2025 MINI Countryman vs 2025 Subaru Ascent

$38,900 · Crossover

$39,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 MINI Countryman bursts onto the scene with that signature go-kart handling feel wrapped in a versatile crossover shell, boasting 241 hp and excellent efficiency. Conversely, the 2025 Subaru Ascent offers sheer size and muscle, leveraging its larger 260 hp engine, though its fuel economy lags behind. The Countryman is significantly shorter at 175.0 inches compared to the Ascent's commanding 196.8 inches. Fuel efficiency is a massive differentiator, as the MINI achieves a 27 MPG combined rating versus the Ascent's 22 MPG combined. Furthermore, the MINI requires premium unleaded, while the larger Subaru runs happily on regular. Despite its smaller footprint, the Countryman offers a more generous 25 cubic feet of cargo capacity, besting the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft, making the MINI surprisingly practical despite its agile posture.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman wins for commuters due to its superior 27 MPG combined fuel economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent is the family winner because its substantially larger exterior dimensions likely translate to more comfortable three-row usability and passenger space.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 MINI Countryman

The Countryman’s focus on performance dynamics, evidenced by its 295 lb-ft of torque paired with a 7-speed automated manual, excites driving enthusiasts more than the Ascent’s CVT.

💰 Best Value

2025 MINI Countryman

The Countryman offers better efficiency (27 MPG vs 22 MPG) and more cargo capacity (25 cu ft vs 17.8 cu ft) for a lower starting MSRP of $38,900.

Choose the MINI Countryman if...

You prioritize efficiency, benefiting from the 27 MPG combined rating versus the Ascent's 22 MPG.
You prefer the agility of a smaller footprint, as the Countryman is 21.8 inches shorter than the Ascent.
You want a higher torque output relative to horsepower, with the Countryman delivering 295 lb-ft.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You need maximum passenger and overall volume, given the Ascent's larger physical footprint.
You prefer the familiarity and simplicity of a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
You want to save on fuel costs by running on regular unleaded instead of the Countryman's recommended premium fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	MINI Countryman	Subaru Ascent
Length	175.0"	196.8"
Width	72.6"	76.0"
Height	65.2"	71.6"
Wheelbase	106.0"	113.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	MINI	Subaru
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	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	MINI	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	241 hp @ 4500 rpm	260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	277 lb-ft @ 2000 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	MINI	Subaru
Transmission Type	7-speed automated manual	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	MINI	Subaru
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/32 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	343.2/457.6 mi.	386.0/501.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	19.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	MINI	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	MINI	Subaru
Infotainment Display	9.4 in	11.6 in
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	—
AM/FM Stereo	—	✓
Speaker System	—	6
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	MINI	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	MINI	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	40.4 in.	42.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	61.1 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	57.8 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way

Rearseats

Feature	MINI	Subaru
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.0 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	60.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	57.5 in.
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	MINI	Subaru
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R18	245/60R
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

Feature	MINI	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	MINI	Subaru
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 MINI Countryman and 2025 Subaru Ascent.

How significant is the difference in size between the 2025 MINI Countryman and the 2025 Subaru Ascent?

The size disparity is considerable; the Subaru Ascent measures 196.8 inches long, making it over 21 inches longer than the MINI Countryman's 175.0 inches. This translates to a much bulkier vehicle in the Ascent, impacting maneuverability in tight urban spots.

Which crossover offers better fuel economy for daily driving?

The 2025 MINI Countryman is the clear efficiency leader, achieving 27 MPG combined (24/32 city/highway). The 2025 Subaru Ascent manages only 22 MPG combined (20/26 city/highway), representing a notable 5 MPG difference.

Does the Ascent's greater horsepower translate to a more engaging drive than the Countryman?

While the Ascent has slightly more horsepower at 260 hp versus the Countryman's 241 hp, the MINI counters with significantly more torque at 295 lb-ft compared to the Ascent's 277 lb-ft. Enthusiasts might favor the Countryman's torque delivery and 7-speed transmission setup.

What is the cost implication regarding fuel type between these two AWD crossovers?

The Countryman recommends premium unleaded fuel, which typically carries a higher price per gallon. In contrast, the larger Subaru Ascent runs on more affordable regular unleaded, helping offset its lower MPG rating slightly.

How do these two competitors stack up in terms of usable storage space?

Surprisingly, the smaller Countryman boasts more readily available storage, offering 25 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The larger Subaru Ascent provides less capacity at 17.8 cubic feet, suggesting the Countryman is optimized for cargo flexibility.

Comparing the MSRPs, how close are these two vehicles at base trim?

The pricing is very competitive, with the 2025 MINI Countryman starting at $38,900. The 2025 Subaru Ascent starts slightly higher at $39,995, making the Countryman the more affordable entry point.