Compare the2026 MINI Countryman SEVS 2026 Kia Niro EV

The MINI Countryman SE has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Niro EV doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

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 Niro EV 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.

The Countryman SE has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Niro EV doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The Countryman SE offers an optional 360-degree camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Niro EV only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

Both the Countryman SE and the Niro EV have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver 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 driver alert monitors.

The MINI Countryman SE weighs 785 to 867 pounds more than the Kia Niro EV. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The Countryman SE’s corrosion warranty is 7 years and unlimited miles longer than the Niro EV’s (12/unlimited vs. 5/100,000).

MINI pays for scheduled maintenance on the Countryman SE for 3 years and 36,000 miles. MINI will pay for tire rotations, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Kia doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Niro EV.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that MINI vehicles are more reliable than Kia vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI above average in long-term dependability. With 12 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Kia is rated lower.

The Countryman SE’s electric motors produces 107 more horsepower (308 vs. 201) and 176 lbs.-ft. more torque (364 vs. 188) than the Niro EV’s electric motor.

As tested in Consumer Reports the MINI Countryman SE is faster than the Kia Niro EV:

The Countryman SE’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 Niro EV doesn’t offer launch control.

The Countryman SE stops much shorter than the Niro EV:

For better traction, the Countryman SE has larger standard tires than the Niro EV (225/55R18 vs. 215/55R17). The Countryman SE’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Niro EV (245/45R19 vs. 215/55R17).

The Countryman SE’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 Niro EV’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Countryman SE has standard 18-inch wheels. Only 17-inch wheels are available on the Niro EV. The Countryman SE offers optional 19-inch wheels.

The Countryman SE handles at .85 G’s, while the Niro EV Wave pulls only .84 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Countryman SE executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.6 seconds quicker than the Niro EV Wave (25.7 seconds @ .73 average G’s vs. 27.3 seconds @ .62 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the Countryman SE has a 1.4 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Niro EV (7.4 vs. 6 inches), allowing the Countryman SE to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Countryman SE has .2 inches more front headroom, 4.1 inches more front hip room, .1 inches more rear legroom and 3.6 inches more rear hip room than the Niro EV.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Countryman SE’s rear seats recline. The Niro EV’s rear seats don’t recline.

The Countryman SE has a much larger cargo volume than the Niro EV with its rear seat up (24.8 vs. 22.8 cubic feet).

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

The Countryman SE has a 2645 lbs. towing capacity. The Niro EV has no towing capacity.

Optional Trailer Stabilization Control on the Countryman SE uses the Dynamic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Niro EV doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that MINI service is better than Kia. J.D. Power ranks MINI fourth in service department satisfaction. With a 48% lower rating, Kia is ranked 27th.

The Countryman SE’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Niro EV’s standard passenger windows don’t open or close automatically. With the Niro EV Wave’s power windows, only the front windows open or close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the Countryman SE the driver can close all of them at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Niro EV can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

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

The Countryman SE’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Niro EV’s standard projector halogen headlights and light instantly. LED lights also last over twenty times longer than halogen.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the Countryman SE has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Niro EV 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 Niro EV offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The MINI Countryman SE has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors are only offered on the Niro EV Wave.

The Countryman SE has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the Niro EV.

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 Niro EV.

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