Compare the2022 MINI CountrymanVS 2021 Lexus UX Series

Both the Countryman and the UX Series have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, plastic fuel tanks, 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, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and front parking sensors.

The Countryman’s corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the UX Series’ (12 vs. 6 years).

MINI pays for scheduled maintenance on the Countryman for 2 years and 26000 miles longer than Lexus pays for maintenance for the UX Series (3/36,000 vs. 1/10,000).

The Countryman has more powerful engines than the UX Series:

As tested in Motor Trend the Countryman S 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the UX 250h 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid:

Regardless of its engine, regenerative brakes improve the Countryman’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. Lexus only offers a regenerative brake system on the UX Series Hybrid.

Regardless of its engine, the Countryman’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. Lexus only offers an automatic engine start/stop system on the UX Series Hybrid.

The Countryman has 5.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the UX Series Hybrid’s standard fuel tank (16.1 vs. 10.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Countryman has 3.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the UX Series’ standard fuel tank (16.1 vs. 12.4 gallons).

The Countryman Auto’s optional launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The UX Series doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the Countryman’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the UX Series:

The Countryman stops much shorter than the UX Series:

The Countryman’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the UX Series’ 50 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Countryman offers optional 19-inch wheels. The UX Series’ largest wheels are only 18-inches.

The Countryman offers an optional space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the UX Series; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

The Countryman offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The UX Series’ suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Countryman’s wheelbase is 1.2 inches longer than on the UX Series (105.1 inches vs. 103.9 inches).

The Countryman S handles at .88 G’s, while the UX 200 Luxury pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Countryman S ALL4 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1 seconds quicker than the UX 200 (27.2 seconds @ .63 average G’s vs. 28.2 seconds @ .62 average G’s).

The Countryman is 7.3 inches shorter than the UX Series, making the Countryman easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Countryman has 6.5 cubic feet more passenger volume than the UX Series (96.9 vs. 90.4).

The Countryman has 3.2 inches more front headroom, 2 inches more rear headroom and 4.5 inches more rear legroom than the UX Series.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Countryman’s rear seats recline. The UX Series’ rear seats don’t recline.

Flexibility is maximized at the game, campground or a drive-in theatre in the 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 UX Series doesn’t offer tailgating seats.

The Countryman has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the UX Series (17.6 vs. 17.2 cubic feet).

The power windows standard on both the Countryman and the UX Series have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Countryman is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The UX Series prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Countryman’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The UX Series’ standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

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

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

Consumer Reports® recommends both the MINI Countryman and the Lexus UX Series, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Countryman first among small suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The UX Series isn’t in the top three in its category.