Compare the2026 MINI Countryman SEVS 2025 Nissan Ariya

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 Ariya 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 Ariya.

Both the Countryman SE and Ariya have rear cross-traffic warning, but the Countryman SE has Brake Intervention (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Ariya’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Countryman SE and the Ariya have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear 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, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

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

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

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. Nissan doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Ariya.

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 Nissan 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, Nissan is rated below average.

The Countryman SE’s electric motors produces 94 more horsepower (308 vs. 214) and 143 lbs.-ft. more torque (364 vs. 221) than the Ariya Engage’s standard electric motor. The Countryman SE’s electric motors produces 70 more horsepower (308 vs. 238) and 143 lbs.-ft. more torque (364 vs. 221) than the Ariya Evolve+’s standard electric motor.

As tested in Car and Driver the MINI Countryman SE is faster than the Ariya Evolve+ electric motor:

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

The Countryman SE 18-inch wheels can travel longer on a full charge than the Ariya Engage E-4ORCE AWD (212 miles vs. 205 miles).

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 Ariya doesn’t offer launch control.

The Countryman SE stops shorter than the Ariya:

The Countryman SE handles at .85 G’s, while the Ariya Platinum+ pulls only .84 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Countryman SE executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Ariya Platinum+ (25.7 seconds @ .73 average G’s vs. 26.3 seconds @ .71 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the Countryman SE has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Ariya (7.4 vs. 6.7 inches), allowing the Countryman SE to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Countryman SE is 7.9 inches shorter than the Ariya, making the Countryman SE easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Countryman SE has 1.1 inches more front headroom, 1.4 inches more front hip room and 3.8 inches more rear hip room than the Ariya.

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

The Countryman SE’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Ariya’s (2645 vs. 0 pounds).

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 Ariya doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Countryman SE uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Ariya uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that MINI service is better than Nissan. J.D. Power ranks MINI fourth in service department satisfaction. With a 12% lower rating, Nissan is ranked 10th.

The Countryman SE has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Ariya doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

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 Ariya can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Countryman SE’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 Ariya’s standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

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 Ariya doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the Countryman SE has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Ariya 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 Ariya offers 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 Ariya.

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 Ariya Platinum+’s automatic parking system does not offer parking by remote control.

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 Ariya isn’t in the top three in its category.