2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 MINI Countryman
Comparison Overview
The most significant measurable difference between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 MINI Countryman is the 59 horsepower gap, with the Explorer producing 300 hp versus the Countryman's 241 hp. This power translates to a larger footprint, as the Explorer measures 198.8 inches long, significantly outweighing the Countryman's 175.0-inch length. Despite the Explorer’s size, the Countryman offers superior fuel efficiency, achieving a combined 27 MPG compared to the Explorer's 24 MPG, even though the MINI recommends premium fuel. In terms of utility, the Countryman surprisingly provides 25 cubic feet of cargo space, besting the Explorer's 18.2 cubic feet. Pricewise, the Explorer starts at $40,050, slightly higher than the Countryman's $38,900 MSRP, although the Explorer utilizes regular unleaded fuel.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 MINI Countryman
The MINI Countryman offers better urban fuel economy at 24 City MPG, resulting in lower running costs for daily commuting.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer's substantially larger exterior dimensions and rear-wheel-drive configuration suggest greater passenger and towing capability.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Explorer delivers 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, significantly surpassing the Countryman's 241 hp and 295 lb-ft.
2025 MINI Countryman
The Countryman is $1,150 cheaper upfront while delivering a higher combined fuel economy rating of 27 MPG.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- Maximum engine output is paramount, with 300 horsepower available from its powertrain.
- A larger vehicle platform, measuring 198.8 inches in length, is required.
- You prefer a standard rear-wheel-drive biased platform mated to a 10-speed automatic.
Choose the MINI Countryman if...
- Fuel efficiency is a top priority, achieving 32 Highway MPG versus the Explorer's 29 Highway MPG.
- Maximum cargo utility is needed, as 25 cu ft surpasses the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft capacity.
- A lower initial investment is desired, with an MSRP of $38,900 compared to $40,050.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Explorer | MINI Countryman |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8" | 175.0" |
| Width | 78.9" | 72.6" |
| Height | 69.9" | 65.2" |
| Wheelbase | 119.1" | 106.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | ✓ | — |
| 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 |
| 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 | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 241 hp @ 4500 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 24/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 358.0/519.1 mi. | 343.2/457.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 14.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | — |
| Speaker System | 6 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 12 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Infotainment Display | — | 9.4 in |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.0 in. | 40.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.8 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.2 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.5 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.0 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 59.1 in. | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/65R18 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | 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 Ford Explorer and 2025 MINI Countryman.
Which crossover is more powerful: the 2025 Ford Explorer or the 2025 MINI Countryman?
The 2025 Ford Explorer is significantly more powerful, producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2025 MINI Countryman generates 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, creating a measurable 59 hp difference favoring the Explorer.
Does the MINI Countryman or the Ford Explorer offer better cargo volume?
Surprisingly, the smaller 2025 MINI Countryman offers superior storage capacity with 25 cubic feet of cargo room. The 2025 Ford Explorer provides 18.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, making the Countryman more practical for hauling gear.
Which vehicle uses less expensive fuel?
The 2025 Ford Explorer uses regular unleaded gasoline, which typically costs less per gallon than the premium unleaded recommended for the 2025 MINI Countryman. This is a key long-term operational expense consideration.
How do the fuel economy figures compare between the two models?
The MINI Countryman achieves a better combined MPG rating of 27, while the Ford Explorer returns 24 combined MPG. On the highway, the Countryman gets 32 MPG compared to the Explorer’s 29 MPG.
What is the primary difference in drivetrain layout?
The 2025 Ford Explorer comes standard with a rear-wheel-drive configuration, while the 2025 MINI Countryman utilizes an all-wheel-drive system.
Considering the starting price, which crossover represents better value?
The MINI Countryman starts at $38,900, undercutting the Explorer's $40,050 MSRP by $1,150. When combined with its higher fuel efficiency, the Countryman presents a stronger initial value proposition.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool