Joining the MINI Family
When most people shop for a new vehicle, they usually pick their new ride based on its design, features, performance, and how well it fits their needs. But MINI buyers aren’t like most people – at least, that was what I learned after spending some quality time with a few thousand MINI enthusiasts. Those features are important, but when they buy a MINI, not only are they getting a fun-to-drive car with a unique look, but with that purchase, they join the MINI family. That extended MINI family recently gathered together for the ultimate MINI rally, a bi-annual event called MINI Takes the States (MTTS).

What is MTTS?
MINI Takes the States (MTTS) is a road rally exclusively for MINI owners hosted by MINI USA. While similar events for other vehicle brands, like the Jeep Jamboree, exist, MTTS is the only road rally of this scale hosted by a car company. MTTS has occurred every two years since its inception in 2006—the only exception was the canceled event in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Connecting With the Customers
“We’re excited to reconnect with our MINI owners nationwide to foster current relationships, forge new friendships, and make lasting memories, this time in some of our incredible and majestic western states,” said Mike Peyton, Vice President and Chief Motorer, MINI of the Americas, when MINI announced plans for the MTTS 2024. “Knowing the special nature of this event for our community, we’ve curated an extraordinary adventure that promises an unforgettable experience.” And it was an excellent adventure.

Different Every Time
To keep things interesting, MINI plans a different route for every MTTS event. The first one in 2006 went from California to Connecticut over two weeks. The last edition of MTTS took place in 2022, starting out in Burlington, VT, and after seven days and 1,700 miles with stops in eight cities along the way, the gathering of MINIs reached its destination of Greenville, SC. I joined the group in Poconos, PA, and followed along for a few days to share in this amazing experience of camaraderie and passion for this iconic little car.

The 2024 MTTS
For 2024, MINI owners gathered in Albuquerque, NM, and, over nine days, traveled 1,600 miles across the west, ending up in Seattle, WA. I joined the group in Spokane, WA, and tagged along through the end in Seattle. As was the case in past MTTS events I’ve attended, the participants were incredibly friendly and clearly enjoyed each other’s company. As the MINI slogan states, it’s “the only car that comes standard with friends.”

Camp MINI
The theme of the 2024 MTTS was “Camp MINI”. Not only did it feel like going to summer camp, but this year’s event also supported the American Camp Association and Keep America Beautiful. Both organizations promote an adventurous spirit while working to maintain a clean, green environment.

By the Numbers
Here are some of the stats from this year’s MTTS to give an idea of this event’s popularity among MINI owners:
• Number of MINIs: over 900
• Average MINIs per leg: 650
• Number of participants: almost 2,000
• Number of First Timers: 517
• Number that went the entire route: 958

Rise and Rally
To kick off each day’s drive, the MINIs (and their owners) gathered for the Rise and Rally. Fitting well with this year’s summer camp theme, the Rise and Rally allowed participants to hang out together, exchange stories, have breakfast, and check out the available MINI paraphernalia. All the MINIS would be staged in anticipation of heading out on the day’s drive – more than 600 MINIs lined up together is an impressive sight, especially for passers-by who had no idea what was happening. On my first day with the group, the Rise and Rally took place at Comstock Park in Spokane, WA, while my second day started in Union Gap, just outside Yakima, WA. Adding to the Camp MINI vibe, everyone was not only friendly, but multiple participants also told me that there were no arguments about politics during the entire event – people didn’t even bring up sports teams. The conversations were primarily about the drive, the cars, and the doggies – a refreshing break from reality.

Custom MINIs
According to MINI, every model year since MINI returned to the U.S. in 2002 was represented in this event, and there were even a few original MINIs. Many of the MINIs were customized with special paint schemes, graphics, wheels, and accessories, adding to the event’s excitement. As I watched the MINIs stream into the park and later wandered through the rows of MINIs, there were some custom vehicles that caught my eye. Here are a few examples.

Mario Kart
This MINI Cooper John Cooper Works (JCW) was outfitted perfectly as a proper Mario Kart. Driver and passenger certainly looked the part.

Sea Witch
The phrase “Poor Unfortunate Souls” is proudly shown on the back of this MINI Countryman, calling out what Ursula the Sea Witch Queen says in the Disney movie The Little Mermaid. As the car’s owner told me, she’d rather be a queen than a princess.

Haunted MINI
Anyone who has experienced the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland remembers the ghostly hitchhikers at the end of the ride. This MINI owner fully embraced the haunted theme, even playing spooky music from a Bluetooth speaker on the roof.

Going Camping
Most people wouldn’t think of towing a camper with a MINI, but several travel trailers hooked up to MINI Countrymans were in the mix. This one caught my eye with its matching tie-die paint job and record of its previous adventures.

Lots of Doggies
Apparently, dogs also love MINIs, and the canines were out in force at this year’s event. Every pet owner I spoke with said their dogs were having a wonderful time on this unique road trip.

More Dogs
Zoey is no longer a puppy, but her family purchased a MINI Countryman, and with the seats in back folded down, there’s a nice bed for Zoey to ride in.

Too Cool
These two pups were clearly having a good time on MTTS 2024.

My Ride
I couldn’t participate in MINI Takes the States without an appropriate vehicle, so MINI handed me the keys to a 2025 MINI Cooper S, painted in the aptly named Sunny Side Yellow. The Cooper received a significant update for 2025 that included refreshed exterior styling and a revised interior with a new infotainment system. While it is slightly smaller than the outgoing version, it features a wider track and added cargo space.

New Look
It is still easily recognizable as a MINI, but the 2025 Cooper gets a cleaner style with headlights that feature new horizontal LED daytime running lights. The octagonal grille is better defined, split by a wide bar that matches the vehicle’s color. Several new colors are available, and the customers can choose a multitone color fade on the roof.

Rear View
Changes at the rear are more noticeable. The Cooper features new LED taillights integrated into the rear hatch and connected by a black bar with COOPER S spelled out.

Inner Space
New materials are used throughout the cabin, and the focus of the cabin is on the new 9.4-inch round OLED infotainment display running the latest MINI operating system. The system works with the touchscreen, or if you say, “Hey, MINI,” Spike, the dog appears, ready to respond to your request. Spike will even tell stories and jokes. Front seats are comfortable and supportive, and while I was able to get into the rear seat, it was rather cramped for an adult. Cargo space is also tight, but we were able to fit two carry-on-sized bags and a backpack behind the rear seats.

Good Power
The Cooper S gets a 201-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 221 lb-ft of torque. MINI says the Cooper S will reach 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, which is believable after my time in the little car. Unfortunately, MINI no longer offers a manual gearbox in any of its cars, but the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission works well with quick, smooth shifts.

Fun to Drive
Even without the manual transmission, the MINI Cooper S still has that go-cart feel with quick steering and agile handling, and driving it still brings a smile. At the same time, the trip computer showed 38.6 mpg – quite impressive for a non-electrified vehicle. The 2025 Cooper S will be ideal for participating in the 2026 MINI Takes the States.

Next MTTS
MINI Takes the States 2024 ended in Seattle with a big celebration at the Seattle Museum of Flight featuring a parking lot filled with MINIs. As his last official act during this year’s MTTS, Mike Peyton announced to the MINI crowd at the final gathering that MINI Takes the States would be back in 2026. Based on the enthusiastic response, most of this year’s attendees will be ready once again for the next ultimate MINI road trip.