Mini Countryman vs KGM Torres
What's the difference?

Mini Countryman

$45,900 - $80,880

2025 price

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KGM Torres

$42,567 - $45,480

2026 price

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Polestar 2 Long Range

Polestar 2 Standard Range

Summary

2025 Mini Countryman

2026 KGM Torres

By Emily Agar

By Tim Nicholson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

7.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Interior space and storage
Smooth hybrid powertrain
Decent value for money

Dislikes

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

Needs better tyres
Active safety needs more work
No spare wheel

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.

View full pricing & specs

2026 KGM Torres Summary

Sales figures show Australian buyers are moving away from pure internal combustion engine power for their family cars. Instead they’re looking for hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric models.

While a number of brands - mostly newer manufacturers from China - are going down the plug-in hybrid route, others are focusing on regular or 'plugless' hybrids. Think models like the GWM Haval H6, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, MG HS and Toyota RAV4.

KGM (formerly SsangYong) is also headed down this path and the first hybrid model from the Korean carmaker is the Torres.

The Torres is a mid-sized five-seat SUV with unusual, rugged looks, but it hasn’t had an impact on the sales charts as yet. This hybrid version could change that. It’s affordable, spacious and offers a serious point of difference from its compatriots, as well as rivals from China and Japan.

But is it as good as those popular rivals?

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Mini Countryman 2026 KGM Torres

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.

Verdict

The KGM Torres Hybrid represents yet another choice for buyers in the family SUV segment, as if there aren’t already enough! But the Torres offers a level of value its mainstream competitors can’t match. The hybrid powertrain is a winner, however KGM needs to iron out a few issues, like tyre choice and the advanced driver assist tech. But there is a lot to like about the Torres Hybrid. And it’s definitely the pick over the pure petrol version.

Mini Countryman vs KGM Torres What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mini Countryman vs KGM Torres
What's the difference?