MINI Countryman vs KGM Rexton
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The MINI Countryman starts from $49,990 before on-road costs, while the KGM Rexton opens at $50,000. That makes the MINI Countryman the more affordable entry point by $10.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $54,989 and $55,000 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the MINI Countryman by roughly $2,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the MINI Countryman and KGM Rexton hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the MINI Countryman and 6 in the KGM Rexton.
Feature Showdown
The MINI Countryman features a 9.4-inch touchscreen, while the KGM Rexton gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Interior trim differs: the MINI Countryman gets synthetic leather / cloth upholstery while the KGM Rexton offers leather.
Drivetrain
The MINI Countryman uses a Petrol Turbo producing 115kW and 230Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.
The KGM Rexton responds with a Turbo DDi Diesel making 149kW and 441Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 11.5 seconds.
The KGM Rexton has the clear power advantage at 149kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the MINI Countryman is 2.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The MINI Countryman measures 4,444mm long on a 2,692mm wheelbase, 406mm shorter than the KGM Rexton at 4,850mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the KGM Rexton generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 460L in the MINI Countryman and 236L in the KGM Rexton, giving the MINI Countryman a 224L advantage. The KGM Rexton seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the KGM Rexton leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 2,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,881/year for the MINI Countryman and $2,480/year for the KGM Rexton. That is a $599 annual difference in favour of the MINI Countryman.
Estimated annual total: $1,881 (MINI Countryman) vs $2,480 (KGM Rexton). The MINI Countryman saves you roughly $599 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (MINI Countryman) vs 7 years / 999,999km (KGM Rexton). The KGM Rexton has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MINI Countryman if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer MINI's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the KGM Rexton if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer KGM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MINI Countryman takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The MINI Countryman will save you roughly $599 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the MINI Countryman has a clear edge. The KGM Rexton adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
