2025 MINI Countryman vs 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

$38,900 · Crossover

$48,290 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 MINI Countryman and the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid boils down to prioritizing fun and affordability over long-term running costs and size. The Countryman starts at a significantly lower MSRP of $38,900, offering 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque in a nimble package measuring 175.0 inches long. Conversely, the Sorento PHEV demands an extra $9,390 upfront, priced at $48,290, but compensates with superior efficiency, achieving a combined 33 MPG and offering 30 miles of electric range before dipping into its regular unleaded fuel tank. While the Kia is larger, boasting a longer 189.6-inch body, the MINI surprisingly holds more cargo space at 25 cubic feet compared to the Sorento’s 12.6 cu ft. This comparison is essentially a trade-off between the MINI's standard AWD punch and the Sorento's hybrid tech.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV wins for commuters due to its 30 miles of electric range, significantly lowering daily fuel dependency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sorento is inherently better for families because its 189.6-inch length and likely greater passenger volume make it more accommodating than the compact 175.0-inch Countryman.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 MINI Countryman

The 2025 MINI Countryman appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher torque rating of 295 lb-ft delivered through a spirited 7-speed automated manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 MINI Countryman

The 2025 MINI Countryman offers better entry value, costing $9,390 less than the Sorento PHEV while still providing standard all-wheel drive.

Choose the MINI Countryman if...

You prefer a lower initial investment, with an MSRP of $38,900.
You want maximum cargo flexibility, as the 25 cu ft capacity surpasses the Sorento's.
You enjoy a punchier feeling off the line, thanks to the Countryman's 295 lb-ft of torque.

Choose the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid if...

Minimizing trips to the gas station is key, supported by 30 miles of pure electric range.
You need the extra space afforded by the 189.6-inch body length for growing passengers.
You prioritize efficiency, as the Sorento PHEV achieves 33 combined MPG and uses regular unleaded fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	MINI Countryman	Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Length	175.0"	189.6"
Width	72.6"	74.8"
Height	65.2"	66.9"
Wheelbase	106.0"	110.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	MINI	Kia
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	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	MINI	Kia
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	261 hp
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	258 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	Kia
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	Kia
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/32 MPG	33/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	33 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	343.2/457.6 mi.	409.2/421.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	12.4 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	77/71 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	74 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	30 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	45
Charging Time (240V)	—	3.4 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	MINI	Kia
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	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Frontseats

Feature	MINI	Kia
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	40.4 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	59.1 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	55.6 in.
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way

Rearseats

Feature	MINI	Kia
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.0 in.	40.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	58.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	55.1 in.
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	MINI	Kia
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R18	235/55R19
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	MINI	Kia
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.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—
EV Battery Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 MINI Countryman and 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.

How much more money will the Sorento cost me upfront compared to the MINI?

The 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has an MSRP of $48,290, which is $9,390 more than the 2025 MINI Countryman starting price of $38,900.

Which vehicle is better for city driving and saving on gas?

The Sorento PHEV is better for maximizing efficiency, offering 30 miles of electric driving before needing the 33 combined MPG gasoline engine; the Countryman is rated at only 27 combined MPG and requires premium fuel.

Does the larger Kia Sorento actually hold more stuff than the MINI?

Surprisingly, no, the 2025 MINI Countryman offers substantially more utility, boasting 25 cu ft of cargo space versus the 2026 Kia Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

What is the primary performance difference between these two crossovers?

The MINI Countryman focuses on torque delivery with 295 lb-ft and a quicker 7-speed automated manual transmission, while the Sorento prioritizes horsepower at 261 hp paired with a traditional 6-speed automatic.

Are these vehicles similar in size for parking?

No, the Countryman is significantly smaller at 175.0 inches long and 72.6 inches wide, making it easier to maneuver than the larger Sorento, which measures 189.6 inches long.

Do I have to use premium gasoline in both vehicles?

The 2025 MINI Countryman specifically recommends premium unleaded fuel, whereas the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid conveniently runs on regular unleaded fuel.