2025 MINI Countryman vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$38,900 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 MINI Countryman blasts onto the scene with spirited driving dynamics, boasting 241 hp and a zesty 295 lb-ft of torque, making every jaunt feel like a performance event, albeit at a higher starting MSRP of $38,900. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Outback anchors itself as the pragmatic workhorse, starting much lower at $34,995, offering substantial utility with 34.6 cu ft of cargo space, though its 180 hp engine provides a more measured pace. While both crossovers deliver an efficient 27 MPG combined and feature capable AWD systems, the MINI favors punchy acceleration paired with a shorter 175.0-inch length, whereas the Outback prioritizes passenger volume and an impressive 34.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity over outright power.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman’s higher power output (241 hp) and shorter length (175.0 inches) make it nimbler and more exciting for daily city navigation.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback clearly wins for families due to its significantly larger 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Countryman's 25 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 MINI Countryman

With 295 lb-ft of torque and 241 hp, the MINI Countryman offers significantly superior performance metrics for spirited driving enthusiasts.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback offers substantial utility and utilizes regular unleaded fuel, creating better overall value against the $3,905 higher price of Car 1.

Choose the MINI Countryman if...

You prioritize engine performance, enjoying the punch from 295 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer the maneuverability offered by a shorter 175.0-inch exterior length.
You desire the quick shifting feel of a 7-speed automated manual transmission.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Maximum hauling capability is essential, highlighted by the segment-leading 34.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You want to save $3,905 on the initial purchase price and use less expensive regular unleaded fuel.
You prefer traditional automatic operation over an automated manual gearbox.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	MINI Countryman	Subaru Outback
Length	175.0"	191.7"
Width	72.6"	74.0"
Height	65.2"	67.5"
Wheelbase	106.0"	108.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	MINI	Subaru
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	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	MINI	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	241 hp @ 4500 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 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	Subaru
Transmission Type	7-speed automated manual	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	MINI	Subaru
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/32 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	343.2/457.6 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	18.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	MINI	Subaru
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	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	MINI	Subaru
Infotainment Display	9.4 in	12.1 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	—	6
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	MINI	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	40.4 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	57.9 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	55.5 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	MINI	Subaru
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	57.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	55.1 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	MINI	Subaru
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R18	225/60R H
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	MINI	Subaru
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 Subaru Outback.

What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 MINI Countryman and the 2026 Subaru Outback?

The MINI Countryman is substantially more powerful, producing 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, giving it a distinct edge over the Outback's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.

How does the fuel economy compare since they both advertise 27 MPG combined?

While both achieve 27 MPG combined, the Countryman requires premium unleaded fuel, whereas the Outback accepts regular unleaded, potentially leading to lower running costs for the Subaru.

Is the 2026 Subaru Outback noticeably larger than the 2025 MINI Countryman?

Yes, the Outback is significantly larger, measuring 191.7 inches long compared to the Countryman's 175.0 inches, which directly translates to its superior cargo capacity.

Which vehicle is the better choice if I frequently haul gear or luggage?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is the clear winner for hauling, offering 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the MINI Countryman's 25 cu ft.

Considering the price difference, is the extra power in the MINI worth the $3,905 premium?

For enthusiasts seeking speed, the $3,905 premium for the 61 extra horsepower might be justified; however, value shoppers will note the Outback achieves nearly identical combined MPG for less money.

Do both models utilize the same type of transmission?

No, the Countryman uses a 7-speed automated manual transmission optimized for brisk performance, while the Outback employs a more traditional continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).