2025 MINI Countryman vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade

$38,900 · Crossover

$39,435 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 MINI Countryman rips into the segment with its spirited 241 hp and surprising 27 MPG combined, embodying go-kart handling in a larger package starting at $38,900. Conversely, the imposing 2026 Hyundai Palisade delivers sheer presence and brute strength with 287 hp, though it sacrifices efficiency, returning only 21 MPG combined, and carries a slightly higher starting MSRP of $39,435. The Countryman, despite being smaller at 175.0 inches long, offers better efficiency thanks to its standard All-Wheel Drive maximizing fuel economy. The Palisade leans into size, boasting a commanding 69.5-inch height and 78.0-inch width, appealing to those who prioritize interior space over the Countryman's agile footprint and superior 6 MPG advantage in fuel efficiency.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman wins for commuters due to its excellent 27 MPG combined efficiency versus the Palisade's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Palisade

The larger 2026 Hyundai Palisade is superior for families, offering a bigger body at 199.2 inches long and a higher 69.5-inch height.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 MINI Countryman

Enthusiasts will favor the engaging dynamics hinted at by the MINI's 241 hp, 295 lb-ft torque configuration paired with AWD.

💰 Best Value

2025 MINI Countryman

Car1 offers better miles per dollar with a lower $38,900 MSRP and significantly better fuel economy.

Choose the MINI Countryman if...

You prioritize efficiency, enjoying a 6 MPG advantage with its 27 MPG combined rating.
You prefer a more compact yet capable footprint, measuring only 175.0 inches in length.
You are seeking the higher torque output, boasting 295 lb-ft compared to the competition's 260 lb-ft.

Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...

Your primary concern is maximizing power, leveraging the 287 hp engine for spirited acceleration.
You require greater passenger volume offered by the larger crossover body (199.2 inches long).
You prefer using regular unleaded fuel and the simplicity of a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	MINI Countryman	Hyundai Palisade
Length	175.0"	199.2"
Width	72.6"	78.0"
Height	65.2"	69.5"
Wheelbase	106.0"	116.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	MINI	Hyundai
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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	MINI	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	241 hp @ 4500 rpm	287 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	260 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	MINI	Hyundai
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	Hyundai
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/32 MPG	19/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	343.2/457.6 mi.	361.0/475.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	19.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	MINI	Hyundai
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	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	MINI	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	9.4 in	12.3 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	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	MINI	Hyundai
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	41.5 in.
Front Leg Room	40.4 in.	44.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	61.4 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Front Hip Room	—	58.8 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	MINI	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	40.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.0 in.	43.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	61.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	56.7 in.
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	MINI	Hyundai
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	235/65R
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	MINI	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 MINI Countryman and 2026 Hyundai Palisade.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Hyundai Palisade than the 2025 MINI Countryman?

The Palisade clearly wins on peak output, boasting 287 horsepower, which is a substantial 46 hp more than the Countryman's 241 hp. However, the Countryman counters with significantly more torque at 295 lb-ft versus the Palisade's 260 lb-ft.

Which crossover offers better fuel economy for daily driving?

The 2025 MINI Countryman is the undisputed champion of fuel savings, achieving 27 MPG combined. This is 6 MPG better than the 2026 Hyundai Palisade’s 21 MPG combined rating, making the MINI far cheaper to run.

Is the difference in size between these two crossovers significant?

Yes, the size gap is immense; the Palisade measures 199.2 inches long, making it over 24 inches longer than the 175.0-inch Countryman. The Palisade also rides higher and wider, providing a more commanding view of the road.

Which vehicle is the better choice if I plan on hauling a lot of gear?

Although the larger Palisade is expected to win on sheer volume, the provided spec sheet lists the Countryman with 25 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Palisade's 19.1 cubic feet, suggesting the MINI might have a more practical initial cargo setup.

Do these vehicles require the same type of gasoline?

No, they have different requirements: the 2025 MINI Countryman recommends premium unleaded fuel to achieve its performance figures. In contrast, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade is designed to run happily on less expensive regular unleaded fuel.

How do the transmissions compare in driving feel?

The Countryman employs a 7-speed automated manual which prioritizes faster shifts, whereas the Palisade uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic, likely focusing on smoother power delivery across its eight ratios.