Suzuki Vitara vs Mini Countryman
What's the difference?

Suzuki Vitara

$35,990 - $44,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Mini Countryman

$45,900 - $77,800

2025 price

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Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Suzuki Vitara

2025 Mini Countryman

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Inline 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.8L/100km (combined)

7.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Old-fashioned charm
Performance/economy balance
Practical packaging

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

Dislikes

Ancient dashboard
High prices
Premium unleaded petrol preference

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

2026 Suzuki Vitara Summary

Now that the original Mitsubishi ASX is finally gone, the oldest small SUVs still on sale in Australia today are the Mazda CX-3 and Suzuki Vitara.

Both released in 2015, their longevity is due to a combination of good design, strong engineering, sound driving dynamics and an undefinable charm.

Given their high number of rotations around the sun, it’s also surprising that neither has received a major facelift in all this time. Clearly, their creators got it largely right early on.

Until now. The Vitara steps up with the Series III makeover, ushering in a fresh nose, larger central touchscreen and a hybrid tech upgrade for the (now-sole) turbo powertrain, among other more-minor changes.

Are these enough to keep the venerable Vitara from vulnerability?

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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

Deep dive comparison

2026 Suzuki Vitara 2025 Mini Countryman

Verdict

In car years, 11 is ancient.

Back when it was first released, this-generation Vitara’s competitive pricing, progressive yet pretty design, pleasant interior packaging, sporty dynamics and general driving ease helped establish the emerging small SUV segment into the powerhouse it is today.

In some ways, today’s Turbo Hybrid still impresses, especially with its punchy performance, promising economy and no-nonsense packaging. Objectively, it is still a decent proposition, with few actual vices.

But the 2026 Vitara’s high pricing, embarrassingly outdated interior, underwhelming specification and noisy ride leave it feeling too expensive, too old and too exposed against newer and more-sophisticated rivals.

Even the brightest stars eventually need to retire.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel and meals provided.

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.

Suzuki Vitara vs Mini Countryman What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Suzuki Vitara vs Mini Countryman
What's the difference?