Comparison

MINI vs Rivian

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

MINI

Manage your MINI vehicle remotely with this app. Check status, control features like climate and locks, plan trips with navigation and charging information, and book service appointments. Explore MINI news and products, or try it in demo mode.

Highlights
  • Check vehicle status (location, fuel, locks)
  • Remote control (climate, locks, lights)
  • Trip planning with navigation and traffic
  • E-mobility services (charging, range)
  • Service appointment booking
  • MINI news and shop access
  • Demo mode for non-owners
Features
Read full description

With a modern design and intuitive user guidance features, the MINI App is made to help you navigate a completely new mobility experience. Check the status of your MINI, use one of the many remote control features, plan trips in advance, book your next service appointment, or discover the world of MINI – all from the convenience of your smartphone. The MINI App at a glance: •Immediate access to vehicle status and functions •Smart e-mobility services •Extensive navigation and map features for planning trips •Stories and news from the world of MINI •Direct access to your MINI Service •Use app in demo mode even without owning vehicle •Regular updates and upgrades for all features Discover what makes the MINI App great: CHECK YOUR VEHICLE STATUS “All Good” – The MINI App provides you with an overview of crucial status information like your MINI’s drive-ready state, enabling you to: •View your vehicle's location •Check your current fuel level and range •Check that doors and windows are locked OPERATE YOUR VEHICLE REMOTELY Use your MINI's features directly from your smartphone: •Plan and switch on air conditioning •Lock and unlock doors •Operate the horn and flashers PLAN DRIVES Find and send destinations, gas stations, charging stations, and parking areas directly to the navigation system •Plan trips and keep an eye on current traffic •Read detailed information on gas stations and charging stations •Find parking spaces at your destination •Plan for charging stops and times with charge-optimized route planning ENHANCED E-MOBILITY Smart e-mobility support for planning vehicle range and necessary charging: •Plan electric range and necessary charging •Find nearby charging stations •View your charging history at any time EXPLORE THE WORLD OF MINI Stay up to date and find the right products for your MINI: •Discover exclusive stories and news from MINI •Receive messages in the Message Center •Link directly to MINI Shop MANAGE REQUIRED SERVICES The MINI app is your direct line to your dealer if service is needed: •Keep an eye on required services •Book service appointments via the app EXPERIENCE MINI APP WITH DEMO MODE Explore the benefits of the MINI app even without owning a vehicle: • Choose an attractive MINI demo vehicle from the app garage • Get to know the variety of app functions, e.g. for electric mobility • Use MINI app to get you into the world of MINI Download the MINI App now and try out its many features. The MINI App is only supported by vehicles that were built after March 2018 and have the optional MINI Connected Services services in combination with a compatible smartphone. The optional Remote Services option is required for an optimal app experience. The availability of app functions can vary from country to country.

About

Rivian

Control and manage your electric vehicle with your smartphone. Use your phone as a key, monitor charging, plan trips with charging stops, and access vehicle support and service. Keep your vehicle updated and ready for your next adventure.

Highlights
  • Phone as vehicle key
  • Remote lock/unlock
  • Remote climate control
  • Trip planning with charging stops
  • Charger and point of interest map
  • Vehicle status monitoring
  • Service and roadside assistance
Features
Read full description

The Rivian app works with your R1T and R1S to make driving and owning your Rivian simple. Use your phone as a key, manage charging sessions, tap into support and so much more: • Accept delivery of your Rivian • Make your phone a key to your R1T or R1S • Lock and unlock your vehicle remotely • Warm up or cool down your vehicle before you get in • Plan trips in the app to see recommended routes and charging stops based on your preferences • Search the map for points of interest and nearby chargers—and send any destination to your vehicle • Check your Rivian's range and current charging status • Connect with our support team to ask questions and troubleshoot • Request and track vehicle service and roadside assistance • Start available vehicle software updates from the app • Connect with your home Rivian Wall Charger Keep the World Adventurous Forever.

Screenshots

MINI4 screens
Rivian4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: MINI at 4.8 against Rivian's 4.4. MINI also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and ratings volume (26K vs 1.3K). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

MINI holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: MINI has 26K ratings behind it against 1.3K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 60% of MINI's written reviews are positive against 45% of Rivian's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
MINI versus Rivian: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMINIRivian
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (26K ratings) — better4.4 (1.3K ratings)
Positive reviews59.8% of reviews — better45.4% of reviews
Number of ratings26K — better1.3K
Update frequencyFortnightlyFortnightly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, Apple WatchiPhone, Apple Watch
Requires iOS16.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size498 MB360 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperBMW NORTH AMERICA, LLCRivian

Customer experience

MINI

All ratings24,396 ratings
Positive96.1%
Neutral1.6%
Negative2.3%
Written reviews533 reviews
Positive59.8%
Neutral10.5%
Negative29.6%

Rivian

All ratings1,330 ratings
Positive84.7%
Neutral4.4%
Negative11.0%
Written reviews218 reviews
Positive45.4%
Neutral11.9%
Negative42.7%

User reviews

MINI

From 26K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Nice app
  • 🚀 Easy to use
  • 🚀 Works flawlessly
  • 🚀 Convenient access to information
  • 👍 Useful features

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Connectivity issues
  • 🐛 Charging status not updating
  • 🐛 Bluetooth connection problems
  • 🐛 App crashes frequently
  • 🐛 Unreliable app performance

Rivian

From 1.3K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Great app design
  • 👍 Useful features like climate control and charging management
  • 💎 Continuously improving with updates
  • 🔒 Secure phone-as-a-key functionality

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Connectivity and reliability issues
  • 🔍 Limited functionality compared to Tesla app
  • 🔋 High battery drain on phone
  • 🕰️ Slow app response times

Bugs and requests

MINI

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Time displayed incorrectly in charging notifications
  • Unable to update charging timer
  • Destination send to car feature not working after update
  • App disconnects from VIN after uninstall/reinstall
  • Repeated login required due to app forgetting vehicle

Requested features

6 requests
  • Remote start/stop function
  • Ability to make car payments through the app
  • Notifications for open windows/doors
  • Charging timer setting
  • Improved EV consumption tracking
Show 1 more
  • Apple Watch app support

Rivian

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Widgets disappearing after app updates
  • Inconsistent phone-as-a-key performance
  • Charging status not updating correctly

Requested features

4 requests
  • Remote access to cameras and Gear Guard videos
  • Ability to control more vehicle functions like windows, frunk, and charge port
  • Integration with Apple Watch and other smart devices
  • Customizable charge scheduling and energy cost tracking

In-app purchases

None

MINI

No in-app purchases

None

Rivian

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MINI free?
MINI is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Rivian free?
Rivian is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, MINI or Rivian?
MINI is rated higher. MINI averages 4.8 out of 5 from 26K ratings, while Rivian averages 4.4 from 1.3K ratings.
Do MINI or Rivian have ads?
Neither MINI nor Rivian shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MINI or Rivian?
MINI ships an update fortnightly, and Rivian fortnightly. Most recently, MINI was updated on September 24, 2026 and Rivian on September 22, 2026.

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