Compare the2022 MINI SE CountrymanVS 2021 Audi e-tron

Full-time four-wheel drive is standard on the SE Countryman. Full-time four-wheel drive gives added traction for safety in all conditions, not just off-road, like the only system available on the e-tron.

Both the SE Countryman and the e-tron have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and available front parking sensors.

MINI pays for scheduled maintenance on the SE Countryman for 3 years and 36,000 miles. MINI will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the e-tron.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2020 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that MINI vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI 16th in initial quality. With 51 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 32nd.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that MINI vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI 17th in reliability. With 2 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 20th.

The SE Countryman’s maximum EPA estimated driving range on a full tank of fuel and a full charge is 285 miles, after which it can be refueled at any gas station in minutes. The e-tron’s range is only 222 miles, after which the minimum recharge time is 30 minutes for only a 80% charge at a specially configured quick charge station not available in most areas. A full recharge at a conventional charging station can take up to 9 hours.

For better maneuverability, the SE Countryman’s turning circle is 2.6 feet tighter than the e-tron’s (37.4 feet vs. 40 feet).

The MINI SE Countryman may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1750 pounds less than the Audi e-tron.

The SE Countryman is 1 foot, 11.3 inches shorter than the e-tron, making the SE Countryman easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Flexibility is maximized at the game, campground or a drive-in theatre in the SE Countryman when its optional tailgating rear seats are deployed, allowing people to sit facing out of the liftgate. (Do not use while vehicle is in motion.) The e-tron doesn’t offer tailgating seats.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that MINI service is better than Audi. J.D. Power ranks MINI 9th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 2% lower rating, Audi is ranked 12th.

The SE Countryman’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The e-tron’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the SE Countryman to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The e-tron doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the SE Countryman offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The e-tron doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The SE Countryman’s optional Parking Assistant can parallel park by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The e-tron doesn’t offer an automated parking system.