2025 MINI Countryman vs 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

$38,900 · Crossover

$47,020 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 MINI Countryman bursts onto the scene offering go-kart agility in a crossover shell, exhilarating drivers with 241 hp and standard AWD, all starting at a relatively accessible $38,900. In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid provides massive efficiency gains and family hauling prowess, boasting an incredible 35 MPG combined using regular unleaded fuel. While the MINI is significantly more compact at 175.0 inches long, allowing for nimbler urban maneuvering, the Highlander stretches to 194.9 inches, offering a higher ride stance at 68.1 inches. Enthusiasts will note the MINI uses a 7-speed automated manual transmission for a more direct feel compared to the Highlander's CVT. Despite the Toyota’s larger footprint and 243 hp, the Countryman undercuts the Highlander Hybrid by $8,120, making the efficiency gap worth quantifying.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s 35 MPG combined efficiency significantly reduces running costs for daily commuting compared to the MINI’s 27 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Highlander Hybrid's superior size, being nearly 17 inches longer, provides a more comfortable and practical environment for families than the compact Countryman.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 MINI Countryman

The 2025 MINI Countryman is favored for its engaging driving dynamics, highlighted by its 7-speed automated manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman delivers strong performance specs starting $8,120 less than the Highlander Hybrid, presenting a much lower entry price.

Choose the MINI Countryman if...

You prioritize a lower initial purchase price, saving $8,120 compared to the Highlander Hybrid.
You prefer a more agile, smaller vehicle with a length of only 175.0 inches for easier city parking.
You enjoy the engaging feedback of a 7-speed automated manual transmission paired with 295 lb-ft of torque.

Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...

Maximum fuel economy is essential, as the Highlander achieves 35 MPG combined on regular unleaded.
You require substantial passenger and cargo space facilitated by its larger 194.9-inch length.
You prefer the simpler ownership of regular unleaded fuel over the MINI’s recommended premium fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	MINI Countryman	Toyota Highlander Hybrid
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	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	241 hp @ 4500 rpm	243 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	—

Fuel

Feature	MINI	Toyota
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/32 MPG	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	343.2/457.6 mi.	598.5/598.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	17.1 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	P235/65R18
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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How much more fuel-efficient is the Highlander Hybrid compared to the MINI Countryman?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is significantly more efficient, achieving 35 MPG combined, which is an 8 MPG advantage over the 2025 MINI Countryman's 27 MPG combined rating.

Which vehicle offers better performance credentials based on the provided data?

Both crossovers offer similar peak horsepower, with the Highlander at 243 hp and the Countryman at 241 hp; however, the MINI delivers higher torque at 295 lb-ft and uses a more driver-focused 7-speed automated manual transmission.

Is the MINI Countryman considerably smaller than the Highlander Hybrid?

Yes, size is a major differentiator; the Countryman measures 175.0 inches in length, making it almost 20 inches shorter than the 194.9-inch Highlander Hybrid.

Does the fuel requirement affect the long-term cost of ownership?

It can, as the Highlander Hybrid runs on regular unleaded fuel while the MINI Countryman recommends premium unleaded, potentially leading to higher refueling costs for the MINI.

Which crossover provides more usable cargo space?

Despite being the physically smaller vehicle, the 2025 MINI Countryman actually offers more cargo capacity at 25 cubic feet, compared to the 16 cubic feet available in the larger 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.