2025 MINI Countryman vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

$38,900 · Crossover

$37,190 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the zippy, premium feel of the 2025 MINI Countryman and the spacious utility of the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport often comes down to size versus efficiency. The Atlas Cross Sport offers significantly more room, boasting a substantial 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the MINI's 25 cu ft, making it the clear choice for hauling gear. However, the Atlas comes with a trade-off: its Front-Wheel Drive setup and 23 combined MPG lag behind the MINI's All-Wheel Drive efficiency of 27 combined MPG. For city dwellers counting pennies on fuel, the MINI's recommended premium unleaded results in better mileage. Power output is close, with the Atlas producing 269 hp versus the Countryman's 241 hp, but the MINI compensates with superior torque at 295 lb-ft to the VW's 273 lb-ft. Ultimately, buyers must weigh the Atlas's sheer size against the Countryman's better fuel economy and maneuverability.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 MINI Countryman

The 2025 MINI Countryman wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 27 combined MPG versus the Atlas Cross Sport's 23 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is better for families because it offers substantially more room with 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Countryman's 25 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 MINI Countryman

The Countryman is the enthusiast choice because it offers a higher torque figure (295 lb-ft) and standard All-Wheel Drive.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport offers better fundamental size and power for a slightly lower starting MSRP of $37,190.

Choose the MINI Countryman if...

You prioritize fuel efficiency, as the Countryman achieves 27 combined MPG.
You prefer better low-end responsiveness, highlighted by its 295 lb-ft of torque.
You live in an area where the security of All-Wheel Drive is a necessity.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...

Maximum cargo hauling is essential, given its 40.3 cu ft capacity.
You want to save money on fuel costs, as it accepts regular unleaded gasoline.
You desire slightly more peak horsepower (269 hp) and a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	MINI Countryman	Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Length	175.0"	195.6"
Width	72.6"	78.3"
Height	65.2"	68.1"
Wheelbase	106.0"	117.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	MINI	Volkswagen
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	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	MINI	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	241 hp @ 4500 rpm	269 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	273 lb-ft @ 1600 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	Volkswagen
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	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/32 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	343.2/457.6 mi.	372.0/483.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	18.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	MINI	Volkswagen
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	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	MINI	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	9.4 in	12.0 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	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	2	—
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	MINI	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	40.4 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	61.5 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	58.4 in.
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	MINI	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.0 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	60.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	58.7 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	MINI	Volkswagen
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R18	245/60R18
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	MINI	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 MINI Countryman and 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

Which car is easier to park on a tight city street?

The 2025 MINI Countryman is likely easier due to its smaller footprint, measuring 175.0 inches long compared to the massive 195.6-inch length of the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. Its smaller dimensions make squeezing into standard parking spots less stressful.

How big is the difference in cargo space between these two crossovers?

The difference is substantial; the Atlas Cross Sport provides 40.3 cu ft of cargo space, which is over 15 cubic feet more than the MINI Countryman's 25 cu ft. If you frequently carry bulky items, the VW is the clear winner here.

Does the fuel type make a big difference in ownership costs?

Yes, the 2025 MINI Countryman recommends premium unleaded fuel, while the Atlas Cross Sport runs on regular unleaded, which is usually cheaper per gallon. This offsets some of the MINI's 4 MPG efficiency advantage.

Is the Atlas Cross Sport significantly more powerful than the Countryman?

While the Atlas has 28 more horsepower (269 hp vs. 241 hp), the Countryman produces more torque (295 lb-ft vs. 273 lb-ft). This means the MINI should feel quicker off the line or when accelerating from lower speeds.

Why is the MINI Countryman recommended for enthusiasts if the Atlas has more horsepower?

The Countryman's recommendation comes from its standard All-Wheel Drive capability and higher torque delivery, often translating to better all-weather performance and quicker off-the-line responsiveness compared to the FWD Atlas.

Which vehicle is cheaper to buy upfront?

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has a lower starting MSRP at $37,190, making it the more budget-friendly option initially compared to the MINI Countryman starting at $38,900.