2026 Lexus RX vs 2026 MINI Countryman

$49,725 · Crossover

$38,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between luxury refinement and pure value often plagues crossover buyers, especially when comparing two very different machines like the 2026 Lexus RX and the 2026 MINI Countryman. The Lexus commands a premium, starting at $49,725 compared to the MINI's accessible $38,900, representing a significant $10,825 gap right off the bat. Power is also a differentiator; the RX delivers 275 hp, besting the Countryman's 241 hp by a notable 34 hp. However, the smaller MINI fights back on efficiency, boasting a slightly better combined MPG of 27 versus the Lexus's 25 MPG, although both recommend premium fuel. The RX is the physically larger vehicle at 192.5 inches long, offering a bit more utility with 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Countryman's 25.0 cu ft. Ultimately, the decision boils down to balancing that Lexus badge appeal against the Countryman's superior entry price and efficiency gains.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 27 MPG and its lower overall running cost.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lexus RX

The Lexus RX is better suited for families because its overall length of 192.5 inches provides 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, more than the MINI's 25 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Lexus RX

The Lexus RX provides a noticeable advantage in acceleration with 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque compared to the Countryman’s lower output.

💰 Best Value

2026 MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman offers significantly better value by undercutting the Lexus RX's MSRP by $10,825.

Choose the Lexus RX if...

You prioritize outright power, as the Lexus RX provides 275 horsepower.
You need maximum hauling ability, thanks to its 29.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over an automated manual.

Choose the MINI Countryman if...

Your budget is firm, given the $10,825 lower starting MSRP of $38,900.
You prioritize urban efficiency, as the Countryman achieves 24 MPG in the city.
You prefer standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability over the standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD) of the base RX model.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus RX	MINI Countryman
Length	192.5"	175.0"
Width	75.6"	72.6"
Height	67.3"	65.2"
Wheelbase	112.2"	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	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	MINI
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	275 hp @ 6000 rpm	241 hp @ 4500 rpm
Torque	317 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	Lexus	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	Lexus	MINI
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	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)	391.6/516.2 mi.	343.2/457.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.8 gal.	14.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	MINI
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
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	✓	—
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	MINI
Infotainment Display	9.8 in	9.4 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	12	—
Subwoofer Count	1	—
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 Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	MINI
Front Head Room	39.5 in.	40.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	40.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	55.7 in.
Front Hip Room	56.7 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	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
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	38.6 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	37.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.9 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	MINI
Painted Alloy Wheels	✓	—
Polished Alloy Wheels	✓	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	✓	225/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

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.
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 RX and 2026 MINI Countryman.

What is the primary performance difference between the 2026 RX and the 2026 Countryman?

The 2026 Lexus RX is the more potent vehicle, delivering 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 MINI Countryman offers less grunt with 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, making the Lexus noticeably quicker.

Is the fuel economy significantly different between these two crossovers?

Yes, slightly. The MINI Countryman is marginally more efficient with a combined rating of 27 MPG, compared to the Lexus RX's 25 MPG combined rating, although both recommend premium unleaded fuel.

How does the size and interior space compare between the two models?

The Lexus RX is significantly larger in exterior dimensions, measuring 192.5 inches in length compared to the MINI's 175.0 inches, which translates directly to more cargo space (29.6 cu ft vs. 25.0 cu ft).

Since the Countryman is standard AWD, is the RX only FWD?

Based on the provided specs, the base 2026 Lexus RX comes with Front Wheel Drive, whereas the 2026 MINI Countryman comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, which is a key functional difference.

Why is there such a large price gap between the two vehicles?

The MSRP difference is $10,825, with the Lexus RX starting at $49,725. This reflects Lexus’s positioning as a near-luxury brand, while the Countryman, at $38,900, focuses on a more mainstream, value-oriented approach.

Which vehicle has the better transmission setup for relaxed driving?

The Lexus RX utilizes a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which many drivers find smoother for daily cruising compared to the MINI Countryman's 7-speed automated manual.