2025 MINI Countryman vs 2026 Lexus RX

$38,900 · Crossover

$49,725 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between premium fun and premium practicality often boils down to budget and size, and that's exactly what this comparison highlights. The 2025 MINI Countryman starts at a sharp $38,900, significantly undercutting the 2026 Lexus RX’s $49,725 entry price—a difference of $10,825 right out of the gate. While the Lexus boasts superior size, measuring 192.5 inches long compared to the MINI’s 175.0 inches, which nets it more space (29.6 cu ft vs. 25 cu ft of cargo), the MINI fights back with efficiency. The Countryman achieves a better combined MPG of 27, even though both recommend premium fuel. Although the RX offers 275 hp to the MINI’s 241 hp, the Countryman's lighter weight and AWD layout might make its 295 lb-ft of torque feel punchier around town, contrasting with the RX's FWD bias. Ultimately, this is a battle between accessible spirited driving and outright upscale utility.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman wins for commuters due to its better combined fuel economy of 27 MPG, saving money on regular trips.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lexus RX

The 2026 Lexus RX is better suited for families, offering 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Countryman's 25 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Lexus RX

The Lexus RX appeals more to enthusiasts with higher peak output, boasting 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 MINI Countryman

The Countryman provides significantly better value by being $10,825 cheaper while still offering competent all-wheel drive performance.

Choose the MINI Countryman if...

You prioritize initial cost savings, as the Countryman is $10,825 less expensive.
You want better fuel efficiency, with the Countryman achieving 27 MPG combined.
You prefer the maneuverability of a slightly smaller vehicle, as the Countryman is only 175.0 inches long.

Choose the Lexus RX if...

You need maximum cargo space, provided by the RX's 29.6 cubic feet capacity.
You desire higher outright power figures, evidenced by the RX's 275 horsepower.
You prefer a traditional torque converter automatic transmission over the Countryman's 7-speed automated manual.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	MINI Countryman	Lexus RX
Length	175.0"	192.5"
Width	72.6"	75.6"
Height	65.2"	67.3"
Wheelbase	106.0"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	MINI	Lexus
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	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	MINI	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	241 hp @ 4500 rpm	275 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	317 lb-ft @ 1700 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	Lexus
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	Lexus
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/32 MPG	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	343.2/457.6 mi.	391.6/516.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	17.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	MINI	Lexus
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 Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	MINI	Lexus
Infotainment Display	9.4 in	9.8 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	—	12
Subwoofer Count	—	1

Power Feature

Feature	MINI	Lexus
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	MINI	Lexus
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	40.4 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	58.1 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	—	56.7 in.
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	MINI	Lexus
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.0 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	56.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	55.9 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	MINI	Lexus
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R18	✓
Painted Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Polished Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	MINI	Lexus
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	1 yr./ 10000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 MINI Countryman and 2026 Lexus RX.

How much larger is the 2026 Lexus RX cargo area than the 2025 MINI Countryman?

The 2026 Lexus RX offers substantially more utility with 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, compared to the 2025 MINI Countryman's 25 cubic feet, giving the Lexus an edge for hauling gear.

Is the price difference between these crossovers manageable for a daily driver?

Yes, the price difference is significant; the Countryman starts at $38,900 while the RX begins at $49,725, meaning the MINI saves you $10,825 upfront.

Which car is more efficient for highway commuting?

The 2025 MINI Countryman is slightly more efficient on the highway, rating at 32 MPG Highway compared to the 2026 Lexus RX's 29 MPG Highway.

Does the RX's extra horsepower translate to better performance than the Countryman?

The Lexus RX has more power with 275 hp versus the MINI's 241 hp, but the Countryman counters with higher torque (295 lb-ft vs. the RX’s 317 lb-ft requires confirmation of which car produces which torque value based on the provided data—the RX produces 317 lb-ft) and potentially better acceleration given its smaller footprint.

Are there differences in drivetrain configuration that impact driving feel?

Significantly, the Countryman comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the Lexus RX base model uses Front Wheel Drive, impacting traction dynamics in poor weather.