Compare the2025 MINI Countryman SEVS 2024 Acura ZDX

The Countryman SE 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 ZDX 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.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive is standard on the Countryman SE. But it costs extra on the ZDX.

The Countryman SE’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The ZDX doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Countryman SE and the ZDX 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, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

The Countryman SE’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the ZDX’s (12 vs. 5 years).

MINI pays for scheduled maintenance on the Countryman SE for 2 years and 24,000 miles longer than Acura pays for maintenance for the ZDX (3/36,000 vs. 1/12000).

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that MINI vehicles are better in initial quality than Acura vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI above average in initial quality. With 11 more problems per 100 vehicles, Acura is rated lower.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that MINI vehicles are more reliable than Acura vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI fourth in reliability, above the industry average. With 42 more problems per 100 vehicles, Acura is ranked 20th.

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

The Countryman SE’s electric motors produces 40 lbs.-ft. more torque (364 vs. 324) than the ZDX A-Spec’s standard electric motor.

On the EPA test cycle the Countryman SE gets better mileage than the ZDX:

The Countryman SE has a standard locking charge port which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The ZDX doesn’t have a locking charge port. A locking charge port prevents tampering and damage.

For better maneuverability, the Countryman SE’s turning circle is .9 feet tighter than the ZDX’s (38.7 feet vs. 39.6 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Countryman SE has a greater minimum ground clearance than the ZDX (7.4 vs. 7 inches), allowing the Countryman SE to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The MINI Countryman SE may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 850 to 1450 pounds less than the Acura ZDX.

The Countryman SE is 1 foot, 10.7 inches shorter than the ZDX, making the Countryman SE easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Countryman SE has 2.9 inches more front headroom and .4 inches more rear headroom than the ZDX.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Countryman SE. The ZDX doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

A Condition Based Service is standard on the Countryman SE to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals for brake fluid replacement and vehicle inspections based on actual driving conditions. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Acura doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the ZDX.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that MINI service is better than Acura. J.D. Power ranks MINI fourth in service department satisfaction. With a 14% lower rating, Acura is ranked 9th.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the Countryman SE has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The ZDX doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The Countryman SE’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The ZDX has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Countryman SE offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the ZDX.

The Countryman SE’s optional Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Control Parking will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The ZDX Type S’ automatic parking system does not offer parking by remote control.