2025 MINI Countryman vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

$38,900 · Crossover

$40,075 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between character and cutting-edge efficiency for your next compact crossover? That's the core dilemma here! The 2025 MINI Countryman, starting at $38,900, brings a zippy 241 hp and standard AWD, though it sips premium fuel, achieving only 27 combined MPG. In contrast, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid, priced slightly higher at $40,075, offers superior practicality. The Tucson boasts an impressive 35 combined MPG (using regular unleaded) and nets you 32 miles of all-electric range before dipping into gas. While the MINI is smaller at 175.0 inches long, the Tucson provides significantly more utility with 31.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Countryman's 25 cu ft. The Tucson also edges out the MINI in raw power with 268 hp versus the MINI's 241 hp, making the efficiency tradeoff look very compelling for daily driving.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid wins for commuters due to its 32 miles of electric range, significantly reducing dependence on fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

Families will appreciate the Tucson's larger dimensions, offering 31.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Countryman's 25 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman feels sportier with its 295 lb-ft of torque versus the Tucson's 271 lb-ft and uses a specialized 7-speed automated manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

Despite a slightly higher MSRP, the Tucson's superior fuel economy (35 combined MPG vs. 27) and ability to use regular unleaded fuel provide better long-term operational value.

Choose the MINI Countryman if...

You prioritize having higher peak torque (295 lb-ft) in a smaller footprint (175.0 inches long).
You prefer the distinct driving characteristics of the 7-speed automated manual transmission.
You don't mind paying more at the pump since the Countryman recommends premium unleaded fuel.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...

Maximizing efficiency is key, as the Tucson offers 35 combined MPG versus the Countryman's 27.
You need maximum space, as the Tucson offers 31.9 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You want substantial zero-emission driving capability with 32 miles of electric range.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	MINI Countryman	Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Length	175.0"	182.7"
Width	72.6"	73.4"
Height	65.2"	66.3"
Wheelbase	106.0"	108.5"

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	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	MINI	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	241 hp @ 4500 rpm	268 hp
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	271 lb-ft
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	Hyundai
Transmission Type	7-speed automated manual	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	MINI	Hyundai
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.	388.5/388.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	11.1 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	80/73 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	77 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	32 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	44
Charging Time (240V)	—	2.0 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

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	—	✓
Extended Cabin 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	—	✓
Speaker System	—	6

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.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	40.4 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	57.6 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	—	54.5 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	MINI	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.0 in.	41.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	56.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	53.9 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	MINI	Hyundai
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R18	235/60R18
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

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.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 MINI Countryman and 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.

How much larger is the 2026 Hyundai Tucson than the 2025 MINI Countryman?

The Tucson is significantly larger, measuring 182.7 inches long compared to the Countryman's 175.0 inches. This difference translates directly into practical space, as the Tucson offers 31.9 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the MINI's 25 cu ft.

Does the extra power in the Tucson translate to better performance?

The Tucson has higher peak horsepower at 268 hp versus the MINI's 241 hp. However, the Countryman has higher torque at 295 lb-ft compared to the Tucson's 271 lb-ft, which might give the MINI a slight edge in immediate low-end pull.

Is the fuel cost difference substantial between these two crossovers?

Yes, the difference is notable; the Tucson achieves 35 combined MPG using regular unleaded, while the Countryman only gets 27 combined MPG and requires premium unleaded.

Which car is better for city-only driving?

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is superior for city commutes because you can cover up to 32 miles entirely on electric power before needing gasoline, something the standard Countryman cannot do.

What does the difference in transmissions mean for the driving experience?

The Countryman utilizes a 7-speed automated manual, often aiming for quick, sporty shifts, whereas the Tucson uses a more traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic, generally prioritizing smoothness for its hybrid system.

How does the MSRP compare for these two AWD models?

The 2025 MINI Countryman starts lower at $38,900. The 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is slightly more expensive, beginning at $40,075, likely reflecting the cost of its advanced hybrid technology.