2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 MINI Countryman
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe bursts onto the scene with brawn, boasting 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, making it the power leader. Its substantial 190.2-inch length promises interior space dominance. In contrast, the zippier 2026 MINI Countryman leans into efficiency and agility, offering 27 MPG combined despite using premium fuel, and features standard All-Wheel Drive. The MINI counters the Santa Fe's initial $34,300 MSRP by demanding $38,900, a $4,600 premium. While the Santa Fe yields a modest 14.6 cu ft of cargo space, the Countryman offers a significantly larger 25 cu ft capacity for hauling gear. The choice hinges on whether you prioritize raw power from the Hyundai or the compact, AWD-equipped efficiency package of the MINI.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 MINI Countryman
The 2026 MINI Countryman wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 27 MPG versus the Santa Fe's 24 MPG.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offers substantially more interior space, indicated by its greater overall vehicle size, although the listed cargo capacity difference (25 cu ft vs 14.6 cu ft) requires further confirmation based on configuration.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe offers a significant performance advantage with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, besting the Countryman's 241 hp and 295 lb-ft.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe commands a $4,600 lower starting MSRP at $34,300 while offering more horsepower.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- You need the higher raw output of 277 horsepower for quicker acceleration maneuvers.
- Budget is paramount, as the starting MSRP is $4,600 less than the competitor at $34,300.
- You prefer standard use of regular unleaded gasoline over recommended premium fuel.
Choose the MINI Countryman if...
- Maximizing hauling capability is key, as the Countryman provides a notably larger 25 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You desire the assured grip of All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard equipment.
- Better mileage is a priority, evidenced by the Countryman's 27 MPG combined rating.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Fe | MINI Countryman |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.2" | 175.0" |
| Width | 74.8" | 72.6" |
| Height | 67.7" | 65.2" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 106.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| 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 Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm | 241 hp @ 4500 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | Hyundai | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | 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) | 354.0/513.3 mi. | 343.2/457.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 14.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 9.4 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 12 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.1 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.4 in. | 40.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.5 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.6 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.9 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2026 MINI Countryman.
Is the 2025 Santa Fe significantly larger than the 2026 Countryman?
Yes, the Hyundai Santa Fe is physically larger, measuring 190.2 inches in length compared to the MINI Countryman's 175.0 inches. This size difference suggests a roomier cabin for passengers, even though the listed cargo capacities show an initial discrepancy.
Which crossover will cost more to run daily?
The 2026 MINI Countryman will likely cost more due to its requirement for premium unleaded fuel, whereas the 2025 Santa Fe runs efficiently on regular unleaded. Additionally, the Santa Fe has a slightly higher combined MPG rating.
Does the MINI Countryman offer better handling dynamics?
While the Santa Fe leads in outright power (277 hp vs 241 hp), the Countryman's smaller size, AWD setup, and reputation often lend themselves to a more playful, agile driving feel typical of the MINI brand.
How big is the power gap between the two vehicles?
There is a noticeable 36 horsepower advantage favoring the Santa Fe (277 hp vs 241 hp). The torque figures are closer, with the Santa Fe delivering 311 lb-ft compared to the Countryman's 295 lb-ft.
Which vehicle offers better utility for cargo storage?
Based on the specifications provided, the 2026 MINI Countryman appears far superior for utility, boasting 25 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the 2025 Santa Fe’s 14.6 cu ft.
Are the transmissions similar between the two crossovers?
Both use automated manuals, but they differ slightly in specification; the Santa Fe utilizes an 8-speed unit, while the Countryman employs a 7-speed automated manual transmission.
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