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MINI Countryman vs Ford Explorer EV comparison

Compare performance (313 HP vs 340 HP), boot space and price (30,100 £ vs 34,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – MINI Countryman or Ford Explorer EV?

MINI Countryman vs Ford Explorer EV: Key differences

MINI Countryman

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • a bit cheaper
  • visibly lighter
  • barely more trunk space
details

Ford Explorer EV

4.7 (5 Reviews)
rate
  • marginally more power
  • barely more efficient
  • a bit more electric range
  • only slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Countryman

Ford Explorer EV vs MINI Countryman — a practical head-to-head for buyers

Ford Explorer EV and MINI Countryman square off as two very different takes on the modern compact SUV, which is precisely why the matchup matters for real buyers. The Explorer EV projects highway confidence and long-distance calm, while the MINI Countryman trades outright range and mass for city agility and brand flair. Choose the Explorer EV if you prioritise relaxed motorway cruising and strong driver aids; opt for the MINI Countryman if you want easier parking, a distinctive cabin and a car that feels smaller on the street. This comparison focuses on how each car will actually behave day to day — not which has the bigger number on a spec sheet. Read on to see which car matches your priorities in comfort, practicality, tech and daily driving life.

Explorer EV

Comfort and long-distance behaviour

The Ford Explorer EV feels built for long mileage: it presents a hushed cabin and a stable, assured demeanor at motorway speeds that reduces fatigue on long runs. That serenity comes with a firmer underlying suspension that can feel taut over short, sharp bumps — it rewards planted handling but can be less forgiving on broken surfaces. The MINI Countryman is also surprisingly composed at speed, but its ride bias tends toward tautness in town where potholes and gutters are more noticeable. In short, pick the Explorer EV for calmer, less tiring highway miles and the Countryman if you value compact agility and can tolerate a firmer city ride.

Countryman

Cabin feel, controls and perceived quality

The Explorer EV leans practical: an orderly layout, useful stowage and driver aids that make long journeys simpler, but its touch‑heavy controls and haptic sliders sometimes interrupt intuitive use. The MINI Countryman trades some of that practicality for personality — its round OLED and textile finishes give a stronger emotional impression and a more premium feel up at eye level. That charm has a cost: the MINI’s menus can feel fiddly and the infotainment logic occasionally frustrates, whereas the Explorer’s system is more straightforward but less tactile. Buyers who prize tactile buttons and a polished atmosphere will lean MINI; those who prefer simple ergonomics and plenty of hidden storage will favour the Explorer EV.

Explorer EV

Practicality and everyday usability

Practical differences matter more than brand image here: the Explorer EV makes clever use of interior space and offers a host of cubbies that simplify family life, but its boot is more modest than you might expect for the size and it lacks a frunk. The MINI Countryman often feels easier to pack for everyday tasks, though high loading lips and the EV’s reduced boot relative to ICE versions can bite when you need to load bulky items. Rear-seat space is generous in both, but the MINI’s sliding bench on certain petrol versions adds flexible practicality that the Explorer offsets with deeper underfloor storage and higher payload capacity. If weekly supermarket runs and gym bags are your routine, the MINI’s easier doorway and shorter reach win; if you carry taller loads and value hidden storage, the Explorer EV makes for a smarter daily partner.

Countryman

City friendliness and parking

In tight urban environments the MINI Countryman feels friendlier: shorter body dimensions, a direct steering feel and crisp front visibility make it easier to thread into narrow bays. The Ford Explorer EV, while surprisingly nimble for its size and easier to turn than its exterior suggests, can feel wide in constricted car parks due to its mirrors and overall stance. Both cars come with cameras and parking aids that take the stress out of tight manoeuvres, but the MINI’s compact footprint combined with lighter steering makes it the better city tool. Conversely, if you frequently leave city limits and tackle long commutes, the Explorer EV’s highway composure offsets its larger footprint.

Explorer EV

Buyer fit — who should pick which car

The Ford Explorer EV suits buyers who prioritise long-range confidence, quiet motorway travel and strong driver assistance — families and commuters who want an SUV that behaves grown-up on long trips. The MINI Countryman is aimed at buyers who value compactness, styling and a premium-feeling cabin for mixed city and highway use, and who don’t mind paying for desired options. If you tow occasionally or need higher payload and more aggressive fast-charging behaviour, the Explorer EV will make more sense; if you live in the city, want easier parking and a car with character, the MINI Countryman is the logical choice. Below this editorial comparison the technical section lays out the tangible performance and range trade-offs so you can match those real-world differences to your typical week.

