2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2026 MINI Countryman

$43,000 · Crossover

$38,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class charms with German refinement, presenting 221 hp from its standard engine, yet it asks for a premium, starting at $43,000. Contrast this with the spirited 2026 MINI Countryman, which packs a punch with 241 hp and a robust 295 lb-ft of torque, making it the obvious choice for spirited driving. The MINI also steals ground in practicality, boasting significantly more cargo capacity at 25 cubic feet compared to the GLA-Class's 15.4 cubic feet. While the Mercedes achieves a slightly better combined 29 MPG versus the MINI's 27 MPG, the Countryman offers superior traction with its standard All-Wheel Drive. This comparison pits luxury entry against raw, accessible fun, highlighted by the MINI's notably lower $38,900 MSRP, representing a $4,100 upfront advantage over the Mercedes.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The Mercedes GLA-Class offers marginally better fuel economy at 29 combined MPG, making long daily drives slightly more cost-effective on fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 MINI Countryman

The 2026 MINI Countryman is the clear winner for families due to its substantial 25 cubic feet of cargo capacity, offering 9.6 cubic feet more than the GLA-Class.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman appeals more to the driving enthusiast with its 241 hp and superior 295 lb-ft of torque, complemented by standard All-Wheel Drive.

💰 Best Value

2026 MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman offers significantly more power and cargo space for $4,100 less than the Mercedes GLA-Class, providing superior measurable utility.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if...

You prioritize brand cachet and the traditional luxury feel associated with the Mercedes-Benz nameplate.
You seek the marginally higher efficiency of 34 highway MPG.
You prefer the slightly narrower exterior dimensions (72.2 inches wide) for easier urban maneuvering.

Choose the MINI Countryman if...

You demand superior acceleration, benefiting from 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
You frequently transport gear, capitalizing on the massive 25 cubic feet of cargo volume.
You desire standard All-Wheel Drive capability right out of the box without an extra cost.

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	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Fixed Headrests	—	✓

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	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

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 2026 MINI Countryman.

How significant is the performance gap between the two crossovers?

The difference is noticeable; the 2026 MINI Countryman produces 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the 2025 Mercedes GLA-Class, which offers 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Which vehicle is better for hauling cargo, the GLA-Class or the Countryman?

The MINI Countryman is substantially better equipped for cargo, providing 25 cubic feet of capacity, whereas the Mercedes GLA-Class is limited to only 15.4 cubic feet.

Does the Mercedes-Benz require premium fuel, and does the MINI?

Yes, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class requires premium unleaded fuel to maintain its performance ratings, while the 2026 MINI Countryman only recommends it.

What is the total price difference between these two models?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class carries an MSRP of $43,000, which is $4,100 more expensive than the 2026 MINI Countryman starting at $38,900.

Which crossover offers better traction in poor weather conditions?

The MINI Countryman is generally better equipped due to its standard All-Wheel Drive setup, while the base Mercedes GLA-Class utilizes Front Wheel Drive.

How do the transmissions differ between the two vehicles?

The Mercedes GLA-Class utilizes an 8-speed automated manual transmission, giving it one more gear than the 7-speed automated manual found in the MINI Countryman.