2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2026 MINI Countryman
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander commands the road with its substantial footprint, measuring 201.4 inches long, leveraging its 265 hp to move its size, albeit achieving only 24 combined MPG. This robust crossover offers generous space, making it a true road-tripping battleship for the whole crew. Conversely, the 2026 MINI Countryman is the spirited European dart, starting at a lower MSRP of $38,900 and delivering sharper efficiency at 27 combined MPG from its smaller 241 hp package. While the Countryman prioritizes agility and better fuel economy, the Grand Highlander dominates outright size and torque advantage (310 lb-ft vs. 295 lb-ft). The Grand Highlander features an 8-speed automatic and requires regular unleaded, whereas the MINI opts for a 7-speed automated manual and prefers premium fuel for its performance.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 MINI Countryman
The 2026 MINI Countryman wins for commuting due to its superior 27 combined MPG and smaller, more agile footprint.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is the definitive family hauler due to its much larger 201.4-inch length and superior overall space capacity.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander offers superior peak torque at 310 lb-ft, suggesting better low-end grunt for a vehicle of its mass.
2026 MINI Countryman
The 2026 MINI Countryman offers a lower entry price of $38,900 and better standard fuel economy.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- You prioritize the highest capacity available, reflected in its 201.4-inch length.
- You require maximum towing/hauling muscle, supported by its 310 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer running on regular unleaded fuel instead of premium.
Choose the MINI Countryman if...
- You demand superior fuel economy, achieving 27 combined MPG versus Car 1's 24.
- You desire the lower starting price point, with an MSRP of $38,900.
- You value an All-Wheel Drive system paired with a sportier 7-speed automated manual transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Grand Highlander | MINI Countryman |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 201.4" | 175.0" |
| Width | 78.3" | 72.6" |
| Height | 70.1" | 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 | 2.4 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm | 241 hp @ 4500 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Toyota | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/28 MPG | 24/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 373.8/498.4 mi. | 343.2/457.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.8 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. |
| 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 and 2026 MINI Countryman.
How significant is the size difference between the 2025 Grand Highlander and the 2026 Countryman?
The size difference is substantial; the Grand Highlander is 201.4 inches long, whereas the MINI Countryman measures only 175.0 inches. This nearly 26-inch difference directly impacts interior volume and road presence.
Which vehicle is more powerful according to the horsepower ratings?
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander holds the power edge, producing 265 hp compared to the 2026 MINI Countryman's 241 hp. However, the torque difference is smaller, with the Toyota having 310 lb-ft versus MINI's 295 lb-ft.
Does the fuel recommendation impact running costs significantly?
Yes, the Grand Highlander uses regular unleaded, while the Countryman recommends premium unleaded. This difference in fuel type can significantly impact long-term operating expenses, even though the Countryman is more efficient overall (27 MPG vs. 24 MPG).
Who wins strictly on cargo volume for hauling gear?
Despite its smaller exterior, the 2026 MINI Countryman offers slightly more listed cargo capacity at 25 cubic feet compared to the Grand Highlander's 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row.
Comparing their standard drivetrain configurations, which offers better traction in poor weather?
The 2026 MINI Countryman comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, which generally provides better traction than the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander's standard Front Wheel Drive configuration.
How do the transmissions differ between these two crossovers?
The Grand Highlander utilizes a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth shifts. In contrast, the Countryman employs a quicker-shifting 7-speed automated manual transmission, indicative of its more enthusiast-focused tuning.
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