Volkswagen Jetta vs MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 98 mpg combined versus 44 mpg for the Volkswagen Jetta, a 54 mpg advantage and costs about $950 less per year to fuel.

Across 5 measured categories, the MINI Countryman leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.

2015–2027

Volkswagen Jetta

Compact Cars · 51 configurations

44mpg combined (best)
All Volkswagen Jetta specs

2015–2027

MINI Countryman

Midsize Cars · 75 configurations

98mpg combined (best)
All MINI Countryman specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricVolkswagen JettaMINI Countryman
Best combined MPG44 mpg98 mpg
Best city MPG42 mpg101 mpg
Best highway MPG48 mpg94 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$1,750$800
Lowest CO2 output200 g/mi175 g/mi
Engines offeredSIDI;, SIDI, 2.0SIDI & PFI, SIDI, SIDI; PHEV, 1.6
TransmissionsAutomatic (S8), Manual 6-spd, Automatic (AM-S7)Automatic (A1), Automatic (AM-S7), Automatic (S8)
DrivetrainsFront-Wheel DriveAll-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesRegular, Premium, DieselElectricity, Premium, Premium and Electricity
EPA classCompact CarsMidsize Cars
Years covered2015–20272015–2027
Configurations on record5175

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

Jetta vs Countryman: common questions

Which is better on gas, the Volkswagen Jetta or the MINI Countryman?

The MINI Countryman is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 98 mpg combined versus 44 mpg for the Volkswagen Jetta, a 54 mpg advantage and costs about $950 less per year to fuel.

Which costs less to run per year?

By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the MINI Countryman runs about $800 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $1,750 for the Volkswagen Jetta — a difference of roughly $950 per year.

What engines do the Jetta and Countryman offer?

Volkswagen Jetta: SIDI;, SIDI, 2.0. MINI Countryman: SIDI & PFI, SIDI, SIDI; PHEV, 1.6.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

The EPA classifies the Volkswagen Jetta as Compact Cars and the MINI Countryman as Midsize Cars, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.

More Jetta comparisons

Comparison id: volkswagen-jetta-vs-mini-countryman