2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport vs 2026 MINI Countryman

$48,900 · Crossover

$38,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport leaps out with its commanding 246 hp and standard AWD grip, appealing to those who value traditional luxury presence and slightly greater utility. Conversely, the much sleeker 2026 MINI Countryman excites with its potent 295 lb-ft of torque and remarkable efficiency, achieving 27 MPG combined. The $48,900 Discovery Sport offers a more substantial 32.2 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Countryman’s 25 cu ft, giving it a clear advantage in outright hauling capability. However, the MINI’s lower $38,900 MSRP is a significant financial anchor, and its superior fuel economy—a 7 MPG advantage combined—makes it the smarter long-term runner. While the Land Rover boasts a beefier transmission with 9 speeds versus the MINI's 7-speed automated manual, the Countryman brings superior low-end grunt for a punchier everyday drive.

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 fuel economy, delivering 27 MPG combined versus the Discovery Sport's 20 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport

The 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport accommodates families better with 32.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Countryman's 25 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 MINI Countryman

The 2026 MINI Countryman provides a more engaging drive feel with significantly higher torque output at 295 lb-ft versus the Discovery Sport's 269 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 MINI Countryman

The 2026 MINI Countryman offers outstanding value, saving buyers $10,000 in MSRP while providing significantly better mileage.

Choose the Land Rover Discovery Sport if...

You absolutely require the maximum usable utility, as the Discovery Sport offers 32.2 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer a traditional automatic transmission feel with 9 speeds instead of an automated manual.
Brand prestige and a slightly higher 246 hp output are non-negotiable priorities for your driving experience.

Choose the MINI Countryman if...

Cost savings are paramount, evidenced by the $10,000 lower MSRP of $38,900.
Fuel efficiency is key, boasting a 7 MPG advantage combined (27 MPG vs 20 MPG).
You desire immediate low-end acceleration from the impressive 295 lb-ft of torque.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Land Rover Discovery Sport	MINI Countryman
Length	180.9"	175.0"
Width	-	72.6"
Height	67.9"	65.2"
Wheelbase	107.9"	106.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Land Rover	MINI
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog 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	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Land Rover	MINI
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	246 hp @ 5500 rpm	241 hp @ 4500 rpm
Torque	269 lb-ft @ 1300 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	Land Rover	MINI
Transmission Type	9-speed automatic	7-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Land Rover	MINI
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/23 MPG	24/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	336.3/407.1 mi.	343.2/457.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	14.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Land Rover	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	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Land Rover	MINI
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Meridian Speakers	✓	—
Stereo Power	380W	—
Speaker System	10	—
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	12 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Antenna Type	Diversity	—
Infotainment Display	—	9.4 in
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Land Rover	MINI
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Moonroof Type	1st Row Fixed Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Land Rover	MINI
Front Head Room	40.2 in.	40.7 in.
Front Leg Room	39.1 in.	40.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in.	55.7 in.
Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
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 Manual Adjustments	—	6-way

Rearseats

Feature	Land Rover	MINI
Rear Head Room	38.7 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.1 in.	37.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	54.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Land Rover	MINI
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Size	N/A	225/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	—	All Season

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Land Rover	MINI
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport and 2026 MINI Countryman.

How much more expensive is the Land Rover Discovery Sport than the MINI Countryman?

The 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport starts at an MSRP of $48,900, placing it exactly $10,000 above the 2026 MINI Countryman's $38,900 entry price.

Is the Land Rover Discovery Sport significantly larger for cargo needs?

Yes, the Discovery Sport provides noticeably more storage capacity, offering 32.2 cu ft in the rear versus the Countryman's 25 cu ft.

Which crossover offers better highway fuel economy?

The 2026 MINI Countryman is far more efficient on the highway, achieving an EPA estimate of 32 MPG, significantly outpacing the Discovery Sport's 23 MPG highway rating.

Does the lower horsepower in the Countryman mean it feels sluggish?

Despite having 5 fewer horsepower (241 hp vs. 246 hp), the Countryman counters with superior torque (295 lb-ft vs. 269 lb-ft), suggesting stronger immediate acceleration for daily driving.

What fuel type do these two compact luxury crossovers typically require?

The Land Rover Discovery Sport runs happily on regular unleaded fuel, while the MINI Countryman recommends premium unleaded for its optimal performance.

How does the drivetrain sophistication compare between the two AWD vehicles?

The Discovery Sport utilizes a traditional 9-speed automatic transmission, whereas the Countryman employs a more modern 7-speed automated manual for its all-wheel-drive system.