Mini Countryman vs BMW X3
What's the difference?

Mini Countryman

$45,900 - $77,800

2025 price

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BMW X3

$88,100 - $131,400

2026 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini 3D Hatch

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Polestar 2 Long Range

Polestar 2 Standard Range

Summary

2025 Mini Countryman

2026 BMW X3

By Emily Agar

By Mark Oastler

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

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Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

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Fuel Efficiency

7.7L/100km (combined)

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Seating

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Likes

Gorgeous Mini styling
Strong on-road performance
Lots of personalisation available

M performance
Rear seat knee/headroom
Versatile family/driver’s car

Dislikes

Lacking a few features for a top-grade model
An expensive endeavour for a Mini
Not much separates the two trim levels

No ANCAP
Prefers premium fuel
Rear seat shoulder room for three adults

2025 Mini Countryman Summary

The Mini Countryman is the not-so-mini cousin to the iconic and smaller Mini Cooper.

The new generation offers a larger body-size, fun new interiors and a whole suite of updated technology.

We're in the flagship John Cooper Works grade in Favoured trim to find out if this small SUV is still urban-friendly and fun after all of these changes.

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2026 BMW X3 Summary

BMW has recently launched its fourth-generation (G45) X3 range, which comprises three petrol variants including the entry-level 20 xDrive, mid-grade 30e xDrive PHEV and top-shelf M50 xDrive.

The new trio brings revised powertrains, new exterior and interior styling, increased standard equipment, enhanced technology and an emphasis on the use of sustainable materials.

We recently trialled the five-seater flagship to see if it has the right mix of performance and practicality to maintain the X3’s enduring appeal for Aussie families.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Mini Countryman 2026 BMW X3

Verdict

The new Mini Countryman John Cooper Works in Favoured trim offers everything you’d expect it to - the iconic Mini styling, a powerful driving performance and a well-equipped cabin. It’s a wonderfully quick urban dweller that you can park anywhere but is just as happy on the open-road. For me, this is pure fun and offers more personality than a lot of its rivals.

Verdict

This is a highly competent all-rounder, given that it has the comfort and practicality for urban family duties yet with its revered M breeding can produce a level of performance which, in competent hands, could hold its own at a track day where its capabilities could be safely explored.

Mini Countryman vs BMW X3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mini Countryman vs BMW X3
What's the difference?