experiencing any issues with the auto gear box it’s as if the European setup is different.
The driving experiences are admittedly confusing but we find the Core screen is great for everyday use. We did have a minor software glitch where the spoken satnav stated the language was not supported. This was quickly resolved over the air by Mini.
One thing I find annoying is the head up display does not show the turn indicator you have to look at the central display taking your eyes off of the road.
Also heating controls are at least a double tap to change on the central display which is distracting for drivers and should be adjustable from the Home Screen by sliding the temperature bar.
Overall we’re really happy with the car and think some of your complaints petty and picky.
BMW is just turning into the "Ultimate Luxury Machine", and that's spilling over to Mini. All there is to it.
25 years ago, a large Florida dealer told me to call the added fees anything I wanted to because at that very moment, the total of all of it is what they will accept for the car. If market adjusted value sounds better than vin etching, rust coating, clear coat protection, etc, just call it that.
Every auto manufacturer (and electronics manufacturer) thinks they’re entitled to all your personal information. Now they want to monitor where you go, what you do and use audio and video to monitor drivers. It is illegal and unconstitutional. And Congress must put a stop to it with strong laws that include civil and CRIMINAL penalties.
Just upgraded from the 22 Countryman to the 25, my 22 was great and will miss some features but the new mini is more practical with it’s cargo space, utilization of interior space, easier to keep clean inside (less crevices), and awesome infusion of technology keeping the Mini’s reputation as a fun car to ride. Talking cars was more like gossip and knit picking as opposed to providing the buyer with the facts of the mini. I understand some new learning with the tech but that is because it offers more technology than any other car. The ride other than some more horse power is not much different in my test drive than the 22 which once you got use to it was a very smooth ride.
Kelly is the only one who dressed like they seemed to know that they would be on camera today.
Keith is channeling David Foster Wallace, and Joe just finished up some landscaping.
Great review of a vehicle no one will buy.
😂
We had to go to Kentucky to buy our CRV because the stealerships in TN and NC had ridiculous extra charges
Love my 2023 mini countryman All4 S with 15K on it , runs flawless! New model has different engine so you can run it on 89 instead of 81 or higher❤, but no screen in front of you now moved over, shifter a little weird with that new type of toggle switch, and fabric material on doors & dash, good luck trying to clean it when it’s dirty! I meant 89 octane instead of 91! I run mine on 93 shell runs like a top, I live right by the nj birder and the shell is the cheaper fuel at 3.95 a gallon as we speak!
Kelly is my fav.
Are these guys even experts 😂, all non specific stuff and that test guys keeps saying You Know a hundred times in this video 😂
This is what it looks like when you get the party committee to talk about a car. They’re all just complainers. They probably drive a Tesla
3:08 also at that point, why not just have a small gauge cluster there?
8:20 sounds like it's refinement death by 1000 cuts.
Excellent thumbnail!
This is rather disappointing. I had wanted a MINI for decades but read how unreliable they are. Reading Consumer Reports I saw for the past decade their reliability ratings got a lot higher. You even named MINI the 3rd most reliable brand. I took a chance and bought a 24 2-door hardtop. 6k miles and nearly a year later and I've not had one single problem. It's the most fun car I have ever owned. I hope the new 25 Cooper won't lose it's go-kart performance.
Zero issues with my 20 &22, excited for my 25 model. Also great customer service from Mini.
Some car manufacturers with popular models don't seem to understand why those models are popular. These latest Minis are all misses for me.
Should drive the electric one, that is fun!
Looks like the new Mini Countryman came from BYD design studio. It is good to one place only!
why do automakers use dual clutch transmissions? what are advantages over a conventional auto?
Fast shifts.
Fast shifts, sportier feel, less time shifting.
Saw a new countryman at a mini stand in an event. All I’ll say is it’s pretty sad how far mini has fallen and become another generic brand.
Exterior reminds me of a...googles...2009 Kia Sportage. Modern minis are actually quite large on the outside. The previous generation's design disguised their actual dimensions with cute styling cues. This one doesn't have that trick to play. Weird, I've never heard anyone complain about massage seats. I'd love if Talking Cars talked about cars later on in their testing cycle.
Never thought of this, but that's spot on!
Yeah I don’t want a camera inside my car…
Cover it then.
I'm sorry to say that ship sailed over a decade ago.
Destination charges should be illegal unless I can pick up the car from, where ever.
Per Doug deMuro, Mini is a dying brand. We've got one, but won't get another countryman. Too big, too expensive, not enough physical controls. Closing of a local dealership was the final nail in the coffin -- we won't drive 2-2.5 hours for service.
You guys answer my question about the leaf problem?
the new look doesn't do anything for me. The previous edition was iconic.
Dual-clutch auto in a Mini? Save the Stick!!! Keep the 6-speed manual !!
It's more ugly to me than previous minis. The lack of instrument panel is a deal breaker.
Beauty. Beholder. It’s just different from MINi Coopers - the 2nd Gen Countryman was different also. I think,they have done a great job with the body styling, but that’s personal taste.
$44k LOL!!
I see Kia Soul
I see BMW’s hideous exterior designs were carried over.
This was talking people. No cars spoke during the entire episode. Gutted.
Are the poor designs for ICE due to shifting investments to EVs?
Looks like a Fiat 500L, which isn't good.
These three have the charisma of moldy bread. Why are they hosting a video based podcast? Just horrible.
yaaah, it's fine to have peeps like these as analysts or writing reports, but for presentation please get someone (or 2 people, 3 is always odd) with a bit more pizzazz and entertainment value. Decent info, but very yaaawwn.
The front of this car looks like a very early Rav4, which wasn't attractive. Those round headlights are the classic and identifying feature of a Mini and they took that away.
Nah, Rav 4 boring, Mini has a cool new grill design and the way the headlights light up is very cool. Add pin stripes and the front pops!
Really dislike this episode. So much negativity that’s completely over the top and unjustified
Does the guy with the hat have covid.
Why?
Is this still extremely unreliable car?
Not at all, that’s an old myth. Zero issues with my 20&22, excited for my 25.
To my eyes this newest mini is extremely Ugly I think this is a step-down in style and design. The previous generation looks so much better 😢.
Why are they still selling these overpriced heaps 😂😂
Republicans lower taxes but replace the taxes with fees. Taxes are put in by gobrrments and that irritatesviters, fees are just created and the consumer has no say but to pay.
More Kelly please.