X1 vs Countryman
Put the X1 next to the Countryman and you have BMW and MINI going after exactly the same subcompact luxury suv crowd. Think of these two as neighbors: the overlap is large and the gaps are few.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.5
- Fuel Economy & Range5.3
- Engine & Performance7.5
- Fuel Economy & Range4.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
Call the engine & performance round a draw. The engine & performance verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t fuel economy & range. The takeaway: fuel economy & range is not where these two differ.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The differences on space & practicality are small enough to ignore in daily use. If space & practicality was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The off-road & towing specs are close enough that neither gets the point. For off-road & towing, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Safety & Tech
There isn’t a number to compare on safety & tech, just names. Look at the rows below to see how the X1 and the Countryman differ.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | X1 | Countryman |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 241 hp | 241 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch | 7-speed dual-clutch |
| Drivetrain | AWD (xDrive) | AWD (ALL4) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | X1 | Countryman |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 28 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 33 mpg | 32 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | X1 | Countryman |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.7 cu ft Biggest cargo area | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 57.2 cu ft Most room, seats folded | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | X1 | Countryman |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | X1 | Countryman |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the X1 or the Countryman?
The X1 and the Countryman split the comparison (the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the X1, the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the Countryman), so pick the strength you’ll use.
Executive Summary
I’ll be upfront: I have no stake in whether you buy BMW or MINI. I only care that you end up with the right one of the X1 and the Countryman.
The X1 is for you if the things a spec sheet can’t capture tops your list; the Countryman is for you if the things a spec sheet can’t capture does.
My pick: whichever matches your priority, since the things a spec sheet can’t capture means the X1 and the things a spec sheet can’t capture means the Countryman.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.