Compare the2024 MINI CountrymanVS 2025 Mazda CX-70

Both the Countryman and the CX-70 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, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and front parking sensors.

For its top level performance in all IIHS frontal, side, rear impact and roof-crush tests, and its standard front crash prevention system, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Countryman the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2017, a rating granted to only 207 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The CX-70 has not been tested, yet.

The Countryman comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The CX-70’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The Countryman’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the CX-70’s (12 vs. 5 years).

MINI pays for scheduled maintenance on the Countryman for 3 years and 36,000 miles. MINI will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Mazda doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the CX-70.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that MINI vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI above average in initial quality. With 24 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that MINI vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI above average in long-term dependability. With 19 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Mazda is rated lower.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that MINI vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks MINI third in overall reliability. Mazda is ranked 7th.

On the EPA test cycle the Countryman gets better mileage than the CX-70 running its gasoline engine:

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 CX-70 doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

The Countryman JCW’s 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 CX-70 doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the JCW Countryman’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-70:

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the Countryman can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The CX-70 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

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 CX-70’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For better maneuverability, the Countryman’s turning circle is .7 feet tighter than the CX-70’s (37.4 feet vs. 38.1 feet).

The MINI Countryman may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1450 to 1500 pounds less than the Mazda CX-70.

The Countryman is 2 feet, 7.1 inches shorter than the CX-70, making the Countryman easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Countryman is 6.8 inches narrower than the CX-70, making the Countryman easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

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 CX-70 doesn’t offer tailgating seats.

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the Countryman easier. The Countryman’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 26.8 inches, while the CX-70’s liftover is 31.2 inches.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that MINI service is better than Mazda. J.D. Power ranks MINI fourth in service department satisfaction. With a 17% lower rating, Mazda is ranked 11th.

The power windows standard on both the Countryman and the CX-70 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 CX-70 prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The 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 CX-70’s power window (except driver window) switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

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 CX-70 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 CX-70 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The Countryman is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The CX-70 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

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