2025 MINI Countryman vs 2026 Ford Explorer
Comparison Overview
The 2025 MINI Countryman blasts onto the scene blending iconic design with surprising capability, boasting 241 hp and a slick 7-speed automated manual driving an all-wheel-drive system. Conversely, the 2026 Ford Explorer leans into muscle, delivering a potent 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque through a traditional 10-speed automatic on a rear-wheel-drive platform. While the MINI maximizes efficiency with 27 combined MPG, the Explorer demands regular unleaded, sacrificing a slight edge in economy for raw power. Size-wise, the Countryman is the nimble compact at 175.0 inches long, contrasting sharply with the Explorer’s substantial 198.8-inch length, which surprisingly yields less space, offering only 16.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the MINI's 25 cu ft. For drivers prioritizing agile handling and better fuel returns, the MINI shines; for those needing immediate pulling power and RWD dynamics, the Explorer leads.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 MINI Countryman
The MINI Countryman wins for commuters due to its superior combined 27 MPG efficiency compared to the Explorer’s 24 MPG.
2025 MINI Countryman
The MINI Countryman offers substantially more usability with 25 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Explorer’s 16.3 cu ft.
2026 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer appeals more to enthusiasts with its higher output of 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer secures the value win by offering 300 hp for a lower starting MSRP of $38,330.
Choose the MINI Countryman if...
- You prioritize efficiency, as the 2025 MINI Countryman achieves 27 combined MPG.
- You prefer maximum utility in a smaller footprint, benefiting from 25 cu ft of cargo space.
- You value all-wheel drive capability paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission for tight maneuvering.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You demand immediate acceleration, leveraging the Explorer's 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- You require a rear-wheel-drive platform combined with a robust 10-speed automatic gearbox.
- You want a vehicle that accepts less expensive regular unleaded fuel instead of premium.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | MINI Countryman | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 175.0" | 198.8" |
| Width | 72.6" | 78.9" |
| Height | 65.2" | 69.9" |
| Wheelbase | 106.0" | 119.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | MINI | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | MINI | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 4500 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | 310 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 | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | MINI | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/32 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 343.2/457.6 mi. | 358.0/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | MINI | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | MINI | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.4 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 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | MINI | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | MINI | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.4 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 61.8 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 | — | 59.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | MINI | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.8 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.0 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 59.1 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | MINI | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | P255/65R18 |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | MINI | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | MINI | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 MINI Countryman and 2026 Ford Explorer.
Which vehicle has more outright power for highway passing?
The 2026 Ford Explorer boasts significantly more power, delivering 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is a substantial 59 hp advantage over the MINI Countryman's 241 hp.
Is the 2025 MINI Countryman more practical for carrying cargo?
Yes, the Countryman is surprisingly capacious for its size, offering 25 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the larger 2026 Ford Explorer which only provides 16.3 cu ft behind the rear seats.
How does the difference in drivetrain impact the driving experience?
The MINI uses All-Wheel Drive mated to a 7-speed automated manual for precise, traction-focused handling, whereas the Explorer utilizes a Rear-Wheel Drive setup with a traditional 10-speed automatic, emphasizing traditional performance dynamics.
Which crossover has better fuel economy?
The 2025 MINI Countryman leads in efficiency, achieving a combined 27 MPG (24/32 City/Highway), while the more powerful Explorer nets 24 combined MPG (20/29 City/Highway).
Do these vehicles require the same type of fuel?
The MINI Countryman recommends premium unleaded fuel to achieve its optimal performance figures. Conversely, the 2026 Ford Explorer is designed to run on less expensive regular unleaded gasoline.
How much larger is the 2026 Ford Explorer physically?
The Explorer is substantially bigger, measuring 198.8 inches in length and 78.9 inches wide, making it considerably longer and wider than the compact MINI Countryman at 175.0 inches long and 72.6 inches wide.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool