2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA vs 2026 MINI Countryman

$41,500 · Crossover

$38,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA and the 2026 MINI Countryman often comes down to prioritizing badge prestige versus outright practicality. If your budget is tight, the Countryman starts significantly lower at $38,900 compared to the GLA’s $41,500 MSRP. However, the GLA counters with slightly better fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG combined versus the Countryman’s 27 MPG combined, though both demand premium fuel. Performance-wise, the Countryman boasts higher output with 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, easily besting the GLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft. Where the difference is most stark is storage: the Countryman offers a cavernous 25 cu ft of cargo capacity, dwarfing the GLA's meager 15.4 cu ft. Finally, the MINI’s standard All-Wheel Drive capability makes it more versatile than the FWD GLA.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The Mercedes-Benz GLA edges out the MINI due to its slightly better 26/34 MPG City/Highway rating, saving minor fuel costs on long daily drives.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman is the clear winner for families thanks to its significantly larger 25 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 MINI Countryman

The Countryman delivers superior driving engagement with 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, alongside standard All-Wheel Drive.

💰 Best Value

2026 MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman offers better performance metrics and significantly more utility while maintaining a lower starting MSRP of $38,900.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...

You prioritize the luxury branding and prestige associated with the Mercedes-Benz nameplate.
You need the best possible fuel efficiency rating, netting 29 MPG combined.
You prefer a slightly smaller footprint for easier city parking (173.6 inches long).

Choose the MINI Countryman if...

Maximum cargo volume is essential, as it offers 25 cu ft versus 15.4 cu ft.
You desire stronger power figures, including 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
All-Wheel Drive capability for variable weather conditions is a requirement.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLA	MINI Countryman
Length	173.6"	175.0"
Width	72.2"	72.6"
Height	63.5"	65.2"
Wheelbase	107.4"	106.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	MINI
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
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
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	MINI
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	221 hp @ 5500 rpm	241 hp @ 4500 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 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	Mercedes-Benz	MINI
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	7-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	MINI
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/34 MPG	24/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/459.0 mi.	343.2/457.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	14.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	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	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	—
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	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	MINI
Infotainment Display	10.25 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	6 months	12 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	MINI
Front Head Room	39.0 in.	40.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	40.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	55.7 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	MINI
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	37.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	54.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	MINI
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Size	235/55R18	225/55R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Tire Type	—	All Season

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	MINI
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	6 yr./ 62000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA and 2026 MINI Countryman.

Does either vehicle require a specific type of fuel?

Yes, both vehicles specify premium fuel, although the GLA mandates it while the Countryman only recommends it. This is an important recurring cost consideration for both crossovers.

How do their sizes compare for maneuverability?

The Mercedes-Benz GLA is marginally smaller overall, measuring 173.6 inches long and 63.5 inches high. The MINI Countryman is slightly bulkier at 175.0 inches long and 65.2 inches high, though both are similar in width.

Which car has the better transmission setup?

The Mercedes-Benz GLA utilizes an 8-speed automated manual, offering one extra gear compared to the MINI Countryman’s 7-speed automated manual. This can sometimes contribute to smoother highway cruising.

Is the performance difference between the two significant?

Yes, the Countryman offers a noticeable performance edge, producing 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLA provides 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, making the MINI quicker.

What is the driving distance difference based on MPG?

With its combined 29 MPG, the GLA is inherently more fuel-efficient than the Countryman's 27 MPG. For a driver covering 15,000 miles annually, this small difference adds up over time.