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Ford Explorer vs MINI Countryman
Selected trimEChange trim310 mi · 65.2 kWh · £33,005
At a glance
In this comparison, Ford Explorer leads on charging speed, while the MINI Countryman leads on value for money, motorway range and running costs.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- you need the fastest charging of these options
Choose the MINI Countryman if...
- you want the most for your money - best overall spec per pound
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
- you want the lowest running costs - from just 1.8p per mile on off-peak electricity
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The MINI Countryman leads in the most categories, but each car here has its strengths.
ValueMINI
Ford
6.1
MINI
6.8
Motorway RangeMINI
Ford
3.5
MINI
5.7
Family
Ford
6.7
MINI
6.3
Too close to call
ChargingFord
Ford
4.6
MINI
4.1
Cost Per MileMINI
Ford
3.5
MINI
8.7
City Driving
Ford
5.4
MINI
5.5
Too close to call
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | MINI CountrymanE |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £35,185 | £33,005 (better) |
| Official range | 273 miles | 310 miles (better) |
| Boot space | 470 L (better) | 460 L |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 25 min (better) | 29 min |
| 0-62 mph | 8 sec (better) | 8.6 sec |
Size Comparison
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Ford Explorer
MINI Countryman
Length
Ford Explorer4,468mm
MINI Countryman4,445mm-23mm
Width
Ford Explorer1,872mm
MINI Countryman1,843mm-29mm
Height
Ford Explorer1,630mm-5mm
MINI Countryman1,635mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | MINI CountrymanE |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,468 mm | 4,445 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,872 mm | 1,843 mm (better) |
| Width with mirrors out | 2,063 mm (better) | 2,073 mm |
| Height | 1,630 mm | 1,635 mm |
| Turning circle | 10.9 m (better) | 11.4 m |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 528 mm spare | 557 mm spare (better) |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | MINI CountrymanE |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 | Not available |
| Rear legroom | 916 mm (better) | 892 mm |
| Boot space (seats up) | 470 L (better) | 460 L |
| Boot space (seats down) | 1460 L (better) | 1450 L |
| Frunk | Not available | 0 L |
| Towing capacity (braked) | 1,000 kg | 1,200 kg (better) |
Full specifications
| Specification |  Ford Explorer Style 58kWh |  MINI Countryman E |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4.47m | 4.45m-23mm |
| Width | 1.87m | 1.84m-29mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 2.06m | 2.07m+10mm |
| Height | 1.63m | 1.64m+5mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.77m | 2.69m-75mm |
| Ground Clearance | 193mm | Not available |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 470L (better) | 460L |
| Boot (seats down) | 1460L (better) | 1450L |
| Seats | 5 | Not available |
| Rear Legroom | 916mm (better) | 892mm |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 10.9m (better) | 11.4m |
| Kerb Weight | 1,908kg (better) | 1,940kg |
| Towing Capacity | 1,000kg | 1,200kg (better) |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 58kWh | 65.2kWh (better) |
| Range (WLTP) | 273 mi | 310 mi (better) |
| Max DC Charge | 105kW | 130kW (better) |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £35,185 | £33,005 (better) |
| Price after EV grant | £33,685 (-£1,500) | £29,255 (-£3,750) (better) |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | SUV | SUV |
| Available | 2026+ | 2024+ |
* MINI Countryman: 11 kW AC is standard; 22 kW AC was an option.
* MINI Countryman: Current figure, for cars delivered from April 2026 after an efficiency update. Earlier cars have less range.
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | MINI CountrymanE |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 273 miles | 310 miles (better) |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 183 miles | 258 miles (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 25 min (better) | 29 min |
| Max rapid charge rate | 105 kW | 130 kW (better) |
| Home AC charging | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Energy consumption | 164 Wh/km | Not available |
| Usable battery capacity | 58 kWh | 65.2 kWh (better) |
| Battery chemistry | NMC | NMC |
| Battery architecture | 400V | 400V |
| Heat pump | Not standard | Not available |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | MINI CountrymanE |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 8 sec (better) | 8.6 sec |
| Power | 140 kW | 150 kW (better) |
| Torque | 310 Nm (better) | 250 Nm |
| Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests.
Ford Explorer
Style 58kWh
MINI Countryman
E
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
Ford Explorer
All 3 videos
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
Calculate your real costs
For a useful running-cost comparison, factor in your mileage, charging access and current petrol or diesel car alongside the EV estimate.
Compare with petrol or diesel
Compare purchase price, energy, road tax and maintenance with a petrol or diesel alternative.
Calculate company-car tax
Work out monthly Benefit-in-Kind using current and future HMRC rates.
Cost per mile
Compare EV charging costs per mile with petrol and diesel using your charging options.
Check a lease quote
Assess the effective monthly cost alongside the list price and expected depreciation.
Safety & ownership confidence
Euro NCAP - Ford Explorer Style 58kWh
Tested 2024
Adult Occupant89%
Child Occupant86%
Vulnerable Road Users80%
Safety Assist72%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Euro NCAP - MINI Countryman E
Tested 2025
Adult Occupant83%
Child Occupant87%
Vulnerable Road Users81%
Safety Assist79%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | MINI CountrymanE |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | 160,934 km | 160,934 km |
What owners say
Aggregated from UK owner forums and communities - the things you only learn after living with the car.
Ford Explorer
Style 58kWh
Owners love
- Owners praise the quiet, comfortable ride and the planted, enjoyable handling, often rated above the VW ID.4.
- Efficiency is a strong point: owners report around 3.4 to 4 miles per kWh, 300+ miles from a full charge in mild weather and about 200 in winter.
- Rear-seat space is generous, and the interior is felt to be a step up from other Fords.
Watch out for
- A few owners report electrical faults soon after delivery (warning lights, a failed instrument display, a car that would only select neutral), with long waits for a diagnosis.
- Several owners report slow repairs, parts waits and difficulty getting a courtesy car, and some dealers were unfamiliar with the car.
- The heat pump and head-up display are extra-cost options.
Owner tips
- Precondition the car before cold-weather journeys to keep efficiency up.
- Check the car thoroughly on collection, including paint and every warning light, before accepting it.
MINI Countryman
E
Owners love
- First MINI purpose-built as an EV with proven BMW iX1 dual-motor AWD technology and 313 hp output
- Owners praise the new MINI OS 9 navigation system, one-pedal driving, and driving assist modes
- Circular touchscreen display is innovative and the first fully-usable design of its kind
Watch out for
- Styling is controversial and considered generic compared to previous generations, lacking distinctive MINI character
- Front end proportions appear elongated and clumsy, with some comparing it unfavorably to ordinary sedans and the Ford Flex
- Charging speeds are modest at 100-130 kW DC, below current industry standards
Owner tips
- Use Shell Recharge integration or third-party NACS adapters like Lectron Vortex Plus to enable Plug & Charge on compatible networks like IONNA and Tesla
- Inspect interior trim carefully during purchase, particularly in Favored trim models, and examine official photos to verify proportions before committing
Buying options
Get a quote
Ford Explorer
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
MINI Countryman
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ford Explorer worth the extra £2,180 over the MINI Countryman?
The Ford Explorer costs £2,180 more than the MINI Countryman. On the headline specs that premium buys little measurable advantage - the two are closely matched on range, charging and space. The MINI Countryman is not just cheaper - it also offers 37 miles more WLTP range and 25 kW faster peak rapid charging. On EVcarsguide's combined category scores, the MINI Countryman comes out ahead overall.
Which is cheaper to own over 5 years, the Ford Explorer or the MINI Countryman?
The MINI Countryman is £2,180 cheaper to buy. The MINI Countryman is cheaper to charge, roughly £144 a year versus £176 for the Ford Explorer, at 8,000 miles on an off-peak home tariff. Add 5 years of charging and the MINI Countryman comes out roughly £2,340 cheaper overall. These figures cover list price and home charging only - insurance, servicing, tyres and depreciation will move the real total.
What are the Ford Explorer and MINI Countryman like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 183 miles for the Ford Explorer and 258 miles for the MINI Countryman - both below their WLTP figures, because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. The MINI Countryman goes roughly 75 miles further between charging stops. Both rapid-charge to 80% in a similar time, around 25-29 minutes.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the Ford Explorer or the MINI Countryman?
The two are within 29 mm on width, so neither is meaningfully easier to thread into a tight space. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 557 mm of total clearance for the MINI Countryman and about 528 mm of total clearance for the Ford Explorer. The Ford Explorer also turns in a 0.5 m tighter circle, which helps with U-turns and multi-storey ramps.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the Ford Explorer or the MINI Countryman?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 84% battery health for the Ford Explorer and 84% for the MINI Countryman. That is close enough that capacity loss should not decide between them. Both use NMC-type cells, so for daily use keep the charge limit near 80% to slow degradation. Both batteries carry a 8-year manufacturer warranty.
Go deeper on each car
Visit the full model pages for owner feedback, expert reviews, used prices and battery-health information.
Compare against other rivals
Compare similarly sized and priced electric cars before finalising your shortlist.
More Ford Explorer comparisons
More MINI Countryman comparisons
See both cars in our rankings
EVcarsguide scores every verified EV on price, range, family use and running costs. Here is where this pair appears.
Where the Ford Explorer and MINI Countryman rank among the cheapest EVs after the grantWhere the Ford Explorer and MINI Countryman rank among EVs under £40,000Where the Ford Explorer and MINI Countryman rank among the best electric SUVsWhere the Ford Explorer and MINI Countryman rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the Ford Explorer and MINI Countryman rank among the best city EVsWhere the Ford Explorer and MINI Countryman rank among the cheapest EVs to run
Further reading
Explore buying and ownership guides to help you choose between these electric cars.
GuideBuying a Used Ford Explorer EV (2024 on): Standard or Extended Range, RWD or AWD, Recalls & What to Pay
A used electric Ford Explorer buyer’s guide: Standard and Extended Range, RWD and AWD explained, the 2026 battery change, recalls, warranty, real-world range, what owners report, what to pay against a new one with the grant, and a printable checklist.
GuideBuying a Used MINI Countryman Electric (2024 on): E vs SE ALL4, the Grant & What to Pay
A used MINI Countryman Electric buyer’s guide: the E and SE ALL4, the 2026 range update, the £3,750 grant that makes a new one cheaper than many used ones, recalls, warranty, what owners report, what to pay and a printable checklist.
Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .