2025 Dodge Durango vs 2026 MINI Countryman

$38,495 · Crossover

$38,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the rugged, traditional power of the 2025 Dodge Durango and the nimble, efficient profile of the 2026 MINI Countryman presents a classic dilemma: do you prioritize size and muscle or economy and maneuverability? The Durango commands attention at 200.8 inches long and delivers a punchy 295 horsepower, but it pays for that performance with a combined 20 MPG fuel economy, requiring regular unleaded. Conversely, the MINI Countryman is significantly more compact at 175.0 inches and focuses on efficiency, achieving 27 MPG combined, although it asks for premium fuel. While the Durango offers 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space, the smaller Countryman surprisingly offers more utility at 25 cubic feet. For those needing brute force, the Durango’s 260 lb-ft of torque is noticeable, but the Countryman compensates with a superior 32 MPG highway rating, making its smaller frame surprisingly practical for daily driving.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 MINI Countryman

The 2026 MINI Countryman wins for commuters due to its superior 27 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the Durango's 20 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Dodge Durango

The larger 2025 Dodge Durango is better suited for families due to its significantly longer 200.8-inch body providing a perception of more cabin room, despite having less stated cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Dodge Durango

The 2025 Dodge Durango appeals more to enthusiasts with its higher 295 horsepower output and traditional rear-wheel drive setup.

💰 Best Value

2026 MINI Countryman

Despite a slightly higher MSRP of $38,900 versus the Durango's $38,495, the Countryman offers better long-term value through substantial fuel savings.

Choose the Dodge Durango if...

You frequently tow or value higher outright power, utilizing the 295 horsepower.
You prefer the feel and dynamics of a rear-wheel-drive platform for your daily drive.
You need the absolute largest exterior footprint, measuring 200.8 inches long.

Choose the MINI Countryman if...

Fuel economy is a major priority, as indicated by its 32 MPG highway rating.
You appreciate better utility in a smaller package, boasting 25 cubic feet of cargo space.
You live in areas needing better traction, benefiting from its all-wheel drive system.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Dodge Durango	MINI Countryman
Length	200.8"	175.0"
Width	75.8"	72.6"
Height	72.1"	65.2"
Wheelbase	119.8"	106.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Dodge	MINI
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	—
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Dodge	MINI
Base Engine Displacement	3.6 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	295 hp @ 6400 rpm	241 hp @ 4500 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Dodge	MINI
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	7-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Dodge	MINI
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/25 MPG	24/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	442.8/615.0 mi.	343.2/457.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	24.6 gal.	14.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Dodge	MINI
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	—
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Dodge	MINI
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	9.4 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	With Real Time Traffic	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	12 months

Power Feature

Feature	Dodge	MINI
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	Dodge	MINI
Front Head Room	39.9 in.	40.7 in.
Front Leg Room	40.3 in.	40.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	55.7 in.
Front Hip Room	57.0 in.	—
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Dodge	MINI
Rear Head Room	39.8 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	37.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Dodge	MINI
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/60R18	225/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Dodge	MINI
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Dodge	MINI
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Durango and 2026 MINI Countryman.

Which vehicle is cheaper to run daily regarding fuel?

The 2026 MINI Countryman is generally cheaper to fuel day-to-day because it achieves 27 MPG combined versus the 2025 Dodge Durango's 20 MPG combined. However, remember the Countryman recommends premium fuel, while the Durango uses regular unleaded.

Does the smaller MINI Countryman actually have more storage space than the massive Durango?

Yes, surprisingly, the 2026 MINI Countryman offers 25 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is significantly more than the 17.2 cubic feet offered by the larger 2025 Dodge Durango.

How significant is the power difference between these two crossovers?

The difference is substantial, with the Durango generating 295 horsepower, beating the Countryman's 241 horsepower by 54 hp. The Durango also has better torque at 260 lb-ft compared to the MINI’s 295 lb-ft.

Which car is better suited for someone who needs to parallel park in tight city spots?

The 2026 MINI Countryman is much better suited for tight urban environments, being over 25 inches shorter in length (175.0 inches versus 200.8 inches for the Durango).

Why does the 2025 Durango have RWD while the 2026 Countryman has AWD?

The Durango uses a traditional rear-wheel drive setup, often preferred for its robust towing capability and performance feel. The Countryman utilizes an all-wheel drive system, which enhances traction and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions.