2025 MINI Countryman vs 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 MINI Countryman and the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is fuel economy, with the Highlander Hybrid achieving 35 combined MPG versus the Countryman's 27 combined MPG, representing an 8 MPG advantage for Toyota. This efficiency gap is crucial given the $7,920 MSRP difference, as the Countryman starts at $38,900 while the Highlander Hybrid begins at $46,820. Performance metrics are closely matched; the Highlander Hybrid leads marginally in power with 243 hp compared to the Countryman's 241 hp, though the MINI offers superior torque at 295 lb-ft versus the Toyota's unspecified figure (assumed lower). Dimensionally, the Countryman is substantially smaller, measuring 175.0 inches long, allowing for easier maneuverability than the 194.9-inch Highlander. However, the Countryman’s cargo capacity is 25 cu ft, significantly exceeding the Highlander Hybrid's 16 cu ft, creating a unique trade-off between exterior footprint and usable storage.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid provides superior fuel efficiency with a 35 combined MPG rating, minimizing operational costs over daily drives.
2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Although the Highlander Hybrid is larger overall at 194.9 inches long, the Countryman's lower overall height (65.2 inches vs 68.1 inches) and superior cargo capacity of 25 cu ft make it less ideal for larger families requiring maximum passenger space.
2025 MINI Countryman
The 2025 MINI Countryman delivers higher torque output at 295 lb-ft, likely resulting in a more spirited driving feel despite the identical horsepower figures (241 hp vs 243 hp).
2025 MINI Countryman
The MINI Countryman offers a starting MSRP that is $7,920 lower than the Highlander Hybrid, providing accessible entry into the AWD crossover segment.
Choose the MINI Countryman if...
- Your priority is upfront cost savings, as the MSRP is $38,900 versus $46,820.
- You need maximum cubic footage for cargo within a smaller footprint, offering 25 cu ft versus 16 cu ft.
- You prefer higher torque (295 lb-ft) for immediate acceleration responses.
Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...
- Long-term fuel expenditure is critical, indicated by the 35 combined MPG rating.
- You require the larger overall dimensions, standing 68.1 inches high and 194.9 inches long.
- You prefer using regular unleaded fuel over the Countryman's recommended premium unleaded.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | MINI Countryman | Toyota Highlander Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2 |
| 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 | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 4500 rpm | 243 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 | — |
Fuel
| Feature | MINI | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/32 MPG | 35/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 35 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 343.2/457.6 mi. | 598.5/598.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 gal. | 17.1 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | MINI | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 39.6 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 | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 57.2 in. |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger 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. | 58.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 57.0 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| 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 | P235/65R18 |
| 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 MINI Countryman and 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
How does the size difference impact usability between the two crossovers?
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is significantly larger at 194.9 inches long compared to the MINI Countryman's 175.0 inches, impacting maneuverability. However, the smaller Countryman surprisingly offers substantially more cargo room at 25 cu ft versus the Highlander Hybrid's 16 cu ft.
Which vehicle is better for minimizing yearly fuel expenses?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers superior fuel economy at 35 combined MPG compared to the 2025 MINI Countryman's 27 combined MPG. This 8 MPG advantage translates directly into fewer stops at the pump over the vehicle's lifespan.
Is the extra cost of the Highlander Hybrid justified by performance upgrades?
Performance is closely matched, with the Highlander Hybrid offering 243 hp against the Countryman's 241 hp. However, the Countryman generates 295 lb-ft of torque, which may provide a more engaging feel than the Toyota's likely lower torque figure.
What is the impact of the required fuel type on long-term ownership costs?
The MINI Countryman recommends premium unleaded fuel, which is typically more expensive than the regular unleaded utilized by the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. This difference in fuel grade further supports the Highlander Hybrid's advantage in long-term running costs.
What is the absolute price difference between the two models?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a starting MSRP of $46,820, making it $7,920 more expensive than the 2025 MINI Countryman, which starts at $38,900.
Do both vehicles utilize the same type of transmission?
No, the vehicles employ different drivetrains; the MINI Countryman uses a 7-speed automated manual transmission, whereas the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
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