Compare the2025 MINI Countryman SEVS 2024 VinFast VF 8

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Countryman SE are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The VF 8 doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

Both the Countryman SE and VF 8 have rear cross-traffic warning, but the Countryman SE has Brake Intervention (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The VF 8’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Countryman SE and the VF 8 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, 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 2 years and unlimited miles longer than the VF 8’s (12/unlimited vs. 10/125000).

MINI pays for scheduled maintenance on the Countryman SE for 3 years and 36,000 miles. MINI will pay for tire rotations, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. VinFast doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the VF 8.

There are almost 24 times as many MINI dealers as there are VinFast dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Countryman SE’s warranty.

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 VF 8 doesn’t offer launch control.

For superior ride and handling, the MINI Countryman SE has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The VinFast VF 8 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

For better maneuverability, the Countryman SE’s turning circle is 1.9 feet tighter than the VF 8’s (38.7 feet vs. 40.6 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Countryman SE has a greater minimum ground clearance than the VF 8 (7.4 vs. 6.8 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 800 to 950 pounds less than the VinFast VF 8.

The Countryman SE is 12 inches shorter than the VF 8, making the Countryman SE easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

For excellent aerodynamics, the Countryman SE has standard flush composite headlights. The VF 8 has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The Countryman SE has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the VF 8 with its rear seat up (24.8 vs. 13.2 cubic feet). The Countryman SE has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the VF 8 with its rear seat folded (56.2 vs. 48.4 cubic feet).

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 VF 8 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Countryman SE’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The VF 8’s power mirror controls are embedded in the infotainment system, seriously distracting drivers who have to adjust them while driving.

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 VF 8.

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 VF 8 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The MINI Countryman outsold the VinFast VF 8 by almost 42 to one during 2023.