2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 MINI Countryman
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid electrifies your daily drive with 261 hp and an impressive 34 miles of pure electric range, targeting maximum efficiency with 35 MPG combined. Conversely, the revamped 2026 MINI Countryman injects pure driving fun, boasting higher torque at 295 lb-ft, making its 241 hp feel punchy despite needing premium fuel. The Sportage PHEV provides significantly better running costs, evidenced by its 8 MPG combined advantage over the MINI's 27 MPG. Measuring 183.5 inches long, the Kia offers a much larger footprint and nearly 10 cubic feet more cargo space (34.5 cu ft vs. 25 cu ft). However, the MINI commands a lower starting MSRP at $38,900 compared to the Kia's $39,890, appealing to budget-conscious drivers seeking that signature MINI handling.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia Sportage PHEV’s 34-mile electric range drastically cuts down on daily fuel consumption.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
With 34.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, the Sportage PHEV accommodates substantially more gear than the Countryman's 25 cubic feet.
2026 MINI Countryman
The MINI Countryman delivers more immediate throttle response with 295 lb-ft of torque, despite having slightly less horsepower.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia offers superior long-term running costs due to the 8 MPG efficiency advantage and PHEV capability.
Choose the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid if...
- You prioritize maximizing fuel economy, benefiting from the 35 MPG combined rating.
- You need the added utility of a longer vehicle (183.5 inches) and larger cargo bay (34.5 cu ft).
- Your daily commute fits within the 34-mile all-electric driving range.
Choose the MINI Countryman if...
- You want the lowest initial purchase price, starting at $38,900 MSRP.
- You prefer the punchy, immediate acceleration offered by 295 lb-ft of torque.
- You desire the classic compact dimensions and handling feel of a shorter (175.0 inches) crossover.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid | MINI Countryman |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5" | 175.0" |
| Width | 73.4" | 72.6" |
| Height | 66.9" | 65.2" |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 106.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.6 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 261 hp | 241 hp @ 4500 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 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 | Kia | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Locking | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 36/35 MPG | 24/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 35 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 399.6/388.5 mi. | 343.2/457.6 mi. |
| EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe) | 88/79 MPGe | — |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | 84 MPGe | — |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | 34 mi. | — |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | 40 | — |
| Charging Time (240V) | 2.0 hr. | — |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11.1 gal. | 14.3 gal. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | SAE J1772 | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 9.4 in |
| 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 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.8 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 40.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.5 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.8 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | 225/55R18 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Kia | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| EV Battery Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ 100000 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 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 MINI Countryman.
How does the charging impact the driving range difference between the two crossovers?
The Kia Sportage PHEV offers a dedicated 34-mile electric range, allowing zero-emission commuting before engaging its 35 MPG hybrid system. The MINI Countryman is not specified as a plug-in hybrid, meaning its fuel economy relies entirely on its 27 MPG combined rating.
Is the MINI Countryman's lower horsepower offset by its torque delivery?
Yes, the 2026 MINI Countryman generates a stronger 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kia's 258 lb-ft, which suggests it might feel quicker off the line despite having 241 hp versus Kia's 261 hp.
Which vehicle is significantly larger for passengers and cargo?
The 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is noticeably larger, measuring 183.5 inches in length and offering 34.5 cubic feet of cargo space. The MINI Countryman is considerably shorter at 175.0 inches and sacrifices space with only 25 cubic feet for cargo.
Does the fuel type requirement affect the long-term cost of ownership?
It does; the Kia Sportage PHEV uses regular unleaded fuel while the MINI Countryman recommends premium unleaded, adding potential recurrent expense to the MINI's operation.
How does the difference in MSRP compare given the efficiency gap?
The MINI Countryman has a lower entry price of $38,900, beating the Kia's $39,890 MSRP by $990 upfront. However, the Kia’s superior 35 MPG combined rating should erase that price gap quickly through fuel savings.
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