2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2026 MINI Countryman
Comparison Overview
Choosing between a robust mid-size hybrid like the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the new, smaller 2026 MINI Countryman comes down to priorities: sheer efficiency versus compact maneuverability and price. The Highlander Hybrid immediately pulls ahead on fuel savings, boasting a fantastic 35 combined MPG using regular unleaded, crushing the Countryman's 27 combined MPG which requires premium fuel. Furthermore, the Highlander Hybrid is significantly larger, measuring 194.9 inches long compared to the Countryman's 175.0 inches. However, the Countryman enters the ring with a major advantage: a $7,920 lower starting MSRP at $38,900 versus the Highlander's $46,820. While both offer comparable power near 240 horsepower (243 hp for Toyota, 241 hp for MINI), the Highlander is clearly positioned for long-haul, high-mileage duty thanks to its 8 MPG fuel efficiency gap.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The 2025 Highlander Hybrid's 35 MPG combined fuel economy makes it the obvious choice for daily cost savings.
2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Despite smaller reported cargo figures (16 cu ft vs 25 cu ft), the Highlander's larger 194.9-inch length suggests superior passenger room for hauling families.
2026 MINI Countryman
The 2026 Countryman offers more torque at 295 lb-ft and a sportier 7-speed automated manual transmission, suggesting a more engaging drive.
2026 MINI Countryman
The 2026 MINI Countryman undercuts the Highlander Hybrid by nearly $8,000 in MSRP while still delivering competitive horsepower.
Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...
- You prioritize hybrid efficiency and want the best possible fuel economy with 35 MPG combined.
- You regularly need to carry passengers or gear, benefiting from the larger 194.9-inch exterior length.
- You prefer using less expensive regular unleaded fuel rather than premium.
Choose the MINI Countryman if...
- Saving $7,920 upfront is crucial, given the Countryman's $38,900 MSRP.
- You need more primary storage space, as the Countryman offers 25 cu ft versus the Highlander's 16 cu ft.
- You enjoy a sportier driving feel provided by 295 lb-ft of torque and a 7-speed automated manual transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Highlander Hybrid | MINI Countryman |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.9" | 175.0" |
| Width | 76.0" | 72.6" |
| Height | 68.1" | 65.2" |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
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 | 243 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 |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 35/35 MPG | 24/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 35 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 598.5/598.5 mi. | 343.2/457.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.1 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 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 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 40.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.0 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.2 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.4 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.4 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/65R18 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| 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 Highlander Hybrid and 2026 MINI Countryman.
Which car is cheaper to run daily based on fuel consumption?
The 2025 Highlander Hybrid will be significantly cheaper to fuel daily because it achieves 35 combined MPG. The 2026 Countryman only manages 27 combined MPG, and it also requires premium unleaded fuel, adding extra cost per fill-up.
How much bigger is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid than the MINI Countryman?
The Highlander is considerably larger in all dimensions, measuring 194.9 inches long compared to the Countryman's 175.0 inches. This extra length (nearly 20 inches) usually translates into more comfortable interior space for all passengers.
Does the MINI Countryman offer more usable cargo space?
Yes, surprisingly, the smaller 2026 Countryman lists a superior cargo capacity of 25 cu ft versus the 2025 Highlander Hybrid's 16 cu ft. This difference might be due to the Highlander dedicating more internal space to its hybrid battery system.
Is the horsepower difference between the two crossovers meaningful?
Not really; the power difference is negligible, with the Highlander producing 243 hp and the Countryman slightly behind at 241 hp. Performance driving feel will likely rely more on torque delivery and transmission tuning than total horsepower.
Why is the Highlander Hybrid so much more expensive than the MINI?
The primary reason is the hybrid powertrain technology and the vehicle class difference; the Highlander starts at $46,820 while the Countryman is priced at $38,900, saving buyers $7,920 instantly.
Which car uses a more engaging transmission for spirited driving?
Enthusiasts will likely prefer the 2026 MINI Countryman, which features a 7-speed automated manual transmission, often providing a more direct and involving shift feel than the Highlander's continuously variable-speed automatic.
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