2025 Lexus NX vs 2026 MINI Countryman
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the slightly smaller, badge-heavy luxury feel of the 2025 Lexus NX and the surprisingly punchy, newly redesigned 2026 MINI Countryman can be tricky. The immediate sticker shock is minimal, with the Lexus starting at $40,965 compared to the MINI's lower $38,900 MSRP. However, the performance story shifts dramatically: the Countryman boasts 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, significantly outgunning the NX's 203 hp. Fuel economy is nearly identical, hovering around 27-28 combined MPG, although the MINI recommends premium fuel. Size-wise, the 2026 Countryman offers slightly better utility with 25 cu ft of cargo space versus the NX's 22.7 cu ft, despite being nearly 8.5 inches shorter in length. For daily usability, the Lexus's FWD setup might appeal to some, while the MINI offers standard AWD.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus NX
The 2025 Lexus NX wins for commuters due to its higher combined MPG rating of 28 and its requirement for regular unleaded fuel, offering better overall running costs.
2026 MINI Countryman
The 2026 MINI Countryman edges out the Lexus by offering slightly more usable space with 25 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the NX's 22.7 cu ft.
2026 MINI Countryman
The 2026 MINI Countryman provides substantially more driving excitement with 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque versus the Lexus's 203 hp.
2026 MINI Countryman
The 2026 MINI Countryman provides superior performance figures (241 hp vs 203 hp) and standard AWD for $2,065 less than the starting MSRP of the Lexus NX.
Choose the Lexus NX if...
- You prioritize long-term fuel savings by sticking to regular unleaded gasoline.
- You prefer the predictable feel of a standard front-wheel-drive configuration for city driving.
- You value the slightly higher highway MPG rating of 33 miles per gallon.
Choose the MINI Countryman if...
- You want significantly quicker acceleration thanks to its 241 hp engine.
- You need standard All-Wheel Drive capability for varied road conditions.
- You appreciate the extra 2.3 cubic feet of storage space provided by its 25 cu ft cargo capacity.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus NX | MINI Countryman |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5" | 175.0" |
| Width | 73.4" | 72.6" |
| Height | 66.1" | 65.2" |
| Wheelbase | 105.9" | 106.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Lexus | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 203 hp @ 6600 rpm | 241 hp @ 4500 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 5000 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 | Lexus | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/33 MPG | 24/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 377.0/478.5 mi. | 343.2/457.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 14.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.8 in | 9.4 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 10 | — |
| 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 | Lexus | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.3 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 40.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.3 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.3 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 Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.1 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.0 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.5 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | 225/55R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
Suspension
| Feature | Lexus | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Lexus | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus NX and 2026 MINI Countryman.
Is the performance difference between these two crossovers noticeable in everyday driving?
Yes, the 2026 MINI Countryman has a massive advantage with 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the 2025 Lexus NX’s 203 hp. That 38 hp difference, plus the Countryman’s higher torque, will translate to much quicker acceleration when merging or passing.
Which vehicle is better for minimizing fuel costs?
The Lexus NX appears better for day-to-day fuel expenses because it achieves a 28 combined MPG using regular unleaded gas. The MINI Countryman only gets 27 combined MPG and requires premium fuel, which will increase running costs.
How much smaller is the 2026 MINI Countryman compared to the Lexus NX?
The MINI is notably smaller overall, measuring 175.0 inches long compared to the Lexus's 183.5 inches—a difference of 8.5 inches. However, the MINI manages to fit 25 cu ft of cargo space, just slightly beating the NX's 22.7 cu ft.
Does the Lexus NX offer All-Wheel Drive as standard like the MINI?
No, the baseline 2025 Lexus NX comes standard with front-wheel drive. The 2026 MINI Countryman, on the other hand, includes All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment for that model configuration.
What is the impact of the different transmissions on the driving experience?
The Lexus utilizes a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic, typically offering very smooth shifts for comfortable commuting. The MINI uses a 7-speed automated manual, which enthusiasts might find engaging but could result in less fluid shifting at low speeds compared to the Lexus.
If I care about the initial purchase price, which car saves me more money upfront?
The 2026 MINI Countryman is the more affordable entry point at $38,900 MSRP. The 2025 Lexus NX starts at $40,965, meaning the Countryman is $2,065 cheaper straight away.
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