2025 MINI Countryman vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
The redesigned 2025 MINI Countryman bursts onto the scene with spirited performance, offering 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, instantly setting it apart with superior power delivery compared to the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA's 221 hp. While the MINI boasts standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and a larger footprint at 175.0 inches long, the GLA counters with slightly better efficiency at 29 combined MPG and the prestige of the Mercedes-Benz badge. The Countryman provides significantly more utility, swallowing up to 25 cubic feet of cargo, dwarfing the GLA's 15.4 cubic feet. Conversely, the GLA maintains a smaller, more agile exterior dimension (173.6 inches long) and prioritizes front-wheel drive efficiency. Both require premium fuel, but the MINI’s robust power makes it the dynamically exciting choice, even if its 27 combined MPG trails the GLA’s 29 MPG.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is the slight winner for commuting due to its superior 29 combined MPG versus the MINI's 27 MPG.
2025 MINI Countryman
The 2025 MINI Countryman dominates family hauling needs by offering a substantial 25 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's 15.4 cubic feet.
2025 MINI Countryman
The MINI Countryman delivers significantly more grunt with 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, promising a more engaging drive.
2025 MINI Countryman
The MINI Countryman offers superior power and nearly 10 cubic feet more cargo space for a lower starting MSRP of $38,900.
Choose the MINI Countryman if...
- You prioritize straight-line performance, enjoying the MINI's robust 295 lb-ft of torque.
- You need maximum utility, benefiting from the Countryman's large 25 cubic feet of cargo volume.
- You want standard All-Wheel Drive grip right out of the box for its $38,900 entry price.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- You prefer slightly better fuel economy, achieving 29 combined MPG using premium fuel.
- You value the prestigious brand image associated with the Mercedes-Benz badge.
- You desire a marginally smaller vehicle for city maneuvering, with a length of 173.6 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | MINI Countryman | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 175.0" | 173.6" |
| Width | 72.6" | 72.2" |
| Height | 65.2" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 106.0" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | MINI | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | MINI | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 4500 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 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 | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | MINI | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/32 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 343.2/457.6 mi. | 351.0/459.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | MINI | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | MINI | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.4 in | 10.25 in |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 12 months | 6 months |
| AM/FM Stereo | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | MINI | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | MINI | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.4 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 55.9 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 | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | MINI | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.8 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.0 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | MINI | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | 235/55R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | MINI | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | MINI | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 MINI Countryman and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Which vehicle offers better straight-line performance?
The 2025 MINI Countryman is the clear performance leader in this comparison, boasting 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA produces 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
How much cargo space difference is there between these two crossovers?
There is a substantial difference in utility favoring the MINI. The 2025 Countryman offers 25 cubic feet of cargo capacity, while the 2026 GLA provides a tighter 15.4 cubic feet.
Is the fuel economy significantly different between the two?
Yes, the Mercedes-Benz GLA holds a slight edge in efficiency, netting 29 combined MPG (26/34 City/Highway). The MINI Countryman is rated at 27 combined MPG (24/32 City/Highway).
What are the primary powertrain differences (Drivetrain and Transmission)?
The Countryman features an All-Wheel Drive system paired with a 7-speed automated manual. The GLA utilizes Front-Wheel Drive mated to an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
Which vehicle has the lower starting price?
The 2025 MINI Countryman has a more accessible starting MSRP of $38,900. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA starts higher, listed at $41,500.
Do both vehicles require premium gasoline?
Yes, both crossovers demand premium fuel for optimal operation; however, the MINI recommends it while the GLA requires it.
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