The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and 2025 Mini Countryman are subcompact SUVs with room for five and a whole lot of personality. With the recently redesigned Crosstrek, car shoppers get a vehicle that’s part wagon, part small SUV, and, perhaps, part hiking boot. Subaru’s smallest SUV has a reputation for its ability to venture into places that would have many of its rivals spinning their wheels in frustration.
In comparison, the new-for-2025 Mini Countryman continues to feature the style and attitude of a city-dwelling SUV. From its blunt front end and chrome-framed grille to its hilariously fun steering, the Mini Countryman thankfully bucks the trend that small SUVs must toss driving enjoyment out the window.
Let’s look at the highlights of the latest Subaru Crosstrek and Mini Countryman.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
This 2025 Crosstrek comes in five trims — Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness — with a base price of $27,230, including destination fees. One perk of the Crosstrek is that every example comes with Subaru’s highly regarded all-wheel-drive (AWD) system as standard.
Upper trims, like the Wilderness, have upgraded versions with extra off-road drive modes. This is the third generation of the Crosstrek, which is one of Subaru’s most popular models. While the new model didn’t see exterior changes for 2025, any version above the base model gets a more powerful 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that puts out 182 horsepower — 30 more ponies than the base vehicle’s powerplant.
Subaru Crosstrek Highlights
Better behaved than before: As part of its update last year, Subaru stiffened the chassis while softening the ride. This results in a much smoother suspension that better absorbs bumps and ruts in the road.
Resale value: One aspect of the Crosstrek that sometimes flies under the radar is its excellent record for resale value. This is handy to know for Subaru shoppers looking for a long-term relationship with their next vehicle.
Rugged Wilderness model: The Wilderness model jacks up the off-road credentials of the Crosstrek even more. And we mean this literally because the Wilderness rides on all-terrain tires and has 0.6 inches more ground clearance than other variants. It also comes with more selectable all-wheel-drive modes, water-resistant upholstery, and an underbody skid plate to prevent rocks from bashing its belly.
User-friendly infotainment system: A user-friendly 11.6-inch touchscreen is fitted to all but the entry-level Crosstrek. Perks include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and front and rear USB ports. Also available is a wireless device charging pad and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Crosstrek models for sale near you.
2025 Mini Countryman
The Mini Countryman received a complete makeover for the 2025 model year. The result is some evolutionary styling changes, but some streamlining of different trims and powertrains. The new model is available in just three trims: S ALL4, SE ALL4 (all-electric), and John Cooper Works ALL4. The new model gets more power than its predecessor, squeezing 241 hp out of a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, unless you upgrade to the John Cooper Works variant and its 312 hp powerplant. Each version uses a 7-speed transmission and all-wheel drive. Pricing starts at $39,895, including destination charges.
Mini Countryman Highlights
Fun to drive: The new Countryman retains its go-kart-like handling, even with the standard all-wheel-drive format. Part of that is due to the significant upgrade of the base engine — 134 hp to 241 hp — under the hood. It’ll race from zero-to-60 mph in less than 6.5 seconds. Extra power is great, but its razor-sharp handling truly sets the Countryman apart. Few subcompact SUVs are this much fun to pilot.
John Cooper Works model: If you have the means, we highly recommend taking the range-topping John Cooper Works ALL4 model for a test drive. Thanks to the 312-hp turbo 4-cylinder under its hood, the JCW ALL4 zips from zero-to-60 mph in 5.2 seconds. Combined with those riotous handling reflexes, the Countryman is a thrill machine. The one caveat is that it’s also a very pricey machine.
Upscale interior: The Mini Countryman isn’t exactly inexpensive, but once inside, you’ll better understand its premium price. With a 9.4-inch circular central OLED display screen, an array of toggle switches, and the use of ambient lighting to set a mood, this classy cabin goes beyond the small SUV norm.
Panoramic moonroof: The Countryman’s panoramic moonroof creates an airy atmosphere and comes standard on every trim.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Countryman models for sale near you.
Similarities
Comparing the specs of the Crosstrek and Countryman makes them seem very similar, at least when it comes to numbers-based measurements like wheelbase, width, length, and height. In terms of many other factors, however, these two subcompact SUVs couldn’t be more different.
Pricing
New 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$27,230 |
$25,666 |
|||
$28,480 |
$26,677 |
|||
$31,030 |
$29,438 |
|||
$32,930 |
$31,240 |
|||
$34,030 |
$32,284 |
New 2025 MINI Countryman Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$40,075 |
$38,307 |
|||
$46,375 |
$43,768 |
|||
$48,075 |
$46,719 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Subaru Crosstrek vehicles and New 2025 MINI Countryman vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 Subaru Crosstrek | 2025 Mini Countryman | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 152 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 241 hp @ 4,500 rpm |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | 7-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 27 city/34 highway/29 combined | 24 city/32 highway/27 combined |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, 1-speed electric |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | NA |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 inches | 106.0 inches |
| Overall Length | 176.4 inches | 174.9 inches |
| Width | 70.9 inches | 72.6 inches |
| Height | 62.8 inches | 65.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 35.4 feet | 38.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.8 inches | 40.7 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.0 inches | 37.8 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.9 inches | 40.4 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 36.5 inches | 37.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.8 inches | 55.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 55.3 inches | 54.8 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 19.9 cubic feet | 24.9 cubic feet |
Conclusion
The Crosstrek and Countryman present their own unique spin on a small SUV, with equal parts practicality and personality. But when it comes down to which is the better choice, the answer of which is best for you might come down to comparing price points.
Starting around $27,000, the Crosstrek comes standard with all-wheel drive, and when moving up from the base variant, you get plenty of tech and comfort features. It won’t wilt when venturing off-road, and the updated Crosstrek now delivers a smoother ride all on-road adventures, too.
The all-new Countryman gives you impressive power and handling you won’t get from the Crosstrek — and that doesn’t even account for the John Cooper Works upgrade. Plus, the classy interior and superb steering that come with the Countryman are pretty addictive.
The price, however, might give you pause. The base Countryman is expensive, and moving to the highest echelons can mean handing over more than $50,000. The Crosstrek isn’t as racy, but it’s a much better value.
