2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 MINI Countryman

$39,995 · Crossover

$38,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Subaru Ascent bursts onto the scene packing a robust 260 horsepower and a commanding 277 lb-ft of torque, promising dependable, all-weather capability wrapped in a substantial 196.8-inch frame. Contrast this with the eager 2026 MINI Countryman, which, despite having slightly less peak power at 241 hp, compensates with a sharper 295 lb-ft of torque and superior fuel economy, netting 27 MPG combined compared to the Ascent's 22 MPG. The MINI’s smaller footprint (175.0 inches long) and highly efficient 7-speed automated manual transmission prioritize agility, whereas the Ascent leans into its larger dimensions and standard AWD system for utilitarian dominance. While the MINI boasts more accessible cargo space at 25 cu ft versus the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft in the measurement provided, the Subaru starts at a slightly higher MSRP of $39,995 against the MINI’s $38,900, setting up a fascinating dynamic between brute force and frugal finesse.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 MINI Countryman

The 2026 MINI Countryman wins for commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency, achieving 27 MPG combined versus the Ascent's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Ascent

The 2025 Subaru Ascent is better suited for families due to its significantly larger overall physical presence and more traditional, utility-focused dimensions.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 MINI Countryman

Enthusiasts will favor the MINI Countryman for its torque-rich output of 295 lb-ft and the engaging performance expected from its 7-speed automated manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman offers better perceived value by costing $1,095 less and providing 5 more combined MPG.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You require maximum inherent capability through Subaru's standard all-wheel drive system.
Your hauling needs favor a vehicle with higher absolute power ratings (260 hp).
You prefer standard regular unleaded fuel over the MINI's recommended premium fuel.

Choose the MINI Countryman if...

Fuel economy is paramount, as it achieves 32 Highway MPG compared to 26 MPG in the Ascent.
You prioritize accessible utility with 25 cu ft of cargo space, exceeding the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.
You desire a slightly lower entry price, with an MSRP of $38,900 versus the Ascent's $39,995.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Ascent	MINI Countryman
Length	196.8"	175.0"
Width	76.0"	72.6"
Height	71.6"	65.2"
Wheelbase	113.8"	106.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	MINI
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	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	MINI
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	260 hp @ 5600 rpm	241 hp @ 4500 rpm
Torque	277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	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	Subaru	MINI
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	7-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	MINI
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	24/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	386.0/501.8 mi.	343.2/457.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 gal.	14.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	MINI
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	MINI
Infotainment Display	11.6 in	9.4 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	4 months	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	12 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	MINI
Front Head Room	41.2 in.	40.7 in.
Front Leg Room	42.2 in.	40.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.1 in.	55.7 in.
Front Hip Room	57.8 in.	—
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	MINI
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	37.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.5 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	MINI
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	225/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	MINI
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2026 MINI Countryman.

Which crossover is physically larger, the 2025 Ascent or the 2026 Countryman?

The 2025 Subaru Ascent is significantly larger, measuring 196.8 inches in length and 71.6 inches in height. The 2026 MINI Countryman is notably more compact, sitting at only 175.0 inches long and 65.2 inches high.

How does the fuel requirement impact the overall running cost between these two AWD models?

The Ascent uses regular unleaded and returns 22 MPG combined, whereas the Countryman demands premium fuel (recommended) but rewards drivers with 27 MPG combined, which could mitigate the higher per-gallon cost for long-distance drivers.

Does the lower horsepower in the MINI translate to slower acceleration compared to the Ascent?

While the Ascent has more horsepower at 260 hp versus the Countryman's 241 hp, the MINI generates higher torque at 295 lb-ft compared to the Ascent’s 277 lb-ft, suggesting punchier immediate response despite the horsepower deficit.

What is the main reason the Countryman won the value verdict despite its premium fuel recommendation?

The Countryman won on value primarily due to its $1,095 lower starting MSRP ($38,900 vs $39,995) and its 5 MPG superior combined efficiency rating.

Which transmission setup offers a more engaging driving experience?

The 2026 MINI Countryman uses a 7-speed automated manual, which typically offers more direct and driver-focused shifts. In contrast, the Ascent uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), prioritizing smoothness over enthusiast engagement.

How significant is the difference in cargo capacity between the two crossovers?

The difference is substantial, with the 2026 MINI Countryman offering 25 cu ft of cargo space. The 2025 Subaru Ascent offers less utility in this metric, providing only 17.8 cu ft.