2025 MINI Countryman vs 2026 Mazda CX-70
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the new 2025 MINI Countryman and the upcoming 2026 Mazda CX-70 boils down to size versus portability. Many buyers struggle when a premium small crossover seems too cozy but a mid-size feels too cumbersome. The MINI Countryman, priced at $38,900, offers spirited handling in a compact 175.0-inch frame, achieving a respectable 27 MPG combined, though it prefers premium fuel. Conversely, the larger 2026 Mazda CX-70 is significantly bigger at 200.8 inches long, offering massive utility with 39.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the MINI's 25 cu ft. However, the CX-70 demands a higher MSRP of $42,250 and sacrifices a little fuel economy (25 combined MPG). While the Mazda boasts 280 hp compared to the Countryman's 241 hp, the difference is less noticeable in daily driving than the substantial size variance.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 MINI Countryman
The smaller 2025 MINI Countryman is easier to maneuver and park in dense urban commuting environments.
2026 Mazda CX-70
The 2026 Mazda CX-70 clearly wins for families due to its vastly superior 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
2026 Mazda CX-70
The 2026 Mazda CX-70 offers superior straight-line performance with 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
2025 MINI Countryman
The 2025 MINI Countryman undercuts the CX-70 by $3,350 while still offering standard AWD.
Choose the MINI Countryman if...
- You prioritize a lower initial investment, as the MSRP is $3,350 less than the competition.
- You frequently drive in tight city spaces and value a smaller footprint (175.0 inches long).
- You want better fuel efficiency, rated at 27 MPG combined, despite needing premium fuel.
Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...
- You absolutely need maximum hauling ability, demonstrated by its 39.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer more traditional power delivery from a higher output engine (280 hp).
- You require a larger vehicle, as the CX-70 measures 200.8 inches in length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | MINI Countryman | Mazda CX-70 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 175.0" | 200.8" |
| Width | 72.6" | - |
| Height | 65.2" | 68.2" |
| Wheelbase | 106.0" | 122.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | MINI | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | MINI | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 3.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 4500 rpm | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | 332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | MINI | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | MINI | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/32 MPG | 24/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 343.2/457.6 mi. | 444.0/518.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 gal. | 18.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | MINI | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | MINI | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — |
| AM/FM Stereo | — | ✓ |
| Speaker System | — | 8 |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | MINI | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | MINI | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.4 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 59.2 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 | — | 56.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | MINI | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.8 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.0 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 55.5 in. |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | MINI | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 21 x 9.5 in. |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | 275/45R21 |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | MINI | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | MINI | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 MINI Countryman and 2026 Mazda CX-70.
How much bigger is the 2026 Mazda CX-70 than the 2025 MINI Countryman?
The size difference is substantial; the CX-70 is over 25 inches longer, measuring 200.8 inches compared to the MINI's 175.0 inches. This translates directly into usable space, particularly the 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity in the Mazda versus only 25 cu ft in the Countryman.
Is the extra cost of the Mazda CX-70 justified by its power difference?
The Mazda CX-70 costs $3,350 more and offers 39 more horsepower (280 hp vs. 241 hp). If maximum torque (332 lb-ft vs. 295 lb-ft) is important for towing or quick bursts, the added cost might be worth it for enthusiasts.
Which crossover is better for long-distance highway driving?
While both have AWD, the MINI Countryman posts slightly better highway MPG at 32 MPG compared to the CX-70's 28 MPG highway. However, the larger CX-70 might feel more stable due to its superior physical size.
Do I have to use premium fuel in either crossover?
Yes, the 2025 MINI Countryman specifically recommends premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance. Fortunately, the 2026 Mazda CX-70 is designed to run on regular unleaded, which can save money over time.
Which vehicle has a more conventional automatic transmission?
The 2026 Mazda CX-70 features a standard 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the 2025 MINI Countryman uses a 7-speed automated manual, which can offer a different driving feel.
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