2026 MINI Countryman vs 2026 Nissan Murano
Comparison Overview
The 2026 MINI Countryman blasts onto the scene delivering punchy, go-kart inspired fun in a versatile crossover shell, boasting 295 lb-ft of torque from its spirited engine paired with standard AWD and a compact 175.0-inch footprint. Contrasting this lively approach, the 2026 Nissan Murano offers a more traditional, substantial feel, emphasizing spaciousness with a generous 32.9 cu ft of cargo room, significantly more than the Countryman's 25 cu ft. While both crossovers match power output at 241 hp, the Countryman holds a clear advantage in efficiency, achieving 27 MPG combined versus the Murano's 23 MPG combined, saving premium unleaded fuel for the driver who enjoys spirited motoring. The Murano does offer a lower entry price at $41,670 compared to the MINI's $38,900, but its thirst for fuel and larger 192.9-inch frame suggest a different daily priority than the agile MINI.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 MINI Countryman
The Countryman is the clear winner for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 32 MPG highway versus the Murano's 27 MPG highway.
2026 Nissan Murano
The Murano is better suited for families, offering substantially more cargo space at 32.9 cubic feet compared to the Countryman's 25 cubic feet.
2026 MINI Countryman
The Countryman appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher torque output of 295 lb-ft and a quicker-shifting 7-speed automated manual transmission.
2026 MINI Countryman
The Countryman provides better long-term running costs due to its 4 MPG combined fuel economy advantage, offsetting its slightly lower MSRP.
Choose the MINI Countryman if...
- You prioritize fuel efficiency, as the Countryman delivers 27 MPG combined compared to the Murano's 23 MPG combined.
- You seek agile handling on tight roads, benefiting from the Countryman's shorter 175.0-inch length.
- You value punchy acceleration reflected in the Countryman's higher 295 lb-ft of torque.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- Maximum utility is required, as the Murano boasts a significantly larger 32.9 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You prefer the assurance of regular unleaded fuel over the Countryman's recommended premium grade.
- You need a larger, more imposing presence with dimensions like the Murano's 78.0-inch width and 192.9-inch length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | MINI Countryman | Nissan Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 175.0" | 192.9" |
| Width | 72.6" | 78.0" |
| Height | 65.2" | 67.9" |
| Wheelbase | 106.0" | 111.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | MINI | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | MINI | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 4500 rpm | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | 260 lb-ft @ 4400 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 | MINI | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | MINI | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/32 MPG | 21/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 343.2/457.6 mi. | 392.7/504.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 gal. | 18.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | MINI | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control 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 | ✓ | — |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | MINI | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.4 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 12 months | 3 months |
| Speaker System | — | 6 |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | MINI | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | MINI | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.4 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 60.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 56.9 in. |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | MINI | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.8 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.0 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 58.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 56.9 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | MINI | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | P255/55R20 |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 20 in. |
Suspension
| Feature | MINI | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | MINI | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 MINI Countryman and 2026 Nissan Murano.
How significant is the size difference between the 2026 MINI Countryman and the 2026 Nissan Murano?
The difference is substantial; the Murano is over 17 inches longer, measuring 192.9 inches compared to the Countryman's 175.0 inches. This results in the Murano offering 7.9 cubic feet more storage capacity.
Do both crossovers offer similar levels of power?
Yes, both vehicles are impressively matched in horsepower, both producing 241 hp. However, the Countryman extracts more low-end responsiveness with 295 lb-ft of torque versus the Murano's 260 lb-ft.
Which vehicle will save me more money at the gas pump?
The 2026 MINI Countryman offers better long-term fuel savings, delivering 27 MPG combined versus the Murano’s 23 MPG combined, which is a 4 MPG difference.
What are the transmission differences in these two AWD crossovers?
The Countryman utilizes a 7-speed automated manual transmission to manage its power delivery. In contrast, the Murano features a slightly more conventional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Is the starting price significantly different between the 2026 models?
The 2026 MINI Countryman starts at a lower MSRP of $38,900, while the 2026 Nissan Murano has a starting price of $41,670.
Does the fuel requirement impact the driving cost?
It does; the Murano uses regular unleaded fuel, whereas the Countryman recommends premium unleaded, which can add to its running costs despite its better MPG figures.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool