2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2025 MINI Countryman
Comparison Overview
The most significant initial difference between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and the 2025 MINI Countryman is the pricing, with the GLA starting $4,100 higher at $43,000 versus the Countryman's $38,900 MSRP. Performance data shows the Countryman leading in output, producing 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft. However, the GLA offers superior fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG combined against the Countryman's 27 MPG combined, and its premium unleaded fuel is required, unlike the Countryman's recommendation. Dimensional analysis reveals the Countryman is slightly larger overall (175.0 inches long vs. 173.6 inches) and offers substantially more utility with 25 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft. The powertrain setups vary, with the GLA utilizing an 8-speed automated manual on FWD and the Countryman using a 7-speed automated manual with standard AWD.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class offers 2 MPG better combined efficiency at 29 MPG, directly benefiting daily running costs.
2025 MINI Countryman
The 2025 MINI Countryman provides 9.6 cubic feet more cargo capacity, totaling 25 cu ft, for superior utility.
2025 MINI Countryman
The MINI Countryman delivers higher peak output with 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the GLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft.
2025 MINI Countryman
The MINI Countryman is $4,100 less expensive while offering higher horsepower and significantly more cargo space.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the GLA achieves 29 MPG combined versus 27 MPG.
- A preference exists for the 8-speed automated manual transmission over the 7-speed.
- The prestige associated with the Mercedes-Benz badge and $43,000 MSRP is desired.
Choose the MINI Countryman if...
- Maximum cargo capacity is needed, with the Countryman offering 25.0 cu ft versus 15.4 cu ft.
- The driver prioritizes raw performance metrics, enjoying 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
- Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is a requirement over the GLA's FWD setup.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class | MINI Countryman |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.6" | 175.0" |
| Width | 72.2" | 72.6" |
| Height | 63.5" | 65.2" |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 106.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | — |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm | 241 hp @ 4500 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 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 | Mercedes-Benz | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/34 MPG | 24/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.0/459.0 mi. | 343.2/457.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 14.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | 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 | ✓ | — |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 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 | 6 months | 12 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.0 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 40.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Size | 235/55R18 | 225/55R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 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 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and 2025 MINI Countryman.
Which vehicle is faster in straight-line performance based on available specifications?
The 2025 MINI Countryman is objectively quicker based on horsepower and torque figures. It generates 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, outperforming the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, which is rated at 221 hp and 258 lb-ft.
How does the driving range difference affect my decision, considering the fuel requirements?
The GLA-Class offers slightly better fuel economy at 26/34 MPG (City/Highway) versus the Countryman's 24/32 MPG. However, the GLA mandates premium unleaded fuel, whereas the Countryman only recommends it, which could impact long-term operational costs differently.
Is the size difference between the two crossovers significant for city parking?
The difference is minor; the GLA is 173.6 inches long, while the Countryman measures 175.0 inches. The Countryman is marginally wider (72.6 in vs 72.2 in) and taller (65.2 in vs 63.5 in), making maneuverability challenges similar for both.
Why does the 2025 MINI Countryman offer substantially more cargo volume?
The Countryman utilizes its slightly larger exterior dimensions, particularly its greater height (65.2 inches), to maximize internal space. This results in a 25.0 cu ft capacity, significantly beating the GLA-Class's 15.4 cu ft rating.
What is the primary mechanical drivetrain difference between the two models?
The GLA-Class defaults to Front Wheel Drive with an 8-speed automated manual transmission. In contrast, the Countryman features standard All Wheel Drive paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission.
How does the $4,100 price gap impact the overall value proposition?
The Countryman’s $38,900 MSRP secures superior performance specs and 9.6 more cubic feet of cargo space for $4,100 less than the GLA's starting price of $43,000.
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