2025 MINI Countryman vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$38,900 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant divergence between the 2025 MINI Countryman (Car 1) and the 2026 Toyota Highlander (Car 2) is the $6,370 MSRP gap, with the Countryman starting at $38,900 versus the Highlander's $45,270. Performance favors the Highlander, boasting 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Countryman's 241 hp and 295 lb-ft. However, the Countryman demonstrates superior efficiency, achieving 27 MPG combined, while the Highlander returns 24 MPG combined. Dimensionally, the Highlander is considerably larger, measuring 194.9 inches in length compared to the Countryman's 175.0 inches. This size translates to a cargo discrepancy, with the Countryman offering 25 cubic feet versus the Highlander's 16 cubic feet, an unexpected reversal favoring the smaller vehicle's utility. Fuel considerations also differ, as the Countryman requires premium unleaded while the Highlander uses regular.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 MINI Countryman

The Countryman offers better fuel economy at 27 MPG combined versus the Highlander's 24 MPG combined, leading to lower running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Highlander

Despite its lower stated cargo capacity, the Highlander's significantly larger exterior dimensions (194.9 inches long) suggest superior overall passenger space for family transport.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander holds a measurable performance advantage with 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque over the Countryman's output.

💰 Best Value

2025 MINI Countryman

The Countryman undercuts the Highlander by $6,370 MSRP while still delivering 241 hp and more usable cargo space at 25 cu ft.

Choose the MINI Countryman if...

Fuel efficiency is a priority, as the Countryman delivers 27 MPG combined versus 24 MPG for the Highlander.
Budget is critical, given the $38,900 starting MSRP, which is $6,370 less than the competition.
Maximum primary cargo utility is desired, as the Countryman offers 25 cu ft compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

Maximum engine output is required, as the Highlander provides 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
The longest vehicle platform is necessary, with the Highlander measuring 194.9 inches versus 175.0 inches for Car 1.
The vehicle needs to utilize less expensive fuel, as the Highlander accepts regular unleaded while the Countryman recommends premium.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	MINI Countryman	Toyota Highlander
Length	175.0"	194.9"
Width	72.6"	76.0"
Height	65.2"	68.1"
Wheelbase	106.0"	112.2"

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	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
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 shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

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.	375.9/501.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	17.9 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	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
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	8.0 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	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	MINI	Toyota
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	40.4 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	59.0 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 Hip Room	—	57.2 in.
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way

Rearseats

Feature	MINI	Toyota
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.0 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	58.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	57.0 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	MINI	Toyota
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R18	P235/65R V
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody 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 Highlander.

Is the 2026 Toyota Highlander more powerful than the 2025 MINI Countryman?

Yes, the Highlander has a measurable performance edge, producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Countryman delivers 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Which crossover offers better fuel economy, the Countryman or the Highlander?

The 2025 MINI Countryman is more fuel-efficient, achieving 27 MPG combined (24/32 city/highway). The 2026 Highlander achieves 24 MPG combined (21/28 city/highway).

Why is the starting MSRP difference so large between these two crossovers?

The 2026 Highlander carries a $45,270 MSRP, making it $6,370 more expensive than the 2025 Countryman at $38,900. This likely reflects the Highlander's larger size and potentially a higher standard feature set.

Despite being smaller, does the MINI Countryman have more cargo room than the Highlander?

Surprisingly, yes; the Countryman offers 25 cubic feet of cargo space, significantly outclassing the Highlander’s 16 cubic feet capacity.

Do both models use all-wheel drive and what are their transmissions?

Both vehicles feature all-wheel drive. The Countryman uses a 7-speed automated manual transmission, while the Highlander utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic.

Does the fuel type requirement affect long-term ownership costs?

The Countryman recommends premium unleaded fuel, which is typically more expensive than the regular unleaded accepted by the Highlander, potentially increasing the Countryman's operational cost despite its superior MPG.