Compare the2025 MINI Countryman SEVS 2024 Lexus RZ

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 RZ.

Both the Countryman SE and the RZ have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front 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, post-collision automatic braking systems, 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’s corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the RZ’s (12 vs. 6 years).

MINI pays for scheduled maintenance on the Countryman SE for 2 years and 26000 miles longer than Lexus pays for maintenance for the RZ (3/36,000 vs. 1/10,000).

The Countryman SE’s electric motors produces 107 more horsepower (308 vs. 201) and 168 lbs.-ft. more torque (364 vs. 196) than the RZ 300e’s standard electric motor. The Countryman SE’s electric motors produces 43 lbs.-ft. more torque (364 vs. 321) than the RZ 450e’s optional electric motors.

On the EPA test cycle the Countryman SE 18-inch wheels gets better mileage than the RZ 450e w/20" Wheels (99 city/94 hwy vs. 102 city/87 hwy MPGe).

The Countryman SE can travel longer on a full charge than the RZ on a full charge:

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 RZ doesn’t offer launch control.

For better traction, the Countryman SE’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the RZ (245/45R19 vs. 235/60R18).

The Countryman SE’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RZ’s standard 60 series front tires. The Countryman SE’s optional tires have a lower 45 series profile than the RZ’s optional 50 series front tires.

The Countryman SE is 1 foot, 2.2 inches shorter than the RZ, making the Countryman SE easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Countryman SE has 2.1 inches more front headroom, 2.7 inches more front hip room, 4.5 inches more rear hip room and .5 inches more rear shoulder room than the RZ.

The Countryman SE has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the RZ with its rear seat folded (56.2 vs. 55.6 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 RZ doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Countryman SE has a 2646 lbs. towing capacity. The RZ 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 RZ doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Countryman SE uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The RZ 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.

A Condition Based Service is standard on the Countryman SE to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals for brake fluid replacement and vehicle inspections based on actual driving conditions. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Lexus doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the RZ.

The power windows standard on both the Countryman SE and the RZ have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Countryman SE is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The RZ prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

If the windows are left open on the Countryman SE the driver can close them all 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 RZ can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Countryman SE has a standard rear wiper. The RZ doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the Countryman SE has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The RZ doesn’t offer cornering lights.

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 RZ.

The MINI Countryman outsold the Lexus RZ by over two to one during 2023.