MINI Countryman vs Tesla Model Y
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 Tesla Model Y opens at $65,900. That makes the MINI Countryman the more affordable entry point by $15,910.
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 $72,490 respectively.
The Tesla Model Y qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The MINI Countryman, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the MINI Countryman and Tesla Model Y hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the MINI Countryman and 96% for the Tesla Model Y.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Tesla Model Y packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the MINI Countryman.
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 8 in the Tesla Model Y.
Feature Showdown
The MINI Countryman features a 9.4-inch touchscreen, while the Tesla Model Y gets a 16-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MINI Countryman stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Tesla Model Y. The Tesla Model Y counters with Apple CarPlay and panoramic roof. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the MINI Countryman gets synthetic leather / cloth upholstery while the Tesla Model Y offers vegan 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 Tesla Model Y responds with a Electric Motor making 194kW and 340Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.
The Tesla Model Y has the clear power advantage at 194kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the Tesla Model Y is 3.1s 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, 348mm shorter than the Tesla Model Y at 4,792mm (2,890mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Tesla Model Y generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 460L in the MINI Countryman and 854L in the Tesla Model Y, giving the Tesla Model Y a 394L advantage.
For towing, the Tesla Model Y leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 100kg 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 12.1m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (MINI Countryman) vs 5 years / 80,000km (Tesla Model Y). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MINI Countryman if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer MINI's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Tesla Model Y if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Tesla Model Y takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Tesla Model Y has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, MINI Countryman and Tesla Model Y?
The MINI Countryman is the cheapest at $49,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Tesla Model Y by $15,910.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The MINI Countryman uses the least fuel at 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — MINI Countryman and Tesla Model Y all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Tesla Model Y has the largest boot at 854L.
Which can tow the most?
The Tesla Model Y has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Tesla Model Y makes the most power at 194kW. The Tesla Model Y is quickest to 100km/h in 5.9s.
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.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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