2025 MINI Countryman vs 2025 Toyota Highlander

$38,900 · Crossover

$40,320 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the nimble 2025 MINI Countryman and the larger 2025 Toyota Highlander boils down to space versus zip. If you are worried about squeezing into tight city parking spots while still wanting a fun drive, the Countryman presents a compelling case against the roomier Highlander. The Countryman is significantly smaller, measuring 175.0 inches long compared to the Highlander’s 194.9 inches, making parking easier. On the efficiency front, the Countryman manages 27 MPG combined on premium fuel, slightly edging out the Highlander's 25 MPG combined, which thankfully runs on regular unleaded. While the Highlander offers marginally more power with 265 hp versus the Countryman's 241 hp, the Countryman counters with better torque delivery relative to its size at 295 lb-ft. Ultimately, buyers must weigh the Highlander's 16 cubic feet of cargo space against the Countryman's $1,420 lower starting MSRP of $38,900.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 MINI Countryman

The smaller 2025 MINI Countryman, with its 175.0-inch length, is better suited for daily city navigation and parking.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Highlander

The 2025 Toyota Highlander is physically larger, offering a more spacious cabin and likely better long-term family comfort.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 MINI Countryman

Despite less horsepower, the Countryman's all-wheel drive and 295 lb-ft of torque paired with a lighter frame suggest a more engaging driving dynamic.

💰 Best Value

2025 MINI Countryman

The 2025 MINI Countryman has a $38,900 MSRP, which is lower than the Highlander's $40,320 starting price.

Choose the MINI Countryman if...

You prioritize maximizing fuel economy, achieving 32 MPG on the highway compared to the Highlander's 29 MPG.
You want a standard all-wheel drive system right from the base model, as the Countryman includes it.
You prefer a smaller footprint; the Countryman is significantly shorter at 175.0 inches.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

You require the ability to use regular unleaded fuel, saving on the higher cost of the Countryman's premium fuel recommendation.
You need more pulling power, as the Highlander boasts 310 lb-ft of torque.
You want the larger vehicle, given the Highlander is 6.9 inches taller at 68.1 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	MINI Countryman	Toyota Highlander
Length	175.0"	194.9"
Width	72.6"	76.0"
Height	65.2"	68.1"
Wheelbase	106.0"	112.2"

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	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

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 shiftable 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	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	343.2/457.6 mi.	393.8/519.1 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	17.9 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	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	MINI	Toyota
Infotainment Display	9.4 in	8.0 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.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	40.4 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	59.0 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	—	57.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way

Rearseats

Feature	MINI	Toyota
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.0 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	58.7 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	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R18	P235/65R V
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

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 Highlander.

Which car is significantly easier to park on the street?

The 2025 MINI Countryman is clearly the winner for city parking due to its compact dimensions, measuring only 175.0 inches long. The Toyota Highlander, at 194.9 inches long, requires substantially more room for maneuvering and fitting into smaller garages.

Is the performance gap between these two crossovers noticeable?

The difference is slight on paper; the Highlander has 265 hp versus the Countryman's 241 hp. However, the Countryman compensates with a slight advantage in torque delivery for its size and comes standard with all-wheel drive.

Does the fuel type preference affect the long-term cost?

Yes, the Countryman recommends premium unleaded, which typically costs more per gallon than the regular unleaded required by the Highlander. This ongoing fuel cost difference must be weighed against the Highlander's slightly lower combined MPG of 25.

How much more cargo space does the Highlander actually offer?

The 2025 Toyota Highlander provides 16 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the seats up. This is less than the 2025 MINI Countryman's 25 cubic feet, which is an interesting trade-off given the Highlander's much larger exterior size.

What is the main difference in their transmissions?

The Countryman utilizes a 7-speed automated manual transmission, which provides a different driving feel than the Highlander’s traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic.

Is the Countryman cheaper upfront, despite having AWD standard?

Yes, the Countryman starts at an MSRP of $38,900, beating the Highlander's $40,320 starting price, even though both vehicles are equipped with AWD capabilities (Countryman standard, Highlander typically optional for the FWD base model shown).