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.
In comparing 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, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The MINI Countryman has the advantage in the area of interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Volkswagen Golf GTI's and the MINI Countryman's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is a better car than the MINI Countryman.
Pricing: A used 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI ranges from $29,999 to $40,715 while a used 2024 MINI Countryman is priced between $33,461 to $44,680. For a new model, the Volkswagen Golf GTI's price is between $32,769 and $42,838, with the MINI Countryman priced between $36,491 and $51,366.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Volkswagen Golf GTI loses 35 percent of its value and the MINI Countryman loses 37.6 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Golf GTI retains 2.7 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 is 8.5 out of 10 while the MINI Countryman's quality rating is 7.6 out of 10. This results in the Volkswagen Golf GTI being ranked 17 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the MINI Countryman being ranked 9 out of 20 Best Subcompact SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Volkswagen Golf GTI is 7.3 out of 10. For the MINI Countryman the reliability rating is 7.1 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Golf GTI a slight advantage in reliability compared to the MINI Countryman.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Volkswagen Golf GTI’s base engine makes 241 horsepower, and the MINI Countryman base engine makes 134 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The MINI Countryman, a crossover/subcompact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Volkswagen Golf GTI, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, front leg room and cargo space.
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:
$32,769 - $42,838
Starting MSRP:
$31,965
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
$26,555
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
$17,795 - $45,665
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$36,491 - $51,366
Starting MSRP:
$32,650
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$24,740
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$19,900 - $32,650
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$34,636
Price Range:
$29,999 - $40,715
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
$28,855
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
$19,171 - $47,673
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,755
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
358
# Good or Great Deals:
5
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$38,837
Price Range:
$33,461 - $44,680
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$29,059
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$23,526 - $38,837
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
189
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
8,004
# Good or Great Deals:
46
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$11,477
Depreciation %:
35.9%
Resale Value $:
$20,488
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)
31.6%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)
24.4% - 40.1%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Subcompact SUVs)
36.7%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
28% - 42.9%
Volkswagen Golf GTI Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
7.3 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
MINI Countryman Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.6 / 10
Reliability:
7.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Golf GTI
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
11.2
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
10.1 - 13.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
1.5%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for MINI Countryman
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.6
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact SUVs)
11.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
10.3 - 14
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
3.1%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2 - 18.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
1.6 - 17.6
Volkswagen Golf GTI Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
7 out of / 43Ranking
8 out of / 43Ranking
11 out of / 21Ranking
12 out of / 43Ranking
14 out of / 43Ranking
17 out of / 43Ranking
17 out of / 43Ranking
18 out of / 24Ranking
20 out of / 43Ranking
26 out of / 43Ranking
32 out of / 43Ranking
32 out of / 43MINI Countryman Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 20Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 20Ranking
4 out of / 20Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 20Ranking
9 out of / 20Ranking
10 out of / 20Ranking
11 out of / 20Ranking
12 out of / 18Ranking
14 out of / 20Ranking
16 out of / 20Ranking
16 out of / 16Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 67Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
40 out of / 67Ranking
41 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 59Ranking
60 out of / 67Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Volkswagen Golf GTI Trim Levels
380 Autobahn, 380 S, 380 SE, Autobahn, S, SE
MINI Countryman Trim Levels
Cooper, Cooper ALL4, Cooper S, 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
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 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:
134 hp @ 4500 rpm
Torque:
162 foot-lbs @ 1480 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.039 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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
3
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 32 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
419 / 515 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
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
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:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
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:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
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:
40.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Cargo Space:
17.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
47.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
114.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3188 lbs
Width:
81.6 inches
Height:
57.6 inches
Length:
168.8 inches
Wheelbase:
103.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3444 lbs
Width:
78.8 inches
Height:
61.3 inches
Length:
169.7 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
P225/40R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/55R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl / Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Atlantic Blue Metallic
Gray
Moonstone Gray
Red
Kings Red Metallic
Silver
Reflex Silver Metallic
White
Opal White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black II Metallic
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Chili Red
Silver
Melting Silver III Metallic
White
Nanuq White Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black/Scalepaper Plaid
Interior Colors
Black
Carbon Black
