2025 MINI Countryman vs 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the fun, compact 2025 MINI Countryman and the spacious 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid presents a classic size versus cost dilemma. The MINI starts at a lower MSRP of $38,900 and is significantly more agile, measuring just 175.0 inches long, making city parking a breeze. However, the Toyota, though priced $5,310 higher at $44,210, dominates on efficiency, delivering a combined 36 MPG compared to the MINI's 27 MPG. While the MINI offers 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque for zippier performance feel, the Grand Highlander Hybrid’s hybrid system provides its advantage through fuel savings, not raw output. Furthermore, the Toyota offers a much taller cabin at 72.1 inches, but sacrifices maximum cargo space, offering 20.6 cu ft versus the MINI’s 25 cu ft—a surprisingly close matchup given the length difference of over six inches.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 MINI Countryman
The MINI Countryman wins for commuters due to its smaller 175.0-inch length, making city navigation and parking much easier than the larger Toyota.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is the clear choice for families due to its significantly larger dimensions (78.3 inches wide and 72.1 inches high) providing superior passenger room.
2025 MINI Countryman
The MINI Countryman offers more engaging specs with 295 lb-ft of torque paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission versus the Toyota's CVT.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Despite the higher initial cost, the Grand Highlander Hybrid’s 9 MPG advantage delivers better long-term value through superior fuel economy.
Choose the MINI Countryman if...
- You prioritize a lower entry price, starting at just $38,900.
- You frequently drive in tight urban environments where its 175.0-inch length is beneficial.
- You prefer premium unleaded performance combined with 295 lb-ft of torque.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid if...
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is crucial, as it achieves 36 combined MPG.
- You need the superior passenger volume provided by its taller 72.1-inch height.
- You prefer standardizing on regular unleaded fuel instead of premium fuel.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | MINI Countryman | Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 175.0" | 201.4" |
| Width | 72.6" | 78.3" |
| Height | 65.2" | 72.1" |
| 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 | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 4500 rpm | 245 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 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 | MINI | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | MINI | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/32 MPG | 37/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 36 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 343.2/457.6 mi. | 636.4/584.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 gal. | 17.2 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 MINI Countryman and 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid.
Is the MINI Countryman more practical for cargo than the larger Toyota?
Surprisingly, yes, in terms of absolute cubic feet, the 2025 MINI Countryman offers 25 cu ft of cargo space, edging out the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid which has 20.6 cu ft behind its second row.
How significant is the fuel cost difference between these two AWD vehicles?
The difference is substantial; the Toyota achieves 36 combined MPG on regular fuel, whereas the MINI requires premium unleaded and only manages 27 combined MPG, meaning the Toyota will save considerably over the long run.
Which vehicle offers better outright power figures?
The power output is nearly identical, with the Toyota at 245 hp and the MINI at 241 hp; however, the MINI has a higher torque figure at 295 lb-ft versus the Toyota's assumed lower hybrid-optimized output.
Is the price gap of $5,310 worth paying for the Toyota?
If you plan to keep the vehicle for several years, the $5,310 premium for the Toyota is often offset by the huge savings from the 9 MPG efficiency gain and its regular fuel requirement.
Which transmission type is better for daily driving?
The MINI uses a 7-speed automated manual, which is geared toward a sportier feel, while the Toyota uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), generally favored for smooth, gearless acceleration in city traffic.
How much bigger is the Grand Highlander physically?
The Toyota is significantly larger, being 26.4 inches longer (201.4 inches vs 175.0 inches) and substantially taller at 72.1 inches high, making it a much more imposing vehicle on the road.
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