MINI Countryman vs Volvo EX40
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 Volvo EX40 opens at $76,990. That makes the MINI Countryman the more affordable entry point by $27,000.
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 $84,689 respectively.
The Volvo EX40 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 Volvo EX40 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The MINI Countryman packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Volvo EX40.
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 7 in the Volvo EX40.
Feature Showdown
The MINI Countryman features a 9.4-inch touchscreen, while the Volvo EX40 gets a 9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MINI Countryman stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Volvo EX40. The Volvo EX40 counters with head-up display, wireless charging, heated front seats and Harman Kardon audio. 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 Volvo EX40 offers textile/leather blend.
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 Volvo EX40 responds with a Electric making 185kW and 420Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The Volvo EX40 has the clear power advantage at 185kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volvo EX40 is 1.7s 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, 4mm longer than the Volvo EX40 at 4,440mm (2,702mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo EX40 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 460L in the MINI Countryman and 536L in the Volvo EX40, giving the Volvo EX40 a 76L advantage.
For towing, the Volvo EX40 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m 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 11.4m 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 / 999,999km (Volvo EX40). 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 Volvo EX40 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volvo EX40 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Volvo EX40 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 Volvo EX40?
The MINI Countryman is the cheapest at $49,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volvo EX40 by $27,000.
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 Volvo EX40 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volvo EX40 has the largest boot at 536L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volvo EX40 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volvo EX40 makes the most power at 185kW. The Volvo EX40 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.3s.
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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