2025 MINI Countryman vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

$38,900 · Crossover

$49,550 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between premium flair and sensible savings often confuses crossover buyers, but comparing the 2025 MINI Countryman and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC makes the choice clearer. The most glaring difference is the $10,650 gap in MSRP, with the MINI starting at $38,900 versus the Mercedes at $49,550. Despite the price difference, performance metrics are surprisingly close; the MINI delivers 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the GLC edges it out slightly with 255 hp, though both share the same 295 lb-ft figure. Fuel economy is identical, both achieving 27 MPG combined. However, the MINI offers superior utility, boasting 25 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the GLC's 21.9 cubic feet. Furthermore, the MINI is shorter at 175.0 inches, making city maneuvering easier than the 185.7-inch Mercedes.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman is smaller at 175.0 inches long, making it easier to navigate and park during daily commutes.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 MINI Countryman

The MINI offers more practical space with 25 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLC's 21.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

While the torque matches at 295 lb-ft, the GLC offers a slightly higher 255 hp output and a more traditional 9-speed automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman is the clear winner by offering nearly identical MPG and very competitive power for $10,650 less.

Choose the MINI Countryman if...

You prioritize saving money, as the $38,900 MSRP significantly undercuts the GLC.
You need maximum hauling space, with the Countryman offering 25 cu ft versus the GLC's 21.9 cu ft.
You prefer the handling benefits of an All-Wheel Drive system paired with a 7-speed automated manual.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC if...

You desire a bit more outright power from the engine, delivering 255 hp compared to the MINI's 241 hp.
You prefer a traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission over an automated manual.
You prefer the prestige and implied luxury associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand, even at a higher price.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	MINI Countryman	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Length	175.0"	185.7"
Width	72.6"	74.4"
Height	65.2"	64.6"
Wheelbase	106.0"	113.1"

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	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

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	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 2000 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	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear 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	24/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	343.2/457.6 mi.	417.6/556.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	17.4 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	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	MINI	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	9.4 in	11.9 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	—	✓
Speaker System	—	5
Subwoofer Count	—	1

Power Feature

Feature	MINI	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	MINI	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	40.4 in.	40.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	57.3 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 Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	10-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	10-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.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.0 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	56.6 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 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R18	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

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 GLC.

Is the higher price of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC worth it over the 2025 MINI Countryman?

For $10,650 more, the GLC adds 14 horsepower and uses a Rear Wheel Drive platform, which some drivers prefer. However, you lose 3.1 cubic feet of cargo space, making the value proposition lean heavily toward the MINI.

How do the driving dynamics differ based on their drive types and transmissions?

The Countryman comes standard with All-Wheel Drive and a 7-speed automated manual, excellent for varied weather. The GLC uses a Rear Wheel Drive setup paired with a 9-speed shiftable automatic, which often provides a sportier feel for performance driving.

Which crossover is better for city driving and parking?

The 2025 MINI Countryman is inherently better suited for tight urban environments because it is significantly shorter, measuring 175.0 inches compared to the GLC's 185.7 inches.

Do these crossovers have similar fuel consumption?

Yes, remarkably so. Both the MINI Countryman and the Mercedes-Benz GLC achieve an identical combined MPG rating of 27, with identical 24/32 City/Highway splits.

Are both vehicles happy running on regular gasoline?

No, both premium unleaded fuel is involved, though the specification differs slightly; the Countryman recommends it, while the GLC explicitly requires premium unleaded.

How close are their performance figures, especially torque?

Their torque figures are identical, with both achieving a robust 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLC pulls ahead in horsepower by a slight margin, making 255 hp versus the Countryman's 241 hp.