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Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Countryman

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

MINI Countryman is a bit cheaper – starting at 30,100 £ , while the Ford Explorer EV costs 34,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 4,115 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the Ford Explorer EV is barely more efficient: consuming 14.6 kWh/100km compared to 14.8 kWh/100km for the MINI Countryman. That’s a difference of about 0.2 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the Ford Explorer EV offers a bit more range – reaching up to 602 km, about 105 km more than the MINI Countryman.

Explorer EV

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Ford Explorer EV offers marginally more power – delivering 340 HP compared to 313 HP. That’s roughly 27 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Ford Explorer EV is only slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.3 s, while the MINI Countryman takes 5.6 s. That’s about 0.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Ford Explorer EV delivers visibly more torque with 679 Nm compared to 494 Nm. That’s about 185 Nm more.

Countryman

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, MINI Countryman is visibly lighter – 1,570 kg compared to 1,996 kg. The difference is around 426 kg.

Looking at boot space, the MINI Countryman offers barely more boot space – 505 L compared to 472 L. That’s a difference of about 33 L.

When it comes to payload, the Ford Explorer EV carries slightly more – 585 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 85 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Ford Explorer EV is slightly ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £34,200
Explorer EV

Ford Explorer EV

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 190 - 340 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 14.6 - 17.3 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 417 - 602 km
details
MINI Countryman
Ford Explorer EV

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman turns the cheeky charm of a classic MINI into a proper all-rounder, blending playful styling with surprisingly usable space for everyday life. It still grins at city lights but will happily tackle muddy lanes, perfect for buyers who want character without sacrificing practicality.

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Reviews MINI Countryman

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
Urszula
13 Apr 2026, 06:42:12

Beautiful design, carefully finished inside, large display, very comfortable ride with the automatic gearbox, a bit cramped in the back, fairly spacious boot.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Ford Explorer EV

The Explorer EV brings the familiar presence and practicality of an Explorer into the electric age, offering roomy comfort and modern tech for everyday life and family trips. It feels composed on the road and serves as a straightforward, user-friendly alternative to conventional gas-powered SUVs.

details
339B09E4-87F0-4F47-8A68-7DA1B14BD783
46E73473-7BD4-4D0A-B7B7-433A0148B614
09A01900-4D34-480B-A9A5-1A89755E12FF

Reviews Ford Explorer EV

4.7 (5 Reviews)
rate
Rene
26 May 2026, 14:29:47

problemfri, feels like a real car

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Olle Westberg
22 Feb 2026, 20:59:34

600 km real-world range in summer; handles me — I'm just over 190 cm and 100 kg.

Better looking than the ID.4 and often available at a really good price.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Long-distance driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
D.W.
29 Oct 2025, 18:09:06

I have owned and worked on Ford products for years and I am now driving an 07 Explorer 4.0 liter. 1 transmission and multiple soft parts and switches >300.000.
Klm. and still looks and runs great.
I am a Ford fan and will continue to be one, however the Rxplorer is looking dated. Come on you guys time for a Ford Home run. How about a totally resigned Ford Explorer. Hey how bout a diesel or a hybrid

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MINI Countryman
Ford Explorer EV

Costs and Consumption
Price
30,100 - 39,800 £
Price
34,200 - 49,600 £
Consumption L/100km
5.9 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
14.8 - 15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
14.6 - 17.3 kWh/100km
Electric Range
463 - 497 km
Electric Range
417 - 602 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 149 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,570 - 2,075 kg
Curb weight
1,996 - 2,209 kg
Trunk capacity
450 - 505 L
Trunk capacity
472 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,843 mm
Width
1,872 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
475 - 500 kg
Payload
531 - 585 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 313 HP
Power HP
190 - 340 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.6 - 10.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.3 - 8 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 494 Nm
Torque
350 - 679 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
90 - 230 kW
Power kW
140 - 250 kW
Engine capacity
1,499 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, A, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
MINI
Brand
Ford
What drive types are available for the MINI Countryman?

The MINI Countryman is available as Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.