Compare the2023 MINI CountrymanVS 2023 Lexus UX

Both the Countryman and the UX 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’s (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 (3/36,000 vs. 1/10,000).

The Countryman’s standard 1.5 turbo 3-cylinder produces 162 lbs.-ft. more torque (162 vs. ) than the UX’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid. The Countryman S’ standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 8 more horsepower (189 vs. 181) and 206 lbs.-ft. more torque (206 vs. ) than the UX’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid. The JCW Countryman’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 120 more horsepower (301 vs. 181) and 331 lbs.-ft. more torque (331 vs. ) than the UX’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Motor Trend the Countryman S 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the Lexus UX:

Both the Countryman and UX have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. The Countryman has a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily.

The Countryman has 5.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the UX (16.1 vs. 10.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

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 doesn’t offer launch control.

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

The Countryman stops much shorter than the UX:

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’s 50 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Countryman offers optional 19-inch wheels. The UX’s 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; 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’s 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 (105.1 inches vs. 103.9 inches).

The Countryman S ALL4 handles at .83 G’s, while the UX 250h F Sport Handling AWD pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Countryman S ALL4 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the UX 250h F Sport Handling AWD (27.2 seconds @ .63 average G’s vs. 28.1 seconds @ .62 average G’s).

The Countryman is 7.3 inches shorter than the UX, 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 (96.9 vs. 90.4).

The Countryman has 3.2 inches more front headroom, 2 inches more rear headroom, 4.5 inches more rear legroom and 1.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the UX.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Countryman’s rear seats recline. The UX’s 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 doesn’t offer tailgating seats.

The Countryman has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the UX (17.6 vs. 17.1 cubic feet).

The power windows standard on both the Countryman and the UX 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 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’s 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 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To better shield the driver’s vision, the Countryman has a standard dual-element sun visor that can block glare from two directions simultaneously. The UX doesn’t offer a secondary sun visor.

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

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

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