2025 Acura RDX vs 2026 MINI Countryman
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Acura RDX enters the arena radiating polished, upscale performance, boasting a spirited 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque delivered through a silky 10-speed automatic transmission. Contrasting this refined power, the smaller 2026 MINI Countryman offers tenacious spirit in a more efficient package, surprising drivers with 295 lb-ft of torque, despite producing 241 hp. Buyers face an immediate financial choice: the RDX commands a premium price tag of $44,700, while the MINI undercuts it significantly at $38,900. Fuel economy also separates them, with the Countryman achieving 27 MPG combined versus the RDXβs 23 MPG combined, saving four miles per gallon on daily drives. Although the RDX provides slightly more physical presence at 187.4 inches long and offers 29.5 cu ft of cargo space, the MINI delivers efficiency and agility in a tightly packaged 175.0-inch footprint.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 MINI Countryman
The 2026 MINI Countryman is the clear winner for commuters due to its superior 27 MPG combined rating and lower $38,900 entry price.
2025 Acura RDX
The 2025 Acura RDX provides superior space with 29.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Countryman's 25 cu ft.
2025 Acura RDX
The 2025 Acura RDX appeals more to enthusiasts with its substantial 31 horsepower advantage (272 hp vs 241 hp) and traditional 10-speed automatic.
2026 MINI Countryman
The 2026 MINI Countryman offers robust torque and better MPG for nearly $6,000 less than the Acura RDX.
Choose the Acura RDX if...
- Maximum curb appeal and Acura refinement are top priorities for the ownership experience.
- A driver values the feel of a dedicated 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission over efficiency.
- You need the maximum available interior volume, especially the 29.5 cu ft of cargo space.
Choose the MINI Countryman if...
- Saving $5,800 upfront is a crucial factor in the purchasing decision.
- Maximizing fuel range is essential, leveraging the 32 MPG highway rating.
- A preference exists for high torque density delivered through a 7-speed automated manual setup.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Acura RDX | MINI Countryman |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.4" | 175.0" |
| Width | 74.8" | 72.6" |
| Height | 65.7" | 65.2" |
| Wheelbase | 108.3" | 106.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Acura | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | β | β |
| Lane Departure Warning | β | β |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | β | β |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | β | β |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | β | β |
| Post-Collision Safety System | β | β |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | β | β |
| Front Head Airbags | β | β |
| Rear Head Airbags | β | β |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | β | β |
| Electronic Stability Control | β | β |
| Traction Control System | β | β |
| LATCH System | β | β |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | β | β |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | β | β |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | β | β |
| Brake Assist | β | β |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | β | β |
| Automatic Headlights | β | β |
| LED Headlights | β | β |
| Daytime Running Lights | β | β |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | β | β |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | β | β |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | β | β |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | β | β |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | β | β |
| Engine Immobilizer | β | β |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | β | β |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | β | β |
| Headlight Delay-Off | β | β |
| Cornering Lights | β | β |
| Front Fixed Headrests | β | β |
Engine
| Feature | Acura | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm | 241 hp @ 4500 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | β | β |
Drive Train
| Feature | Acura | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| [object Object] | β | β |
| [object Object] | β | β |
| Center Differential Type | β | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Acura | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/27 MPG | 24/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 359.1/461.7 mi. | 343.2/457.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.1 gal. | 14.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Acura | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | β | β |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Electric Power Steering | β | β |
| Rear View Camera | β | β |
| Wireless Charging Pad | β | β |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | β | β |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | β | β |
| Front Cupholders | β | β |
| Rear Cupholders | β | β |
| Front Door Pockets | β | β |
| Rear Door Pockets | β | β |
| Overhead Console with Storage | β | β |
| Front Seatback Storage | β | β |
| Leather Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | β | β |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | β | β |
| Interior Air Filtration | β | β |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | β | β |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | β | β |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | β | β |
| Front Parking Sensors | β | β |
| Rear Parking Sensors | β | β |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Heated Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | β | β |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Acura | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.2 in | 9.4 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | β | β |
| Speaker System | 9 | β |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | β |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | β | β |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | β | β |
| USB Port | β | β |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | β | β |
| USB Port with External Media Control | β | β |
| Satellite Radio | β | β |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 12 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | β | β |
Power Feature
| Feature | Acura | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | β | β |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | β | β |
| Heated Mirrors | β | β |
Frontseats
| Feature | Acura | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 40.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.0 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.0 in. | β |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | β | β |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | β | β |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | β |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | β | β |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | β |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | β |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | β | β |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | β |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | β | β |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | β | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | β | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Acura | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.0 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.0 in. | β |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | β | β |
| Folding Center Armrest | β | β |
| Reclining Rear Seats | β | β |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Acura | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | β |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | β |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | β |
| Wheel Material | β | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Acura | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | β | β |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | β | β |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | β | β |
Warranty
| Feature | Acura | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura RDX and 2026 MINI Countryman.
How significant is the difference in acceleration given the power gap?
The 2025 Acura RDX has a 31 hp advantage (272 hp vs 241 hp), suggesting it will feel noticeably quicker when accelerating aggressively. However, the MINI Countryman nearly matches power delivery with 295 lb-ft of torque versus the RDXβs 280 lb-ft.
Is the Acura RDXβs larger size immediately obvious in traffic?
Yes, the Acura RDX measures 187.4 inches in length compared to the MINI Countrymanβs 175.0 inches, meaning the RDX will feel more substantial and require slightly more attention when maneuvering tight city streets.
Does the premium fuel recommendation impact the overall value proposition?
Both vehicles recommend premium unleaded fuel, meaning operating costs related to fuel type are identical, though the RDXβs 4 MPG lower combined efficiency will raise volumetric fuel expenses.
How does the difference in transmission affect the driving experience?
The RDX utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic known for smooth power delivery across its wider ratio spread. The Countryman uses a 7-speed automated manual, which drivers might perceive as quicker shifts during spirited driving but potentially less smooth in stop-and-go traffic.
Which crossover offers better utility for weekend hauling?
The 2025 Acura RDX is more accommodating for cargo needs, providing 29.5 cu ft behind the rear seats, compared to the 2026 MINI Countrymanβs 25 cu ft capacity.
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