We’ve heard numerous rumors and even a couple subtle confirmations so it’s time to report what we know. MINI is set to enhance the off-road capabilities of its U25 MINI Countryman with an optional off-road package. Here’s what we know.

Driven by customer interest and competitive offerings, the package will finally give the Countryman a bit more off-road look and slightly more capabilities. Based on what we’ve pieced together from sources, it would appear that MINI will be adding a slightly raised suspension and unique wheels and tires. Make no mistake, this won’t be a competitor to true off-roading vehicles like a Bronco or Land Rover, but it will allow the Countryman higher approach and departure angles on rough trails.

The U25 MINI Countryman undergoing off-road testing in 2023.

Based on our sources, we believe the Countryman’s off-road package will also come standard with 225/55/18 General Grabber AT3 tires—an all-terrain tire designed for a balanced 50/50 performance on both on-road and off-road surfaces. This, combined with a more aggressive off-road setup, will give the Countryman capabilities that owners previously had to rely on aftermarket solutions to achieve.

We’ve also heard that MINI will add both exterior and interior styling elements to the package. Exactly what we don’t know but we can guess unique wheels and perhaps even subtle differences in exterior plastic to mark the model as different. Inside don’t expect an interior you can hose out. Instead look for color and trim to look a bit more adventure oriented.

If this sounds familiar it’s because it’s similar to the X-raid edition of the F60 MINI Countryman from 2022.

The X-raid edition of the F60 MINI Countryman might point to how MINI could modify the U25 Countryman

It’s also unclear if this will be a package available on any trim level, or perhaps a trim itself similar to a JCW, for instance. We expect the MINI Countryman with the off-road package to debut sometime in 2026.