Mini Countryman vs Mahindra XUV700
What's the difference?

Mini Countryman

$45,900 - $77,800

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Mahindra XUV700

$39,990 - $42,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

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 Mahindra XUV700

By Emily Agar

By Tim Nicholson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

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Fuel Efficiency

7.7L/100km (combined)

8.3L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Value for money
Punchy engine
Versatile, well-appointed interior

Dislikes

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

Average fuel consumption
Ride and handling need work
Some cabin quality issues

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.

View full pricing & specs

2026 Mahindra XUV700 Summary

There are around 30 different models fighting for your attention in Australia’s medium SUV segment. More than double that if you include premium options. In other words, there’s overwhelming choice.

Some of the most popular options include Toyota’s RAV4, the Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage and Mitsubishi Outlander, with a bunch of Chinese brands climbing up the charts.

But have you ever considered a Mahindra? The Indian carmaker has been operating in Australia for close to 20 years and the product line-up has improved considerably.

Case in point, the MY25 Mahindra XUV700. A replacement for the unloved XUV500, it’s just come in for a refresh adding new interior trim and tech features and it’s still affordable.

But is it worth taking a chance on the up-and-coming brand? Read on to find out.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2025 Mini Countryman 2026 Mahindra XUV700

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

The Mahindra XUV700 is a solid, well-rounded family SUV. It has a practical cabin with a usable third row and a punchy turbocharged powertrain. The Indian manufacturer needs to address a few things like interior quality and some ADAS calibration and there’s more work to do when it comes to ride and handling. But overall this seven-seat SUV represents exceptional value for money against some pricier rivals and should be on more consideration lists.

Mini Countryman vs Mahindra XUV700 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mini Countryman vs Mahindra XUV700
What's the difference?