2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid vs 2026 MINI Countryman
Comparison Overview
Choosing between two very different crossovers can be tough, especially when one focuses purely on efficiency and space and the other on fun and footprint. The core dilemma often boils down to needing maximum utility versus maximum maneuverability. The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid dominates on efficiency, boasting an excellent 36 combined MPG, which is a significant 9 MPG better than the 2026 MINI Countryman's 27 combined MPG. Furthermore, the Toyota stretches 201.4 inches long, offering substantial presence compared to the MINI's compact 175.0-inch frame. However, the MINI wins on initial cost, ringing in at an MSRP of $38,900 versus the Toyota's $44,210, a $5,310 gap. While the Toyota offers 245 hp, the MINI provides comparable power at 241 hp, yet it requires the pricier premium unleaded fuel.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The Grand Highlander Hybrid's 36 combined MPG makes it the undisputed champion for daily fuel savings.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The significantly longer body (201.4 inches) of the Toyota implies superior interior and passenger volume for family duties.
2026 MINI Countryman
The MINI's torque rating of 295 lb-ft paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission suggests a more engaging drive dynamic.
2026 MINI Countryman
The Countryman starts at $38,900, creating a $5,310 initial price advantage over the Grand Highlander Hybrid.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid if...
- You prioritize efficiency, as the 36 combined MPG will save significant money over time.
- You need maximum length and assumed space, given its 201.4-inch exterior dimension.
- You prefer regular unleaded fuel over the MINI's recommended premium fuel.
Choose the MINI Countryman if...
- You want to save $5,310 upfront, as the MSRP is only $38,900.
- You need better maneuverability around town, as it is nearly 26 inches shorter than the Toyota.
- You value quick acceleration feeling from the 295 lb-ft of torque paired with its transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid | MINI Countryman |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 201.4" | 175.0" |
| Width | 78.3" | 72.6" |
| Height | 72.1" | 65.2" |
| Wheelbase | 116.1" | 106.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 245 hp @ 6000 rpm | 241 hp @ 4500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torque | — | 295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Toyota | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 37/34 MPG | 24/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 36 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 636.4/584.8 mi. | 343.2/457.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.2 gal. | 14.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 9.4 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 12 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Toyota | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.5 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 40.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.2 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 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 |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.8 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/65R18 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Toyota | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid and 2026 MINI Countryman.
Which vehicle is better for covering long highway distances in terms of fuel economy?
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is substantially better for highway travel, achieving an estimated 34 MPG on the highway compared to the MINI Countryman's 32 MPG. This 9 MPG combined difference suggests fewer stops at the pump overall for the Toyota.
How much bigger is the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid in sheer size?
The Grand Highlander Hybrid is much larger, measuring 201.4 inches long compared to the MINI Countryman's 175.0 inches. This extra 26.4 inches in length will translate directly into more usable interior space, despite the MINI technically quoting higher cargo capacity at 25 cu ft.
Does the price difference relate to the required fuel type?
Yes, the $5,310 price difference at MSRP is compounded by running costs; the MINI requires premium unleaded fuel, whereas the Toyota efficiently runs on regular unleaded.
Are the horsepower figures similar between these two crossovers?
They are very close in raw power, with the Grand Highlander Hybrid offering 245 hp and the Countryman providing 241 hp. However, the MINI compensates with higher torque (295 lb-ft) relative to its power output.
Which car has a more traditional automatic transmission setup?
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid uses a standard continuously variable-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2026 MINI Countryman utilizes a 7-speed automated manual transmission, which can feel different during operation.
If I need absolute maximum cargo space when the rear seats are folded, which one wins?
Based on the provided data, the 2026 MINI Countryman wins on paper for maximum cargo capacity at 25 cubic feet, beating the Toyota's 20.6 cubic feet, although the Toyota is significantly larger overall.
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