2025 MINI Countryman vs 2026 Buick Enclave

$38,900 · Crossover

$46,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 MINI Countryman bursts onto the scene delivering go-kart agility wrapped in an upscale crossover package, boasting 241 hp and a nimble 7-speed automated manual transmission. In contrast, the colossal 2026 Buick Enclave presents imposing presence and effortless straight-line muscle, unleashing a stout 328 hp from its front-wheel-drive powertrain. The Countryman is the more efficient urban glider, achieving 27 MPG combined versus the Enclave's 23 MPG combined, though the Buick drinks cheaper regular unleaded fuel. Furthermore, the MINI maintains a substantial $7,300 MSRP advantage over the larger Buick, which measures a significant 207.6 inches long compared to the MINI's 175.0 inches. The battle boils down to premium efficiency and compact fun against accessible power and sheer size.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman's superior combined MPG rating of 27 makes it the more economical choice for daily driving compared to the Buick's 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Buick Enclave

Despite having slightly less cargo volume (22.9 cu ft vs 25 cu ft), the significantly larger 2026 Buick Enclave offers substantially more passenger volume due to its greater length (207.6 inches vs 175.0 inches).

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Buick Enclave

The Buick Enclave holds a decisive advantage in outright performance metrics with 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, easily outpacing the Countryman's 241 hp and 295 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman offers compelling performance for its class while maintaining a significant $7,300 lower starting MSRP than the Buick Enclave.

Choose the MINI Countryman if...

You prioritize fuel efficiency, as the MINI achieves 27 MPG combined versus the Enclave's 23 MPG.
Your driving primarily involves tight city streets where its 175.0-inch length offers maneuverability advantages.
You seek a lower entry cost, starting at $38,900 compared to the Enclave's $46,200.

Choose the Buick Enclave if...

You absolutely require maximum power, delivered by the Enclave's 328 hp output.
Maximum interior space is critical, as the Enclave is nearly 33 inches longer than the Countryman.
You prefer using readily available regular unleaded gasoline instead of the MINI's recommended premium fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	MINI Countryman	Buick Enclave
Length	175.0"	207.6"
Width	72.6"	79.6"
Height	65.2"	71.0"
Wheelbase	106.0"	120.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	MINI	Buick
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	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	MINI	Buick
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	241 hp @ 4500 rpm	328 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	326 lb-ft @ 3500 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	Buick
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	Buick
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/32 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	343.2/457.6 mi.	388.0/523.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	19.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	MINI	Buick
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	✓	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	MINI	Buick
Infotainment Display	9.4 in	30.0 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	—	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Bose
Speaker System	—	12
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	MINI	Buick
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	MINI	Buick
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	42.6 in.
Front Leg Room	40.4 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	62.2 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	2-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	58.7 in.
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	MINI	Buick
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.0 in.	41.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	62.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	58.5 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	MINI	Buick
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R18	P255/55R20
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	20 in.
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	MINI	Buick
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.	6 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 MINI Countryman and 2026 Buick Enclave.

How does the handling feel between these two crossovers?

The 2025 MINI Countryman is engineered for taut, engaging dynamics, typical of the MINI brand, aided by its smaller footprint. Conversely, the much larger 2026 Buick Enclave, prioritizing passenger comfort, will deliver a softer, more composed ride suitable for long highway cruising.

Which vehicle will cost more to fuel up over a year?

The 2025 MINI Countryman is generally cheaper to fuel due to its better efficiency, netting 27 MPG combined. However, the Buick Enclave requires cheaper regular unleaded fuel, potentially offsetting some of the MINI's 4 MPG advantage.

Is the Buick Enclave substantially bigger than the Countryman?

Yes, the size difference is significant; the 2026 Buick Enclave measures 207.6 inches long, making it approximately 32.6 inches longer than the 175.0-inch 2025 MINI Countryman.

What is the main drivetrain difference affecting performance?

The Buick Enclave uses a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels, while the Countryman utilizes an all-wheel-drive system paired with a quicker-shifting 7-speed automated manual transmission for its power delivery.

If performance is key, how much power difference exists?

The 2026 Buick Enclave boasts 328 hp, providing an 87 hp advantage over the 2025 MINI Countryman's 241 hp output.

Does the price difference justify the extra size of the Enclave?

The 2026 Buick Enclave commands a $7,300 higher MSRP, offering substantial increases in size and horsepower in exchange for that premium over the MINI Countryman.