Cupra Leon vs Mini Countryman
What's the difference?

Cupra Leon

$46,990 - $69,990

2026 price

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Mini Countryman

$45,900 - $77,800

2025 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Summary

2026 Cupra Leon

2025 Mini Countryman

By Stephen Ottley

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

—

Inline 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

—

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

—

7.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Rare wagon option
Sporty VZx hot hatch
Unique styling

Gorgeous Mini styling
Strong on-road performance
Lots of personalisation available

Dislikes

Lack of physical buttons
Clinical driving experience
Limited model range (for now)

Lacking a few features for a top-grade model
An expensive endeavour for a Mini
Not much separates the two trim levels

2026 Cupra Leon Summary

Cupra is not trying to fit in.

In a car market that is getting more and more crowded the Volkswagen Group-owned Spanish performance brand is looking to stand out. Which is why its refreshed Leon hatchback range has added the most unlikely of new models - a small wagon.

The conventional hatchback is struggling to survive against the onslaught of SUVs, and almost every brand has abandoned the wagon in all its sizes, but not Cupra. It has added the Leon Sportstourer to its facelifted Leon hatchback range, giving buyers looking for something different a new alternative.

This new compact wagon is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain and joins the Leon hatch in a three-pronged line-up initially, with the Leon S mild-hybrid and VZx hot hatch. A red hot VZx version of the Sportstourer and plug-in hybrid hatch are locked in to join the local Cupra range in 2026, but for now we’ll focus on this trio.

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2025 Mini Countryman Summary

The Mini Countryman is the not-so-mini cousin to the iconic and smaller Mini Cooper.

The new generation offers a larger body-size, fun new interiors and a whole suite of updated technology.

We're in the flagship John Cooper Works grade in Favoured trim to find out if this small SUV is still urban-friendly and fun after all of these changes.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Cupra Leon 2025 Mini Countryman

Verdict

There's a lot to like about the updated Leon line-up, but probably not by lots of people. It won't be a best-seller, Cupra doesn't need or even want it to be. What it will do is offer something different, and in the case of the Sportstourer something very rare.

The S and VZx will face stiffer competition in the hatchback markets, primarily from Volkswagen, Audi and even Skoda, and it's hard to pick an area where they really stand out from the competition, apart from the unique styling. Not that they aren't pleasant cars to drive, it's just a crowded market.

Which is why the Sportstourer, especially with its plug-in hybrid powertrain, has a chance to be something that really sets Cupra apart from its rivals. Dynamic, efficient and different, it won’t fit in - and that’s exactly what the brand is hoping for.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Verdict

The new Mini Countryman John Cooper Works in Favoured trim offers everything you’d expect it to - the iconic Mini styling, a powerful driving performance and a well-equipped cabin. It’s a wonderfully quick urban dweller that you can park anywhere but is just as happy on the open-road. For me, this is pure fun and offers more personality than a lot of its rivals.

Cupra Leon vs Mini Countryman What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Cupra Leon vs Mini Countryman
What's the difference?