2025 MINI Countryman vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

$38,900 · Crossover

$44,710 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 MINI Countryman bursts onto the scene with an energetic 241 hp and a taut, go-kart feel thanks to its smaller 175.0-inch frame and standard All-Wheel Drive. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid prioritizes expansive, efficient cruising, delivering a robust 245 hp while achieving an impressive 34 MPG combined rating. While the MINI charges hard on handling and design flair, the Toyota’s sheer size, accommodating up to three rows, creates a stark contrast in utility. This comparison boils down to spirited compactness versus practical magnitude: the Countryman starts at a sharper $38,900, undercutting the Toyota by $5,810, but the Toyota claws back ground with its superior 34 MPG versus the MINI's 27 MPG combined, presenting a genuine dilemma between agility and economy for buyers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offers significantly better fuel economy at 34 MPG combined, translating to lower running costs for daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The Toyota's significantly larger dimensions (201.4 inches long and 72.1 inches tall) clearly prioritize passenger and cargo volume for family needs over the compact Countryman.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman, despite having slightly less horsepower (241 hp vs 245 hp), promises a more engaging driving dynamic due to its smaller, more agile footprint.

💰 Best Value

2025 MINI Countryman

The 2025 MINI Countryman wins on initial outlay, boasting an MSRP of $38,900, which is substantially lower than the Grand Highlander Hybrid's $44,710.

Choose the MINI Countryman if...

You value a lower entry price point, starting at $38,900.
You prefer a more nimble vehicle, noted by its 175.0-inch length.
You don't mind running on premium unleaded for the sake of spirited performance.

Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid if...

Maximizing fuel efficiency is key, delivering 34 MPG combined.
You absolutely need superior space, as evidenced by its larger dimensions across the board.
You prefer regular unleaded gasoline and a traditional CVT transmission setup.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	MINI Countryman	Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Length	175.0"	201.4"
Width	72.6"	78.3"
Height	65.2"	72.1"
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	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	241 hp @ 4500 rpm	245 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1500 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	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	MINI	Toyota
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/32 MPG	36/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	34 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	343.2/457.6 mi.	619.2/550.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	17.2 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	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 MINI Countryman and 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid.

How much larger is the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid than the 2025 MINI Countryman?

The Toyota is substantially larger, measuring 201.4 inches in length compared to the MINI's 175.0 inches, making the Toyota over 26 inches longer. This size difference extends to height, with the Grand Highlander Hybrid standing 72.1 inches tall versus the Countryman's 65.2 inches.

Is the difference in fuel economy significant enough to justify the higher price of the Toyota?

Yes, the difference is substantial; the Toyota achieves 34 MPG combined while running on regular fuel, whereas the MINI manages only 27 MPG combined and recommends premium fuel. Over several years, the 7 MPG advantage of the Toyota could offset a portion of its higher initial cost.

Do both crossovers use the same type of transmission?

No, they feature distinct transmissions; the 2025 MINI Countryman uses a 7-speed automated manual, suggesting crisper shifts, while the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) optimized for efficiency.

Which vehicle offers more raw power, despite the small difference?

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid technically has more peak output with 245 hp compared to the MINI Countryman's 241 hp. However, the MINI produces superior torque at 295 lb-ft, which might translate to better low-end responsiveness.

How does the cargo capacity compare between the two AWD vehicles?

Despite its smaller exterior dimensions, the 2025 MINI Countryman actually offers slightly more dedicated cargo space at 25 cubic feet, compared to the 20.6 cubic feet offered by the larger 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid (not factoring in potential third-row folding differences).

What is the primary cost difference buyers must consider?

The most immediate difference is the MSRP gap: the MINI starts at $38,900 while the Toyota starts at $44,710, representing a $5,810 upfront saving with the MINI.