2025 Lexus RX vs 2026 MINI Countryman
Comparison Overview
The $10,225 starting MSRP gap dominates the comparison between the 2025 Lexus RX ($49,125) and the 2026 MINI Countryman ($38,900). The Lexus counters its higher cost with superior raw output, offering 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the MINI's 241 hp and 295 lb-ft. However, the smaller Countryman is more efficient, achieving an EPA rating of 27 MPG combined compared to the RX's 25 MPG combined, despite the Lexus utilizing a standard 8-speed automatic versus the MINI's 7-speed automated manual. Dimensional differences are substantial: the RX is 17.5 inches longer at 192.5 inches overall and provides slightly more utility with 29.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the Countryman's 25 cu ft. These figures illustrate a choice between premium space/power from Lexus or notable cost savings and efficiency from the MINI.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 MINI Countryman
The 2026 MINI Countryman wins for commuting due to its superior fuel economy rating of 27 MPG combined versus the Lexus RX's 25 MPG combined.
2025 Lexus RX
The 2025 Lexus RX offers greater utility for families with 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Countryman's 25.0 cu ft.
2025 Lexus RX
The 2025 Lexus RX provides 34 more horsepower (275 hp vs 241 hp) and superior torque, making it the faster, more powerful option.
2026 MINI Countryman
The 2026 MINI Countryman provides superior overall value, starting $10,225 cheaper than the Lexus RX while delivering better fuel efficiency.
Choose the Lexus RX if...
- Maximum cargo space is required, as the RX offers 29.6 cu ft versus 25.0 cu ft.
- Higher levels of straight-line performance are prioritized, evidenced by the 275 hp output.
- A traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission setup is preferred over a 7-speed automated manual.
Choose the MINI Countryman if...
- Adherence to a stricter budget is necessary, given the $10,225 lower starting MSRP of $38,900.
- Efficiency is critical, as the Countryman achieves 27 MPG combined versus 25 MPG combined for the RX.
- An All-Wheel Drive system is desired right from the base trim, unlike the standard FWD of the base RX.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus RX | MINI Countryman |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.5" | 175.0" |
| Width | 75.6" | 72.6" |
| Height | 67.3" | 65.2" |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 275 hp @ 6000 rpm | 241 hp @ 4500 rpm |
| Torque | 317 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/29 MPG | 24/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 391.6/516.2 mi. | 343.2/457.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.8 gal. | 14.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.8 in | 9.4 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 12 | — |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| 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 Dual Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.5 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 in. | 40.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.7 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| 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 | 38.6 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.4 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.9 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Painted Alloy Wheels | ✓ | — |
| Polished Alloy Wheels | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | ✓ | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
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 RX and 2026 MINI Countryman.
How does the drivetrain differ between the 2025 Lexus RX and 2026 MINI Countryman?
The base 2025 Lexus RX comes standard with Front Wheel Drive, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2026 MINI Countryman standard configuration utilizes an All-Wheel Drive system mated to a 7-speed automated manual transmission.
Is the Lexus RX significantly larger than the Countryman?
Yes, the Lexus RX is dimensionally larger, measuring 192.5 inches in length compared to the Countryman's 175.0 inches. This results in a 4.6-inch difference in width (75.6 inches vs 72.6 inches) and greater overall cabin and cargo volume.
Which vehicle uses a premium fuel requirement?
Both the 2025 Lexus RX and the 2026 MINI Countryman recommend the use of premium unleaded fuel according to their specifications. This suggests both turbocharged engines are tuned for higher octane.
What is the measurable performance advantage of the Lexus RX?
The Lexus RX holds a clear performance edge with 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. This output exceeds the MINI Countryman's 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, granting the RX superior acceleration potential.
How much fuel economy is sacrificed by choosing the larger Lexus RX?
Choosing the Lexus RX results in a 2 MPG reduction in combined fuel economy, rated at 25 MPG combined. The MINI Countryman achieves a better combined rating of 27 MPG.
Is the cargo space adequate in the base MINI Countryman?
The 2026 MINI Countryman offers 25.0 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. While this is less than the 29.6 cu ft in the Lexus RX, 25.0 cu ft is still substantial for a compact crossover.
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