Compare the2026 MINI Countryman SEVS 2026 Lexus RZ

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive is standard on the Countryman SE. But it costs extra on the RZ.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Countryman SE has standard Cross Traffic Warning with Brake Intervention, systems which detect vehicles approaching from the sides and can automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. Only the RZ Premium/Luxury/F Sport offers Parking Support Brake.

Both the Countryman SE and the RZ have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The Countryman SE’s corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the RZ’s (12 vs. 6 years).

MINI pays for scheduled maintenance on the Countryman SE for 2 years and 26000 miles longer than Lexus pays for maintenance for the RZ (3/36,000 vs. 1/10,000).

The Countryman SE’s electric motors produces 87 more horsepower (308 vs. 221) and 166 lbs.-ft. more torque (364 vs. 198) than the RZ 350e’s standard electric motor. The Countryman SE’s electric motors produces 43 lbs.-ft. more torque (364 vs. 321) than the RZ 450e’s standard electric motors.

The Countryman SE’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The RZ doesn’t offer launch control.

The Countryman SE stops much shorter than the RZ:

For better traction, the Countryman SE’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the RZ (245/45R19 vs. 235/60R18).

The Countryman SE’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RZ’s standard 60 series front tires. The Countryman SE’s optional tires have a lower 45 series profile than the RZ’s optional 50 series front tires.

The Countryman SE’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (50% to 50%) than the RZ’s (53.9% to 46.1%). This gives the Countryman SE more stable handling and braking.

The Countryman SE handles at .85 G’s, while the RZ 450e Premium pulls only .83 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Countryman SE is 1 foot, 2.2 inches shorter than the RZ, making the Countryman SE easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Countryman SE has 2.1 inches more front headroom, 2.7 inches more front hip room, 4.5 inches more rear hip room and .5 inches more rear shoulder room than the RZ.

The Countryman SE has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the RZ with its rear seat folded (56.2 vs. 55.6 cubic feet).

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Countryman SE. The RZ doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Countryman SE has a 2645 lbs. towing capacity. The RZ has no towing capacity.

Optional Trailer Stabilization Control on the Countryman SE uses the Dynamic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The RZ doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Countryman SE uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The RZ uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

A Condition Based Service is standard on the Countryman SE to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals for brake fluid replacement and vehicle inspections based on actual driving conditions. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Lexus doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the RZ.

The power windows standard on both the Countryman SE and the RZ have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Countryman SE is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The RZ prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

If the windows are left open on the Countryman SE the driver can close all of them at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the RZ can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Countryman SE to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The RZ doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Countryman SE has a standard rear wiper. The RZ doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the Countryman SE has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The RZ doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The MINI Countryman SE has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors are only offered on the RZ Premium/Luxury/F Sport.

The Countryman SE offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the RZ.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Countryman SE first among small suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The RZ isn’t in the top three.

The MINI Countryman outsold the Lexus RZ by over two to one during 2025.