2026 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 MINI Countryman
Comparison Overview
The 2026 MINI Countryman holds a significant advantage in operational efficiency, achieving 27 combined MPG compared to the 2026 Hyundai Palisade's 21 combined MPG, a 6 MPG disparity. Conversely, the Palisade boasts substantially higher peak power with 287 hp versus the Countryman's 241 hp, though the Countryman counters with superior torque at 295 lb-ft compared to the Palisade's 260 lb-ft. Dimensionally, the Palisade is considerably larger, measuring 199.2 inches in length against the Countryman's 175.0 inches. Despite its smaller footprint, the Countryman offers greater usable space, providing 25 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Palisade's 17.1 cu ft of minimum storage. The initial pricing is competitive, with the Countryman listing at $38,900 and the Palisade at $39,435.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 MINI Countryman
The 2026 MINI Countryman wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 27 combined MPG on recommended premium unleaded fuel.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is the choice for families, offering larger exterior dimensions (199.2 inches long) and a more robust standard FWD platform.
2026 MINI Countryman
The Countryman appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher 295 lb-ft of torque and the responsive nature of its 7-speed automated manual transmission paired with AWD.
2026 MINI Countryman
The Countryman offers superior utility and efficiency metrics per dollar, starting at a lower MSRP of $38,900 while delivering higher MPG.
Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...
- You prioritize maximum output from the naturally aspirated engine, as the Palisade delivers 287 hp.
- You require a larger overall footprint, with the Palisade measuring 199.2 inches long and 78.0 inches wide.
- You prefer the simpler maintenance associated with regular unleaded fuel over the Countryman's premium requirement.
Choose the MINI Countryman if...
- Fuel cost savings are critical, given the Countryman's 27 combined MPG rating versus the Palisade's 21 MPG.
- You need better low-end pulling power, as the Countryman generates 295 lb-ft of torque.
- More accessible cargo volume is needed, with the Countryman offering 25 cu ft against the Palisade's 19.1 cu ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Palisade | MINI Countryman |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.2" | 175.0" |
| Width | 78.0" | 72.6" |
| Height | 69.5" | 65.2" |
| Wheelbase | 116.9" | 106.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 287 hp @ 6400 rpm | 241 hp @ 4500 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | 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 | Hyundai | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/25 MPG | 24/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 21 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 361.0/475.0 mi. | 343.2/457.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.0 gal. | 14.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 9.4 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | Hyundai | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.5 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.2 in. | 40.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.4 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.8 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.7 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 43.0 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.0 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.7 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and 2026 MINI Countryman.
How does the difference in horsepower and torque affect driving dynamics?
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade produces 287 hp, which is 46 hp more than the Countryman, suggesting better high-speed acceleration. However, the 2026 MINI Countryman has 295 lb-ft of torque versus the Palisade's 260 lb-ft, meaning the Countryman may feel quicker off the line and handle loads better at lower speeds.
Which vehicle provides better fuel economy for consistent driving?
The 2026 MINI Countryman is the more economical choice, achieving 27 combined MPG (24 City/32 Highway). The 2026 Hyundai Palisade lags significantly behind with a 21 combined MPG rating (19 City/25 Highway).
Is the price difference between the two crossovers substantial?
The pricing is closely matched; the 2026 MINI Countryman has an MSRP of $38,900, making it $535 less expensive than the 2026 Hyundai Palisade's starting price of $39,435.
Does the larger Palisade translate to more practical cargo space?
No, counterintuitively, the smaller 2026 MINI Countryman offers superior standard cargo capacity at 25 cubic feet compared to the 2026 Hyundai Palisade's 19.1 cubic feet.
What is the impact of the different drive and transmission setups?
The Palisade uses a standard FWD layout with an 8-speed automatic, suitable for general use, while the Countryman features All-Wheel Drive paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission, potentially offering better traction and quicker shifts.
Is one vehicle significantly larger than the other in physical size?
Yes, the Palisade is substantially larger, measuring 199.2 inches long, 78.0 inches wide, and 69.5 inches high. The Countryman is significantly more compact at 175.0 inches long, 72.6 inches wide, and 65.2 inches high.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool