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In the competitive realm of compact SUVs priced under $40,000, two contenders stand out: the 2026 Mini Countryman S and the 2025 Acura ADX. This analysis explores which vehicle truly delivers more aesthetic value for its price point. Both models present compelling cases, with the Countryman S starting at $38,900 and the ADX beginning at $35,000. For a fair assessment of their stylistic merits, this comparison focuses on the ADX's A-Spec Package trim, which, at $38,000 (or $40,000 for the AWD variant), more closely aligns with the Mini's pricing. The evaluation delves into various design aspects, from exterior customization to interior technology integration, revealing distinct philosophies that cater to different buyer preferences.

When it comes to external presentation, the Mini Countryman S often claims the edge in character and personalization. Its 2026 iteration boasts a rich selection of nine exterior paint colors, including vibrant shades like Chili Red II and British Racing Green IV Metallic, offering buyers ample choice. In contrast, the 2025 ADX's color palette is somewhat more subdued, featuring six options such as Adriatic Sea Blue and Urban Gray Pearl. While the ADX offers a few standard colors, and its optional hues are slightly less expensive than the Mini's, the sheer breadth of options available for the Countryman S, including contrasting roof colors—a feature absent in the ADX—underscores Mini's commitment to individual expression. This layered approach to design, allowing for greater customization, sets the Countryman S apart from its more conventional rival.

Further distinguishing their exteriors, the Mini Countryman S provides more diverse wheel options. While the 2025 ADX A-Spec is limited to a single factory wheel design, the 19-inch Shark Gray Split 5-spoke wheels, the Countryman S offers 18-inch Asteroid Spoke Black and Silver wheels as standard. For those seeking a more assertive stance, an upgrade to 19-inch John Cooper Works Runway Spoke wheels is available for an additional cost. Beyond wheels, the Countryman S integrates practical yet stylish elements like standard roof rails that blend seamlessly into its silhouette, a feature not found on the ADX A-Spec. The Mini's distinctive hexagon-shaped headlights, featuring three unique LED signatures, also contribute to its standout appearance, contrasting with the ADX's sleeker, more conventional single-signature lighting design.

Moving to the interiors, both vehicles feature synthetic leather upholstery. However, the ADX A-Spec presents more diverse color combinations, offering Ebony, Red/Ebony, and Orchid/Blue, compared to the Countryman S's choice of black and blue or grey and blue. Despite this, the Countryman S's cabin exudes a more playful and innovative ambiance, highlighted by a distinctive 2D-knit fabric dashboard that extends to the door panels. The ADX's interior, while sporty with soft-touch materials, leatherette trim, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and metal pedals, adheres to a more traditional aesthetic. The Countryman S further enhances its interior appeal with standard multi-color adjustable ambient lighting, a feature limited to single-color options in the ADX.

Technological integration also defines each cabin's character. The 2026 Mini Countryman S boasts a striking circular 9.4-inch central infotainment touchscreen, complemented by a head-up display. In contrast, the Acura ADX A-Spec offers a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster but lacks a head-up display. While the Countryman S integrates its digital instrument display directly into the central screen—a design choice that might require a slight adjustment for some users—its visual impact is undeniably more captivating than the ADX's setup. Both models include wireless phone chargers, but the Countryman S relies more heavily on its touchscreen for various vehicle functions, whereas the ADX incorporates a greater number of physical controls, appealing to those who prefer tactile interaction.

Ultimately, while the 2025 Acura ADX A-Spec delivers a sporty and more conventional aesthetic, the 2026 Mini Countryman S distinguishes itself through extensive customization options, layered design elements like contrasting roof colors, and a bolder interior. Additionally, the availability of black racing stripes for any Countryman model adds another layer of personalization. Prospective buyers are encouraged to personally experience both models through in-person viewings and test drives to ascertain which vehicle best aligns with their individual style and functional preferences.