2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2026 MINI Countryman
Comparison Overview
Choosing between premium compact crossovers can be tough, especially when the Mercedes-Benz GLB ($43,800 MSRP) trades blows with the slightly cheaper MINI Countryman ($38,900 MSRP). The $4,900 price gap is significant, but performance specs suggest the MINI offers more initial punch with 241 hp versus the GLB's 221 hp. For fuel economy, the GLB nudges ahead slightly, achieving 28 combined MPG compared to the Countryman's 27 MPG, though both mandate premium fuel. Practicality is a close call: the MINI offers slightly more utility with 25 cubic feet of cargo space versus the GLB's 22 cubic feet. Furthermore, the Countryman comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), while the base GLB is Front-Wheel Drive (FWD). You are essentially deciding if the prestige and slightly better efficiency of the Mercedes justify the higher cost and FWD layout against the punchier, more spacious, and standard AWD MINI.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB
The GLB offers slightly better efficiency, boasting 28 combined MPG versus the Countryman's 27 MPG.
2026 MINI Countryman
The Countryman provides 25 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly beating the GLB's 22 cubic feet for family hauling needs.
2026 MINI Countryman
The MINI Countryman has a clear power advantage, delivering 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
2026 MINI Countryman
The Countryman undercuts the GLB by a substantial $4,900 while offering standard AWD.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB if...
- You prioritize the Mercedes-Benz badge prestige and interior feel.
- You need the slightly better fuel economy, achieving 33 MPG on the highway.
- You prefer a marginally longer vehicle structure at 182.4 inches for a different on-road presence.
Choose the MINI Countryman if...
- You want standard All-Wheel Drive capability without paying extra for it.
- You value maximum hauling capacity, as it offers 25 cu ft of cargo space.
- You seek stronger engine output with 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz GLB | MINI Countryman |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.4" | 175.0" |
| Width | 72.2" | 72.6" |
| Height | 66.7" | 65.2" |
| Wheelbase | 111.4" | 106.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention 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 |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | — |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid 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 | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| 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) | 25/33 MPG | 24/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 397.5/524.7 mi. | 343.2/457.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 40.7 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 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 | — |
| 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 | Mercedes-Benz | MINI |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.1 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.9 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 GLB and 2026 MINI Countryman.
Do either of these vehicles require special gasoline?
Yes, both the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB and the MINI Countryman mandate or recommend premium unleaded fuel. The GLB strictly requires it for its 221 hp engine, while the Countryman recommends it for maximizing its 241 hp output.
How do these two crossovers compare in size for parking?
The MINI Countryman is slightly shorter at 175.0 inches long, making it easier to maneuver and parallel park compared to the GLB, which measures 182.4 inches.
Is the extra cost for the GLB justified by its efficiency?
Not significantly; the GLB achieves 28 combined MPG while the Countryman is close at 27 combined MPG. Given the $4,900 price difference, the slight MPG advantage likely won't offset the initial investment quickly.
Which crossover offers better standard traction for bad weather?
The MINI Countryman comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), whereas the base GLB is Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), giving the MINI an edge in varied or slippery conditions.
How much more cargo room do I get with the Countryman?
The MINI Countryman provides 25 cubic feet of standard cargo capacity, which is 3 cubic feet more than the Mercedes-Benz GLB's 22 cubic feet.
What is the difference in transmission types?
Both use automated manual transmissions, but the GLB utilizes an 8-speed unit, while the Countryman uses a 7-speed unit.
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