2026 MINI Countryman vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$38,900 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 MINI Countryman bursts onto the scene with a thrilling 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, making it the undisputed driver's choice in this comparison, despite its $38,900 MSRP. Its compact footprint (175.0 inches long) promises nimbleness and that classic MINI go-kart feel, channeling power through a snappy 7-speed automated manual transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Outback appeals with rugged practicality and significant savings, starting at $34,995. While its 180 hp offers more modest acceleration, the Outback delivers superior utility with a massive 34.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the MINI’s 25 cu ft. Both crossovers share an identical 27 MPG combined rating, but the Subaru sips cheaper regular unleaded fuel, while the MINI recommends premium for its higher-output engine.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 MINI Countryman

The Countryman's higher power output (241 hp) and smaller footprint offer a more engaging and agile city driving experience.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The Outback is the clear winner for families due to its significantly larger 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Countryman's 25 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 MINI Countryman

With 61 more horsepower and 117 lb-ft more torque, the Countryman provides superior acceleration and dynamic excitement.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The Outback saves buyers $3,905 upfront and uses regular unleaded fuel, offering substantially more space for the lower entry price.

Choose the MINI Countryman if...

You prioritize exhilarating performance, benefiting from 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer a smaller, more agile crossover, measuring only 175.0 inches in length.
You enjoy performance-oriented engineering paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Maximum hauling capability is essential, leveraging the Outback's class-leading 34.6 cu ft cargo volume.
You want to save $3,905 initially and avoid the cost of premium unleaded fuel.
You prefer the familiar, smooth feel of a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission for daily driving.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	MINI Countryman	Subaru Outback
Length	175.0"	191.7"
Width	72.6"	74.0"
Height	65.2"	67.5"
Wheelbase	106.0"	108.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	MINI	Subaru
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	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	MINI	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	241 hp @ 4500 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 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	Subaru
Transmission Type	7-speed automated manual	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	MINI	Subaru
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/32 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	343.2/457.6 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	18.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	MINI	Subaru
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	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	MINI	Subaru
Infotainment Display	9.4 in	12.1 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	—
Speaker System	—	6
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	MINI	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	40.4 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	57.9 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	55.5 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	MINI	Subaru
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	57.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	55.1 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	MINI	Subaru
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R18	225/60R H
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	MINI	Subaru
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 Subaru Outback.

Which vehicle is significantly faster off the line?

The 2026 MINI Countryman is substantially faster, boasting 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This gives it a massive performance advantage over the Outback’s 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.

How does the fuel economy compare between the two AWD crossovers?

Both vehicles achieve an identical 27 MPG combined rating. However, the Subaru Outback uses regular unleaded, potentially saving owners money over the Countryman, which recommends premium fuel.

Is the Countryman too small for carrying luggage?

The Countryman offers 25 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is adequate for small trips. If you frequently haul gear, the Subaru Outback offers substantially more room with 34.6 cubic feet.

What is the main transmission difference that affects the driving feel?

The Countryman uses a 7-speed automated manual, offering distinct gear shifts, whereas the Outback utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) for smoother, gearless acceleration.

Why is the Countryman more expensive than the Outback?

The Countryman carries a $3,900 higher MSRP, likely attributed to its significantly higher performance metrics (241 hp vs 180 hp) and its more compact, premium positioning.

Are both vehicles similar in size externally?

No, the Outback is significantly larger, measuring 191.7 inches long and 67.5 inches tall, compared to the Countryman’s shorter 175.0-inch length and 65.2-inch height.