Volkswagen Golf GTI vs. MINI Countryman
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Volkswagen Golf GTI and MINI Countryman contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the MINI Countryman.
When we compare the Volkswagen Golf GTI's and the MINI Countryman's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Golf GTI has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and resale value. The MINI Countryman has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and reliability. The Volkswagen Golf GTI and MINI Countryman have the same fuel efficiency, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Volkswagen Golf GTI's and the MINI Countryman's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI ranges from $33,860 to $41,026 while a used 2025 MINI Countryman is priced between $32,991 to $44,865. For a new model, the Volkswagen Golf GTI's price is between $33,305 and $42,915, with the MINI Countryman priced between $40,665 and $51,975.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Volkswagen Golf GTI loses 41.4 percent of its value and the MINI Countryman loses 45.9 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Golf GTI retains 4.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the MINI Countryman.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Volkswagen Golf GTI and MINI Countryman is 8.0 out of 10. This results in the Volkswagen Golf GTI being ranked 17 out of 37 Best Small Cars and the MINI Countryman being ranked 2 out of 21 Best Subcompact SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Volkswagen Golf GTI is 7.6 out of 10. For the MINI Countryman the reliability rating is 7.8 out of 10. This gives the MINI Countryman a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the base engine of both the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the MINI Countryman makes 241 horsepower. The Golf GTI is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 422 miles. The Countryman is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 458 miles. This gives the MINI Countryman the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Volkswagen Golf GTI. The Golf GTI uses regular unleaded, and the Countryman uses premium unleaded.
Safety Ratings: The Volkswagen Golf GTI has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
33305 - 42915
Starting MSRP:
32445
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
28470
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
21590 - 47100
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
40665 - 51975
Starting MSRP:
38900
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact SUVs)
25220
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
20200 - 38900
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
37233
Price Range:
33860 - 41026
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
30314
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
22070 - 52316
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
38615
Price Range:
32991 - 44865
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact SUVs)
27617
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
21503 - 38615
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
930
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
2753
# Good or Great Deals:
123
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
13737
Depreciation %:
0.42338168
Resale Value $:
18708
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)
0.3979908
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)
0.31796157 - 0.42854561
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Subcompact SUVs)
0.43597883
Category Depreciation Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
0.38735154 - 0.4830012
Volkswagen Golf GTI Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
MINI Countryman Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Golf GTI
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
12.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
8.8 - 16.2
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.032
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for MINI Countryman
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.5
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact SUVs)
11.8
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
9.1 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.011
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.8108517430028832
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.8 - 28.7
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.801678973122877
Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
1.5 - 13.3
Volkswagen Golf GTI Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
7 out of / 37Ranking
8 out of / 37Ranking
8 out of / 37Ranking
12 out of / 37Ranking
13 out of / 22Ranking
14 out of / 37Ranking
15 out of / 37Ranking
17 out of / 37Ranking
17 out of / 22Ranking
18 out of / 37Ranking
23 out of / 37Ranking
25 out of / 37Ranking
30 out of / 37MINI Countryman Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 21Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 21Ranking
2 out of / 21Ranking
2 out of / 21Ranking
3 out of / 21Ranking
3 out of / 17Ranking
3 out of / 17Ranking
6 out of / 14Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 21Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 21Ranking
11 out of / 21Ranking
12 out of / 21Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 14Ranking
16 out of / 56Ranking
16 out of / 21Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
45 out of / 56Ranking
49 out of / 67Ranking
55 out of / 67Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric, Gasoline
Volkswagen Golf GTI Trim Levels
Autobahn, S, SE
MINI Countryman Trim Levels
Cooper S ALL4, John Cooper Works ALL4
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
241 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
273 foot-lbs @ 1750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.076 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
241 hp @ 4500 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 1500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
24 / 32 / 27
Range (city/hwy):
317 / 422 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
24 / 32 / 27
Range (city/hwy):
343 / 458 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.9 inches
Cargo Space:
19.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
34.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
111.8 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.8 inches
Cargo Space:
25 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
56.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3183 lbs
Width:
81.6 inches
Height:
57.7 inches
Length:
168.9 inches
Wheelbase:
103.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3777 lbs
Width:
81.5 inches
Height:
65.2 inches
Length:
175 inches
Wheelbase:
106 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
P225/40R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/55R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Slate Blue Metallic
Gray
Moonstone Gray
Red
Kings Red Metallic
Silver
Alpine Silver Metallic
White
Opal White Pearl
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black II Metallic
Blue
Blazing Blue Metallic / Indigo Sunset Blue Metallic / Slate Blue
Gray
Not available
Red
Chili Red II
Silver
Melting Silver III Metallic
White
Nanuq White Metallic
Green
British Racing Green IV Metallic / Smokey Green
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black/Scalepaper Plaid
Beige
Not available
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black/Blue / JCW Black
Beige
Beige
Brown
Vintage Brown
Gray
Dark Petrol / Grey/Blue
