Compare the2022 MINI CountrymanVS 2022 BMW X1

The Countryman has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The X1 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the Countryman and the X1 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, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive and front parking sensors.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Countryman’s reliability 40 points higher than the X1.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that MINI vehicles are better in initial quality than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI 10th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 15 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is ranked 20th, below the industry average.

The JCW Countryman’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 73 more horsepower (301 vs. 228) and 73 lbs.-ft. more torque (331 vs. 258) than the X1’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

The Countryman offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The X1 doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

The Countryman stops much shorter than the X1:

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 X1’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The Countryman S handles at .88 G’s, while the X1 xDrive28i pulls only .86 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Countryman is 5.8 inches shorter than the X1, making the Countryman easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

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 X1 doesn’t offer tailgating seats.

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 X1 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The X1’s optional cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The Countryman’s standard adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

The Countryman will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Countryman will retain 48.08% to 51.44% of its original price after five years, while the X1 only retains 47.15% to 47.35%.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Countryman is less expensive to operate than the X1 because typical repairs cost much less on the Countryman than the X1, including $355 less for a water pump, $450 less for a muffler, $50 less for front brake pads, $241 less for a starter, $343 less for fuel injection, $232 less for a fuel pump, $73 less for front struts, $639 less for a timing belt/chain and $505 less for a power steering pump.

Consumer Reports® recommends the MINI Countryman, based on reliability, safety and performance. The BMW X1 isn't recommended.