Volkswagen Tayron vs Mini Countryman
What's the difference?

Volkswagen Tayron

$48,950 - $76,550

2026 price

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Mini Countryman

$45,900 - $81,800

2025 price

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Summary

2026 Volkswagen Tayron

2025 Mini Countryman

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Inline 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

8.6L/100km (combined)

7.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Thoughtful family features
Comfortable daily driver
Great boot space

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

Dislikes

Lacks the finesse and power of Touareg
Third row is still a 'sometimes seat'
Expensive ownership

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

2026 Volkswagen Tayron Summary

Volkswagen has a new large SUV in the Tayron (pronounced TIE-ron), and it arrives with a fair bit riding on it. Replacing the Tiguan Allspace and taking on some of the duties left by the departing Touareg, it’s now the brand’s key seven-seat family offering.

We’re testing the flagship 195TSI R-Line with established petrol rivals like the Kia Sorento GT-Line, Skoda Kodiaq RS and Toyota Kluger Grande in mind. After a few weeks of school-holiday mayhem, complete with feral kids, does it sink or swim?

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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 Volkswagen Tayron 2025 Mini Countryman

Verdict

So, does the new Volkswagen Tayron 195TSI R-Line sink or swim? It's definitely swimming as it delivers a solid blend of features and comforts for families seeking a 'sometime' seven-seater. It's not yet on the podium as it doesn’t hit every mark. Purchase price and servicing costs may put some buyers off but it packs in a number of thoughtful, family-oriented features. Whether it will go on to become Volkswagen’s standout seven-seat offering remains to be seen, but it’s a capable, well-rounded option in the segment.

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.

Volkswagen Tayron vs Mini Countryman What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volkswagen Tayron vs Mini Countryman
What's the difference?