2025 MINI Countryman vs 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the nimble 2025 MINI Countryman and the spacious 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander presents a classic dilemma: fun size versus ultimate utility. The MINI Countryman starts at a slightly lower MSRP of $38,900 and boasts better fuel economy, achieving a combined 27 MPG versus the Grand Highlander's 24 MPG, which uses cheaper regular unleaded fuel. However, the Grand Highlander offers substantially more size at 201.4 inches long, compared to the Countryman's 175.0 inches, making the Toyota the clear choice for hauling large crews or cargo. While the Toyota has a slight edge in power with 265 hp against the MINI's 241 hp, the Countryman's smaller dimensions and focus on spirited handling cater to a different type of driver looking for agility in urban settings. Ultimately, buyers must weigh the MINI's efficiency and compact footprint against the Toyota's sheer volume and traditional automatic transmission ease.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 MINI Countryman
The MINI Countryman offers superior combined fuel economy at 27 MPG and runs on premium fuel, making it slightly more economical for solo daily driving.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander is significantly larger at 201.4 inches in length and provides a more substantial crossover platform for family needs.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander edges out the MINI in raw power, delivering 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Countryman's 241 hp and 295 lb-ft.
2025 MINI Countryman
The MINI Countryman has a lower starting MSRP ($38,900) and better fuel economy, suggesting a lower overall cost of ownership upfront.
Choose the MINI Countryman if...
- You prioritize city driving agility, as the Countryman is significantly smaller (175.0 inches long).
- You want better fuel efficiency, as the Countryman achieves 27 MPG combined.
- You prefer the traditional feel of an AWD system paired with an automated manual transmission.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- You require maximum space, as the Grand Highlander is 26.4 inches longer than the MINI.
- You want to save on fuel costs by using regular unleaded instead of premium unleaded.
- You prefer a standard 8-speed automatic transmission over an automated manual.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | MINI Countryman | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 175.0" | 201.4" |
| Width | 72.6" | 78.3" |
| Height | 65.2" | 70.1" |
| Wheelbase | 106.0" | 116.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | MINI | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | MINI | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 4500 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | MINI | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/32 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 343.2/457.6 mi. | 373.8/498.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 gal. | 17.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | MINI | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | MINI | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.4 in | 12.3 in |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 12 months | 3 months |
| AM/FM Stereo | — | ✓ |
| Speaker System | — | 6 |
Power Feature
| Feature | MINI | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | MINI | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.4 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 60.2 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 | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | MINI | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.8 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.0 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 57.0 in. |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | MINI | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | 255/65R18 |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
Suspension
| Feature | MINI | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | MINI | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 MINI Countryman and 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander.
Which car is better for road trips with lots of luggage?
The Toyota Grand Highlander is the clear choice for storage, as its crossover body is built for volume. While the MINI Countryman offers 25 cu ft of cargo space, the Grand Highlander provides a much larger footprint for bulkier items.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Grand Highlander?
The Toyota Grand Highlander has a modest power advantage, offering 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. This is 24 more horsepower than the 241 hp produced by the MINI Countryman.
Is the MINI Countryman cheaper to run day-to-day regarding fuel?
Yes, the MINI Countryman is slightly better on fuel, achieving 27 MPG combined compared to the Toyota's 24 MPG combined. Furthermore, the MINI recommends premium unleaded, while the Toyota runs happily on regular unleaded, potentially lowering fueling costs despite the slightly worse MPG.
What's the main difference in size between these two crossovers?
The difference in exterior footprint is substantial; the Toyota Grand Highlander measures 201.4 inches in length and 70.1 inches in height. In contrast, the MINI Countryman is much more compact at only 175.0 inches long and 65.2 inches tall.
Does the transmission type affect the driving feel significantly?
Yes, the MINI Countryman uses a 7-speed automated manual, which can sometimes feel less seamless than the traditional 8-speed automatic found in the Toyota Grand Highlander, especially during low-speed driving.
Which car has a better starting price?
The 2025 MINI Countryman has the advantage with a starting MSRP of $38,900, which is $1,960 less than the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander's starting price of $40,860.
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