At first glance, comparing the Acura ADX A-Spec and the MINI Countryman S ALL4 may seem unusual
After driving them back-to-back, their similarities and differences make for an intriguing matchup. Both are subcompact crossovers priced around $40,000, both mix style with utility, and both promise fun behind the wheel. Yet their personalities couldn’t be further apart. They also benefit from sharing components from their parent companies (Honda and BMW), while managing to separate themselves from many competitors at the same time.
MINI
Kristen Brown
Two different takes on premium subcompact crossovers
These two vehicles sit in an interesting niche of not being quite luxury, nor quite mainstream. They’re priced above entry-level models from Toyota or Honda, yet below premium German offerings like the Mercedes-Benz GLA or BMW X1. Both come standard with tech features, offer practical cargo space, and sport economical four-cylinder engines. Still, their missions diverge: Acura leans on refinement and maturity, while MINI doubles down on heritage and character.
N.D. Adlen
Acura ADX A-Spec AWD ($40,000 base MSRP)
While the ADX can be had with front-wheel drive for around $35,000, the AWD version is the one that goes head-to-head with the MINI. Under the hood, a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque paired with a CVT and Acura’s “Intelligent Control” AWD system. At just over 3,600 pounds, the ADX returns an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
Acura
Comfort & tech
Acura nailed the basics. The ADX’s front seats are among the best-in-class, offering a plush yet supportive experience and making them great for long commutes. Rear-seat room is also surprisingly generous for a subcompact crossover. Tech comes by way of a standard 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.2-inch Acura Precision Cockpit digital gauge cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included. Cargo volume is solid at 24.4 cu-ft behind the second row, expanding to 55.1 cu-ft with seats folded.
Design & feel
From the outside, the ADX resembles a scaled-down RDX, featuring a clean and handsome design that exudes an upscale feel without being flashy. Inside, the cabin is businesslike and mature, with subtle sporty cues. It’s unmistakably Acura, even if it shares bones with the Honda HR-V.
MINI
MINI Countryman S ALL4 ($38,900 base MSRP)
The 2025 Countryman S ALL4 is a very different proposition. It’s MINI’s largest model, but still keeps its signature cheeky styling. Power comes from a BMW-developed 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. The AWD system primarily drives the front wheels, but can shuffle power rearward as needed. At just under 3,800 pounds, the Countryman’s fuel economy is rated at 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.
MINI
Comfort & tech
Seating in the MINI is firmer than the Acura’s, though supportive once you settle in. The big story here is the 9.4-inch circular OLED display, an industry-first centerpiece that doubles as an infotainment hub and digital control panel. Cargo space edges out the ADX at 25 cu-ft behind the second row, expanding to 56 cu-ft with the seats folded.
MINI
Gabriel Ionica
MINI
Gabriel Ionica
Gabriel Ionica
Design & feel
The Countryman may have grown, but it still looks playful and unmistakably MINI. Whimsical design cues remain, like the toggle-style gear selector, even if some of the classic MINI touches have been toned down. Inside, it feels like a grown-up MINI with BMW underpinnings, balancing utility with flair.
Acura
MINI
Behind the wheel: Refinement vs. character
On the road, the two couldn’t feel more different. The Acura counters with refinement. Its CVT may blunt some of the fun, but the ADX feels quiet, smooth, and composed. Power is adequate for daily driving, and the ride is tuned for comfort. It doesn’t inspire the same grins as the MINI, but it makes up for it with serenity on the commute.
The MINI is the performance pick, hands down. With its torquey engine, lightning-fast gear changes, and sharp chassis, it feels more like a hot hatch than a crossover. Cornering is precise, power is plentiful, and the car oozes personality. However, the ride is firm, and road noise is more noticeable compared to the Acura.
MINI
N.D. Adlen
Final thoughts
These two may live in the same price bracket, but they’re aimed at very different personalities. The Acura ADX A-Spec is the sensible commuter’s crossover – quiet, refined, and well-suited for slogging through traffic or eating up freeway miles without breaking a sweat. It’s polished, comfortable, and just playful enough to keep things from getting boring.
The MINI Countryman S ALL4? That’s a different beast entirely. It’s rowdy, quick to respond, and carries that unmistakable MINI attitude. Every drive feels like it’s daring you to take the long way home, even if the ride is firmer and the cabin a bit more eccentric.
If your day-to-day grind demands comfort and composure, the ADX is the one to bring home. If you’d rather trade a little refinement for fun, flair, and sharp handling, the Countryman makes the stronger case. Either way, both of these crossovers prove that practicality doesn’t have to come at the expense of personality.
About the author
Nathan Adlen
Contributing Writer, Autoblog