2025 Toyota Highlander vs 2026 MINI Countryman
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the reliable, spacious 2025 Toyota Highlander and the nimble, newer 2026 MINI Countryman often boils down to size versus efficiency. If you frequently haul cargo or passengers, the Highlander's larger dimensions (194.9 inches long) and larger structure might appeal, despite its lower fuel economy of 25 MPG combined. Conversely, the 2026 Countryman offers a notable efficiency edge, achieving 27 MPG combined and delivering better city mileage at 24 MPG compared to the Highlander's 22 MPG city rating. While the Highlander boasts more raw power with 265 hp versus the Countryman's 241 hp, the MINI compensates with standard All-Wheel Drive, a significant plus for variable weather conditions. The base MSRPs are surprisingly close, with the Highlander starting at $40,320 and the Countryman just under at $38,900, making efficiency and AWD key factors in this matchup.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 MINI Countryman
The 2026 MINI Countryman wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 27 MPG and slightly lower entry price.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is the clear choice for families needing more passenger/cargo volume, suggested by its larger overall dimensions.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander provides a noticeable power advantage with 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Countryman's output.
2026 MINI Countryman
The Countryman offers better standard capability with AWD and better fuel efficiency for a slightly lower starting MSRP of $38,900.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- You prioritize peak engine output, as the Highlander provides 265 horsepower.
- You need the traditional stability of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
- You require the substantial size difference offered by the 194.9-inch length for cabin comfort.
Choose the MINI Countryman if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, given its 27 MPG combined rating versus the Highlander's 25 MPG.
- You value standard All-Wheel Drive capability right out of the box.
- You can utilize the superior cargo capacity of 25 cu ft for practical storage needs.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Highlander | 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 | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| 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 shiftable 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) | 22/29 MPG | 24/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 393.8/519.1 mi. | 343.2/457.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in 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 | 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 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.2 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: 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 | 39.4 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.7 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/65R V | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| 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 Highlander and 2026 MINI Countryman.
Which crossover is better equipped for hauling cargo?
The 2026 MINI Countryman offers significantly more usable space, boasting 25 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the 2025 Toyota Highlander's 16 cubic feet in base configuration.
Is the difference in horsepower between the two vehicles noticeable during driving?
Yes, the Highlander produces 265 horsepower, giving it a 24 hp advantage over the Countryman's 241 hp, which enthusiasts may appreciate, especially when merging or passing.
Does the fuel type impact my cost of ownership with these vehicles?
The Highlander uses regular unleaded, whereas the Countryman recommends premium unleaded; this difference in required fuel can affect long-term running costs despite the MINI's better overall MPG figures.
How significant is the difference in size when parking in the city?
The Countryman is physically smaller, measuring 175.0 inches in length, making it considerably easier to maneuver and park than the larger 194.9-inch Highlander.
Which car offers better standard traction for winter weather?
The 2026 MINI Countryman comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, providing a better inherent traction advantage over the front-wheel-drive configuration of the base 2025 Toyota Highlander.
Are the MSRPs very different for these entry-level models?
The starting prices are quite competitive, with the Countryman listing at $38,900 and the Highlander slightly higher at $40,320, which is less than a $1,500 difference.
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