XT4 vs Countryman
Two makers, one class, one decision: the XT4 from Cadillac or the Countryman from MINI. The gap between the XT4 and the Countryman is narrow enough that price, looks or habit could reasonably tip it.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Countryman wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Countryman wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance5.9
- Fuel Economy & Range4.3
- 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.
Key Differences
-
The Countryman has 37 lb-ft more torque
The gap on torque is slim (295 lb-ft against 258 lb-ft), yet it tips toward the Countryman. The Countryman’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The Countryman has better highway fuel economy
You may not notice this one every day, but the Countryman’s 32 mpg is a step ahead of the XT4’s 29 mpg. The Countryman uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | XT4 | Countryman |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 181.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 109.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Countryman leads
On balance, the Countryman leads the engine & performance section, just not by much. On its side, the Countryman has 37 lb-ft more torque. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades. Anyone shopping mainly on engine & performance should start with the Countryman.
Torque
XT4: 258 lb-ft Countryman: 295 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Countryman leads
If you’re keeping score, the fuel economy & range point goes narrowly to the Countryman. Choose the Countryman and you get better highway fuel economy. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point. The takeaway: on fuel economy & range, the Countryman is the stronger car.
Fuel economy (highway)
XT4: 29 mpg Countryman: 32 mpg Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
If space & practicality matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. Treat space & practicality as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Both the XT4 and the Countryman cover off-road & towing equally well on paper. So off-road & towing is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the XT4’s and the Countryman’s entries.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | XT4 | Countryman |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 235 hp | 241 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 7-speed dual-clutch |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD (ALL4) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | XT4 | Countryman |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 26 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg | 32 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | XT4 | Countryman |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 22.5 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 48.9 cu ft Least room, seats folded | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | XT4 | Countryman |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | XT4 | Countryman |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | XT4 | Countryman |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 181.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 109.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | XT4 | Countryman |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $40,795 Priciest in class | N/A (not specified) |
“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?
Choose the Countryman if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (295 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
- you cover long highway distances (32 mpg vs 29 mpg on the highway)
- you trust MINI and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the XT4 or the Countryman?
On the specs compared here, the Countryman makes more sense for most buyers; the XT4 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Cadillac or MINI? For a lot of people, the question really comes down to the XT4 versus the Countryman. What tips it for me is that the Countryman has 37 lb-ft more torque. And if that weren’t enough, the Countryman has better highway fuel economy.
Choose by what you’d use most: the things a spec sheet can’t capture leads to the XT4, engine & performance leads to the Countryman.
My pick: the Countryman.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.