2025 MINI Countryman vs 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

$38,900 · Crossover

$40,490 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the punchy, compact fun of the 2025 MINI Countryman and the efficient, spacious punch of the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is a real head-scratcher for compact crossover shoppers. If your priority is maximizing miles for less, the Kia is the clear economic champion, boasting a 36 combined MPG compared to the Countryman's 27 combined MPG, plus it runs on regular unleaded. However, the MINI offers slightly more pep off the line with 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, beating the Kia's 271 lb-ft, though the Kia does squeak out 268 hp. Dimensionally, the Sportage is substantially larger, measuring 184.4 inches long versus the MINI's 175.0 inches, which directly contributes to its superior 34.5 cu ft of cargo space against the MINI's 25 cu ft. When you factor in the $40,490 MSRP of the hybrid versus the MINI's $38,900 starting price, the tradeoff between size, efficiency, and pure driving feel becomes the central focus.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid wins for commuters due to its excellent 36 combined MPG and 33 miles of electric range, saving money on daily drives.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

Families will heavily favor the Kia Sportage for its substantially larger 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the MINI's 25 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 MINI Countryman

The 2025 MINI Countryman offers the enthusiast a satisfying 295 lb-ft of torque and a unique 7-speed automated manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman provides a lower entry point at $38,900 MSRP and avoids the premium fuel requirement of the Kia.

Choose the MINI Countryman if...

You prefer a lower starting MSRP, as the 2025 MINI Countryman begins at $38,900.
You enjoy the direct feel of an automated manual transmission paired with 295 lb-ft of torque.
You value a slightly smaller footprint (175.0 inches long) for easier city parking.

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

You want significantly better fuel economy, leveraging the 36 combined MPG.
You absolutely need maximum utility, as the Kia offers 34.5 cu ft of cargo space.
You want to utilize plug-in hybrid technology for an all-electric range of 33 miles.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	MINI Countryman	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	175.0"	184.4"
Width	72.6"	73.4"
Height	65.2"	66.9"
Wheelbase	106.0"	108.5"

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	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
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	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	Kia
Transmission Type	7-speed automated manual	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Locking
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	MINI	Kia
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/32 MPG	35/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	36 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	343.2/457.6 mi.	388.5/399.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	11.1 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	87/78 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	83 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	33 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	43
Charging Time (240V)	—	2.0 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	—	✓
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	2
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	MINI	Kia
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	40.4 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	57.5 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	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	54.8 in.
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	MINI	Kia
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	55.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	53.4 in.

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

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 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.

How much more cargo space does the Kia Sportage PHEV offer over the MINI Countryman?

The 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV is notably roomier, providing 34.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is a significant increase over the 2025 MINI Countryman's 25 cubic feet, making it better for hauling gear.

Is the fuel economy difference between these two crossovers significant for regular drivers?

Yes, the difference is substantial: the Kia achieves 36 combined MPG, whereas the MINI is rated at 27 combined MPG, representing a 9 MPG advantage for the hybrid on gas alone.

Which vehicle is faster, based on the provided specs?

While the Kia has more horsepower at 268 hp versus the MINI's 241 hp, the 2025 MINI Countryman boasts higher torque figures at 295 lb-ft versus the Kia's 271 lb-ft.

Does one of these vehicles require premium gasoline?

The 2025 MINI Countryman recommends premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance. Conversely, the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV is designed to run on regular unleaded, potentially saving money at the pump.

How much larger is the Kia Sportage compared to the MINI Countryman?

The Kia is physically bigger across all dimensions, measuring 184.4 inches long compared to the MINI's 175.0 inches in length, and it's slightly wider and taller as well.

Can I cover my daily commute entirely on electricity in the Kia?

The 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid offers an estimated electric range of 33 miles, which should cover many shorter, urban commutes before needing to switch to the gasoline engine.