Compare the2025 MINI Countryman SEVS 2025 Polestar 4

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 Polestar 4.

The Countryman SE has standard Assist eCall, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The Polestar 4 doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the Countryman SE and the Polestar 4 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.

There are over 3 times as many MINI dealers as there are Polestar dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Countryman SE’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that MINI vehicles are better in initial quality than Polestar vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI above average in initial quality. With 134 more problems per 100 vehicles, Polestar is rated below average.

The Countryman SE’s electric motors produces 36 more horsepower (308 vs. 272) and 111 lbs.-ft. more torque (364 vs. 253) than the Polestar 4’s standard electric motor.

On the EPA test cycle the Countryman SE gets better mileage than the Polestar 4:

For greater off-road capability the Countryman SE has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Polestar 4 (7.4 vs. 6.5 inches), allowing the Countryman SE to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The MINI Countryman SE may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 700 pounds less than the Polestar 4.

The Countryman SE is 1 foot, 3.6 inches shorter than the Polestar 4, making the Countryman SE easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Countryman SE is 6.5 inches narrower than the Polestar 4, making the Countryman SE easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

The Countryman SE has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Polestar 4 with its rear seat up (24.8 vs. 18.6 cubic feet). The Countryman SE has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Polestar 4 with its rear seat folded (56.2 vs. 54.2 cubic feet).

The Countryman SE’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Polestar 4’s (2646 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 Polestar 4 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Countryman SE’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The Polestar 4’s power mirror controls are embedded in the infotainment system, seriously distracting drivers who have to adjust them while driving.

The Countryman SE has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the Polestar 4.

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 Polestar 4’s automatic parking system does not offer parking by remote control.