2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 MINI Countryman

$38,800 · Crossover

$38,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 bursts onto the scene with a powerful standard turbocharged engine delivering 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, offering a decidedly upscale, robust driving feel across its substantial 200.8-inch frame. Conversely, the redesigned 2026 MINI Countryman channels exuberant, go-kart spirit into a more compact 175.0-inch package, prioritizing nimble handling and superior efficiency with 27 MPG combined. While the Mazda boasts a commanding 39 horsepower advantage, enabling quicker highway merging, the MINI counters with better real-world economy running on premium fuel versus the Mazda's regular unleaded. Though the CX-90 provides a more substantial third row presence (implied by size), its meager 14.9 cu ft of cargo space trails the Countryman's generous 25 cu ft. Priced nearly identically at $38,800 (CX-90) versus $38,900 (Countryman), the choice boils down to expansive power versus refined efficiency and agility.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman is the better commuter due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 27 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 is better suited for families due to its significantly longer 200.8-inch length, suggesting more usable passenger and third-row space.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

Enthusiasts will gravitate toward the CX-90 for its potent 280 hp output and 332 lb-ft of torque, easily outclassing the Countryman's output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 offers significantly more power (280 hp) and a larger footprint for a near-identical MSRP of $38,800.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You need the immediate punch of 280 horsepower for towing or rapid acceleration.
You prefer the stability and classic shifting feel of an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Your priority is maximum sheer size, evident in its 200.8-inch overall length.

Choose the MINI Countryman if...

Maximizing cargo flexibility is key, given its superior 25 cu ft capacity.
You drive extensively in the city and value the higher 32 MPG highway rating.
You prefer a tighter, more agile vehicle based on its substantially shorter 175.0-inch length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-90	MINI Countryman
Length	200.8"	175.0"
Width	78.5"	72.6"
Height	68.3"	65.2"
Wheelbase	122.8"	106.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	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	✓	✓
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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running 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	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	MINI
Base Engine Displacement	3.3 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	280 hp @ 5000 rpm	241 hp @ 4500 rpm
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 2000 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	Mazda	MINI
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	7-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	MINI
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/28 MPG	24/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	425.5/518.0 mi.	343.2/457.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	14.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	MINI
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	9.4 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	12 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	MINI
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	MINI
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	40.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	40.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	55.7 in.
Front Hip Room	56.2 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 Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
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	Mazda	MINI
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	37.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	MINI
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/55R19	225/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	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	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and 2026 MINI Countryman.

How much of a difference is the horsepower gap between these two crossovers?

The Mazda CX-90 carries a significant advantage, producing 280 hp from its standard engine compared to the MINI Countryman's 241 hp. This 39 hp difference translates into noticeable acceleration superiority for the larger Mazda.

Which vehicle is more practical for hauling gear?

The 2026 MINI Countryman wins the cargo battle decisively, offering 25 cubic feet of space. The Mazda CX-90 only provides 14.9 cubic feet, which is quite small for its exterior dimensions.

Does the fuel economy difference justify buying the less powerful MINI?

The Countryman achieves 27 MPG combined versus the CX-90's 25 MPG combined, a modest but consistent efficiency gain. However, the Countryman requires premium fuel, which could offset the MPG savings.

How does the smaller Countryman handle the rigors of highway driving?

While the CX-90 is the larger vehicle, the Countryman still offers competitive highway efficiency at 32 MPG, aided by its lighter structure and 7-speed automated manual transmission.

Are these vehicles similarly sized for urban maneuvering?

No, the difference in length is vast; the CX-90 is 200.8 inches long, making it considerably harder to park than the compact 175.0-inch MINI Countryman.

Which vehicle uses a simpler transmission setup?

The Mazda CX-90 employs a conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic, which many drivers find smoother, whereas the Countryman uses a 7-speed automated manual.