2025 MINI Countryman vs 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport
Comparison Overview
The 2025 MINI Countryman explodes onto the scene as the spirited underdog, boasting 241 hp and a nimble footprint, making it the accessible choice. Its primary appeal lies in its efficiency, achieving a commendable 27 MPG combined for only an MSRP of $38,900. Conversely, the 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport steps up with a slightly higher 246 hp, offering a touch more power for its premium price of $49,900. While the MINI trades efficiency for accessibility, the Land Rover leans into utility, providing a substantial 32.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the MINI's 25 cu ft. The core conflict here is a significant $11,000 price gap and a stark 7 MPG combined fuel efficiency difference, positioning the Countryman as the pragmatic performer and the Discovery Sport as the slightly larger, less frugal luxury contender.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 MINI Countryman
The 2025 MINI Countryman wins for commuters due to its superior 27 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Discovery Sport's 20 MPG.
2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport
The 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport offers significantly more practicality with 32.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the MINI's 25 cu ft.
2025 MINI Countryman
The MINI Countryman offers a more compelling performance bargain with 295 lb-ft of torque available for a much lower initial investment.
2025 MINI Countryman
The Countryman presents outstanding value, being $11,000 cheaper and netting 7 more MPG combined.
Choose the MINI Countryman if...
- You prioritize fuel savings and achieve 27 MPG combined versus the Land Rover's 20 MPG.
- Keeping the initial purchase price under $40,000 is crucial, as the MSRP is $38,900.
- You prefer the snappier torque delivery of 295 lb-ft coupled with a quick-shifting 7-speed transmission.
Choose the Land Rover Discovery Sport if...
- Maximum utility is required, thanks to its massive 32.4 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prefer a slightly larger vehicle, standing 67.9 inches tall and measuring 180.9 inches long.
- You desire the slightly higher peak horsepower rating of 246 hp and prefer regular unleaded fuel.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | MINI Countryman | Land Rover Discovery Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 175.0" | 180.9" |
| Width | 72.6" | - |
| Height | 65.2" | 67.9" |
| Wheelbase | 106.0" | 107.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | MINI | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | MINI | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 4500 rpm | 246 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | 269 lb-ft @ 1300 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 | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | MINI | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/32 MPG | 19/23 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 343.2/457.6 mi. | 336.3/407.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | MINI | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | MINI | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.4 in | 11.4 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 | — | ✓ |
| Meridian Speakers | — | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | — | 400W |
| Speaker System | — | 11 |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
| Antenna Type | — | Diversity |
Power Feature
| Feature | MINI | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Fixed Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | MINI | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | — |
| Front Leg Room | 40.4 in. | — |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 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 |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
Rearseats
| Feature | MINI | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.8 in. | — |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.0 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | MINI | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | N/A |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 19 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | MINI | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
Warranty
| Feature | MINI | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 MINI Countryman and 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport.
What is the primary financial difference between the 2025 MINI Countryman and the 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport?
The most striking difference is the MSRP, with the MINI Countryman starting at $38,900 and the Land Rover Discovery Sport priced $11,000 higher at $49,900. This means significant savings upfront by choosing the MINI.
Which crossover is better suited for long-distance highway driving regarding fuel?
The 2025 MINI Countryman is superior for highway mileage, achieving 32 MPG, whereas the 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport only manages 23 MPG highway. This results in a substantial 7 MPG combined difference overall.
How much larger is the cargo area in the Discovery Sport?
The Land Rover Discovery Sport is considerably more capacious for hauling gear, offering 32.4 cu ft of cargo space. The MINI Countryman trails this with 25 cu ft, making the Land Rover better for larger loads.
Does the Land Rover require premium fuel like the MINI?
No, the 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport specifies regular unleaded fuel, while the 2025 MINI Countryman recommends premium unleaded fuel, which is another factor in long-term running costs.
Comparing performance specs, which car has more torque?
The 2025 MINI Countryman delivers significantly more pulling power with 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport’s 269 lb-ft, despite the Land Rover having slightly more peak horsepower (246 hp vs 241 hp).
What transmission differences will drivers notice between these two AWD crossovers?
The MINI Countryman utilizes a quicker-feeling 7-speed automated manual transmission, while the Land Rover Discovery Sport features a conventional 9-speed automatic, offering two extra gears for potentially smoother low-speed operation.
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