Compare the2025 MINI CountrymanVS 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics

Safety

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The MINI Countryman has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Corolla Cross doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Countryman. But it costs extra on the Corolla Cross.

The Countryman offers an optional 360-degree camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Corolla Cross only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

The Countryman has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. Only the Corolla Cross LE/XLE offers a blind spot warning system.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Countryman has standard Cross Traffic Warning and Brake Intervention automatically engages the brakes to help avoid a collision. Only the Corolla Cross LE/XLE offers Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Both the Countryman and the Corolla Cross have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and driver alert monitors.

The MINI Countryman weighs 452 to 721 pounds more than the Toyota Corolla Cross. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the MINI Countryman is safer than the Corolla Cross:

	Countryman	Corolla Cross
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	153	193
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Shoulder Deflection	.79 in	.94 in
Shoulder Force	178 lbs.	245 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.02 in	1.38 in
Pelvis	GOOD	POOR
Pelvis Force	825 lbs.	1539 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

The MINI Countryman achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The Corolla Cross last would have qualified as a “Top Safety Pick” in 2023.

Warranty

The Countryman comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Corolla Cross’ 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The Countryman’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the Corolla Cross’ (12 vs. 5 years).

MINI pays for scheduled maintenance on the Countryman for 1 year and 11000 miles longer than Toyota pays for maintenance for the Corolla Cross (3/36,000 vs. 2/25000).

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that MINI vehicles are better in initial quality than Toyota vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI above average in initial quality. With 10 more problems per 100 vehicles, Toyota is rated lower.

Engine

The Countryman S’ standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 72 more horsepower (241 vs. 169) and 145 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 150) than the Corolla Cross’ 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder. The JCW Countryman’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 143 more horsepower (312 vs. 169) and 145 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 150) than the Corolla Cross’ 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

Fuel Economy and Range

Regenerative brakes improve the Countryman’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Corolla Cross doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The Countryman has 1.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the Corolla Cross FWD’s standard fuel tank (14.3 vs. 12.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Countryman has 1.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the Corolla Cross AWD’s standard fuel tank (14.3 vs. 13.2 gallons).

Transmission

The Countryman’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Corolla Cross doesn’t offer launch control.

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Countryman has larger standard tires than the Corolla Cross (225/55R18 vs. 215/65R17). The Countryman’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Corolla Cross (245/45R19 vs. 225/55R18).

The Countryman’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Corolla Cross L/LE’s standard 65 series tires. The Countryman’s optional tires have a lower 40 series profile than the Corolla Cross XLE’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Countryman has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the Corolla Cross L/LE. The Countryman’s optional 20-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels on the Corolla Cross XLE.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the MINI Countryman has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Corolla Cross 4x2 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Countryman has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Countryman flat and controlled during cornering. The Corolla Cross 4x2 suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The Countryman offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Corolla Cross’ suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Countryman’s wheelbase is 2.1 inches longer than on the Corolla Cross (106 inches vs. 103.9 inches).

Passenger Space

The Countryman has 2.1 inches more front headroom, 4.8 inches more front hip room, 3 inches more front shoulder room, .1 inches more rear headroom, 5 inches more rear legroom, 12.5 inches more rear hip room and 2.4 inches more rear shoulder room than the Corolla Cross.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Countryman’s rear seats recline. The Corolla Cross’ rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Countryman. The Corolla Cross doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Countryman’s liftgate can be opened and closed just by waving your foot, leaving your hands completely free. The Corolla Cross doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its liftgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Towing

The Countryman’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Corolla Cross’ (3499 vs. 1500 pounds).

Optional Trailer Stabilization Control on the Countryman uses the Dynamic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Corolla Cross doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

The Countryman uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Corolla Cross uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that MINI service is better than Toyota. J.D. Power ranks MINI fourth in service department satisfaction. With a 33% lower rating, Toyota is ranked 21st.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the Countryman, the optional memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Corolla Cross doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Countryman’s optional easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Corolla Cross doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Countryman has a standard heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Corolla Cross doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Countryman has standard Comfort Access that allows you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Only the Corolla Cross LE/XLE offers a Smart Key System.

The Countryman’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Corolla Cross L’s standard fixed intermittent wipers only have one fixed delay setting, so the driver will have to manually switch them between slow and intermittent. The Corolla Cross LE/XLE’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Countryman to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Corolla Cross doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The Countryman has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. The Corolla Cross has an automatic headlight on/off feature standard only on the LE/XLE.

When the Countryman with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The Corolla Cross’ mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Countryman’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Corolla Cross offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Both the MINI Countryman and Toyota Corolla Cross offer exterior mirrors that can be folded to provide convenience. The Countryman features standard power folding mirrors, which allow for easy, one-touch folding or unfolding at the driver’s discretion. This provides added convenience when maneuvering or parking, as well as when walking past the parked vehicle. In comparison, the Corolla Cross’ foldable mirrors are manual, requiring the driver to get out and physically fold them once parked and unfold them before getting in.

On extremely cold winter days, the Countryman’s standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Corolla Cross doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Countryman offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Corolla Cross.

The Countryman has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the Corolla Cross XLE.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the MINI Countryman has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Only the Corolla Cross LE/XLE offers wireless charging.

The Countryman’s optional Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Control Parking will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The Corolla Cross doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

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