2026 Lexus NX vs 2026 MINI Countryman

$44,175 · Crossover

$38,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant disparity between the 2026 Lexus NX and the 2026 MINI Countryman is fuel economy, where the Lexus achieves 40 MPG combined compared to the MINI's 27 MPG combined, a 13 MPG advantage. Pricewise, the Countryman starts at a lower MSRP of $38,900 versus the NX's $44,175. Despite the lower cost, the MINI offers slightly more utility with 25.0 cu ft of cargo space versus the Lexus's 22.7 cu ft. Power output is nearly identical, with the Countryman posting a minor 1 hp lead at 241 hp and substantially higher torque at 295 lb-ft versus the NX's 240 hp. The Lexus utilizes a FWD configuration paired with a CVT, whereas the MINI features standard AWD with a 7-speed automated manual transmission, impacting performance and traction capabilities across their different body dimensions.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lexus NX

The 2026 Lexus NX is the clear choice for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 40 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 MINI Countryman

The 2026 MINI Countryman provides more usable interior volume with 25.0 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the NX's 22.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman appeals more to enthusiasts with 295 lb-ft of torque and standard All-Wheel Drive.

💰 Best Value

2026 MINI Countryman

The Countryman offers better immediate value by starting $5,275 below the Lexus NX's MSRP.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

Fuel efficiency is the top priority, as the NX delivers 40 MPG combined.
A Front-Wheel Drive platform is preferred over All-Wheel Drive for your driving conditions.
You prefer the measured power delivery of a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.

Choose the MINI Countryman if...

You need the higher torque figure of 295 lb-ft available in the Countryman.
Maximizing utility is key, as its 25.0 cu ft cargo capacity exceeds the NX's volume.
A lower initial investment of $38,900 is a deciding financial factor.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus NX	MINI Countryman
Length	183.5"	175.0"
Width	73.4"	72.6"
Height	66.1"	65.2"
Wheelbase	105.9"	106.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lexus	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	MINI
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	hybrid	gas
Horsepower	240 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	Lexus	MINI
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	7-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Lexus	MINI
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	42/38 MPG	24/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	40 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	609.0/551.0 mi.	343.2/457.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	14.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	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	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	MINI
Infotainment Display	9.8 in	9.4 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	10	—
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	Lexus	MINI
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	MINI
Front Head Room	38.3 in.	40.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	40.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	55.7 in.
Front Hip Room	56.3 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	Lexus	MINI
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.1 in.	37.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.0 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.5 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	MINI
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Size	235/60R18	225/55R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Tire Type	—	All Season

Suspension

Feature	Lexus	MINI
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Lexus	MINI
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	8 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 10000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Lexus NX and 2026 MINI Countryman.

How does the drivetrain differ between the 2026 Lexus NX and the 2026 MINI Countryman?

The Lexus NX comes standard with Front-Wheel Drive paired with a Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission. In contrast, the MINI Countryman features standard All-Wheel Drive mated to a more engaging 7-speed automated manual transmission.

Which vehicle offers better performance based on torque figures?

The 2026 MINI Countryman presents a significantly stronger low-end pulling force, boasting 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the Lexus NX's undisclosed torque output for its 240 hp engine.

What is the exact cost difference between these two crossovers at base MSRP?

The 2026 Lexus NX has an MSRP of $44,175, while the 2026 MINI Countryman starts at $38,900, resulting in a $5,275 initial price advantage for the MINI.

Are both vehicles identical in size and exterior dimensions?

No, the Lexus NX is a physically larger vehicle, measuring 183.5 inches in length compared to the Countryman's 175.0 inches. The NX is also wider by 0.8 inches.

How significant is the difference in highway fuel economy?

The Lexus NX is rated for 38 MPG on the highway, while the MINI Countryman achieves 32 MPG highway, meaning the Lexus consumes fuel more slowly during sustained highway travel.