Best All-Wheel Drive Electric Cars: Is the 2025 Mini Countryman SE All4 a Top Pick?

The 2025 Mini Countryman SE All4 is making waves, and it’s hard not to notice its size. This latest model is the largest Mini to date, exceeding even the Volvo EX30 in length and width. For the American market, where bigger often equates to better, this could be a strategic move. Despite its growth, this five-seat, two-row Countryman SE All4 remains a subcompact electric crossover, placing it in competition with models like the Volvo EX30, Kia Niro EV, and Hyundai Kona Electric. While the Fiat 500e might win on charm, it simply can’t compete with the Mini in terms of range, power, and overall capacity.

One of the standout features of the Mini Countryman SE All4 is its standard dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain. In the subcompact EV crossover segment, the EX30 is one of the few competitors offering this option. All-wheel drive is often favored for providing enhanced traction and stability, especially in varied weather conditions, making it a desirable feature for many car buyers.

However, when considering value, it’s worth noting that for a similar or potentially lower price, particularly with EV tax credits that the Mini may not fully qualify for, buyers could explore all-wheel-drive versions of larger, more spacious compact crossover EVs. Vehicles like the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Volkswagen ID.4 Pro, and Tesla Model Y all offer all-wheel drive configurations and boast superior range and power compared to the Mini Countryman SE All4.

Range is a critical factor for EV adoption, and this is where the Countryman SE All4 lags behind some of its rivals. With an EPA estimated range of 212 miles on a single charge, it falls short of the Model Y’s impressive 308 miles, the Equinox EV’s 285 miles, and even the EX30’s 261 miles. While 212 miles is sufficient for daily commutes, it might not be ideal for longer journeys.

Despite range limitations, the Mini Countryman SE All4 holds its own with its unique and appealing design, coupled with a distinctive and quirky interior. Within the subcompact category, both the Mini and Volvo stand out as premium options, offering a level of refinement and style that sets them apart from more mainstream competitors. For those prioritizing all-wheel drive in a stylish, premium subcompact EV, the 2025 Mini Countryman SE All4 presents a compelling, if not class-leading, option.

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