2025 MINI Countryman vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the spunky new 2025 MINI Countryman and the massive 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander boils down to prioritizing city agility versus ultimate family space. Many buyers wrestle with wanting premium driving engagement without paying a huge efficiency penalty. The Countryman, starting at $38,900, offers a nimbler package at 175.0 inches long with a respectable 241 hp. Conversely, the Grand Highlander, priced slightly higher at $41,360, boasts significantly more presence at 201.4 inches long and delivers 265 hp. Fuel economy is a trade-off, as the MINI achieves 27 combined MPG while the larger Toyota manages 24 combined MPG, despite the MINI recommending premium fuel. While the Toyota's cargo area seems bigger, the Countryman actually offers slightly more room at 25 cubic feet versus the Grand Highlander’s 20.6 cubic feet in base configurations, adding another layer to this compact vs. huge comparison.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 MINI Countryman
The MINI Countryman is significantly shorter and more fuel-efficient overall (27 MPG combined) for easier city maneuvering and lower running costs.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Despite a confusing cargo spec interpretation, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander's much larger exterior dimensions (201.4 inches long) suggest superior overall passenger and usable space for a family.
2025 MINI Countryman
The MINI offers more torque per pound, better fuel economy, and a unique automated manual transmission that caters more to an engaging driving feel than the Toyota's standard setup.
2025 MINI Countryman
The MINI Countryman undercuts the Toyota by over $2,400 in MSRP and achieves better combined fuel economy, making it the cheaper proposition upfront and over time.
Choose the MINI Countryman if...
- You regularly navigate tight city streets, given the Countryman's shorter length of 175.0 inches.
- You prefer a car that runs on regular unleaded, avoiding the Countryman's premium fuel recommendation.
- You prioritize overall efficiency, seeing as the MINI gets 27 combined MPG versus the Toyota's 24 combined MPG.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- Maximum interior volume and a substantially larger exterior footprint (201.4 inches long) are non-negotiable for your needs.
- You prefer the proven reliability and familiarity of a standard 8-speed automatic transmission over an automated manual.
- You need the higher power output, as the Toyota offers 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | MINI Countryman | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 175.0" | 201.4" |
| Width | 72.6" | 78.3" |
| Height | 65.2" | 70.1" |
| Wheelbase | 106.0" | 116.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | MINI | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | MINI | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | 310 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | MINI | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/32 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 343.2/457.6 mi. | 373.8/498.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 gal. | 17.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | MINI | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | MINI | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 months |
| AM/FM Stereo | — | ✓ |
| Speaker System | — | 6 |
Power Feature
| Feature | MINI | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | MINI | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.4 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 60.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | MINI | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.8 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.0 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 57.0 in. |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | MINI | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | MINI | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | MINI | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 MINI Countryman and 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
Which crossover is actually bigger inside, the MINI or the Toyota?
It’s a close call based on the listed specs; the 2025 MINI Countryman quotes 25 cubic feet of cargo capacity, whereas the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander lists 20.6 cubic feet. However, the Grand Highlander is over 26 inches longer externally, suggesting it likely offers significantly more passenger room, especially in the third row if equipped.
Is the higher horsepower of the Toyota worth the premium fuel requirement for the MINI?
The Toyota Grand Highlander has 265 hp compared to the MINI's 241 hp, giving it an edge in raw power, but the MINI demands premium fuel, which increases running costs. The MINI does counter with better torque delivery relative to its size.
How big is the difference in fuel costs between these two options?
The MINI Countryman achieves 27 combined MPG, while the Grand Highlander gets 24 combined MPG. Although the MINI requires premium unleaded (increasing per-gallon cost), its better mileage might balance out the expense when compared to the Toyota's lower MPG rating.
Should I worry about handling the size difference in urban driving?
Absolutely, the size difference is substantial for city driving; the MINI Countryman is only 175.0 inches long and 72.6 inches wide, making parking and maneuvering much easier than the much broader 2026 Grand Highlander at 78.3 inches wide.
What is the main powertrain difference besides horsepower?
The 2025 MINI Countryman utilizes a 7-speed automated manual transmission, which can feel sportier but sometimes less smooth than the 2026 Grand Highlander’s traditional 8-speed automatic transmission.
How does the starting price affect the overall value proposition?
The MINI Countryman starts at $38,900, undercutting the Toyota Grand Highlander’s $41,360 MSRP by a noticeable margin. This initial saving, combined with potentially better MPG, tilts the scales towards the MINI for budget-conscious buyers.
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