2024 MINI Countryman vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented itself as a luxury SUV with a range of trims, including the standard and Type S versions. The Type S, in particular, was noted for its subtle yet sporty design, featuring chicane-design LED lights, 21-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. Inside, it offered a blend of luxury and sportiness with perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard and the electronic transmission switchgear, were less user-friendly, detracting slightly from its overall appeal.

In contrast, the 2024 MINI Countryman embraced its playful and distinctive Mini heritage with classic styling cues, such as the floating roof and Union Jack tail lights. The Countryman offered a variety of customization options, including paint and wheel designs, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicle. The interior, especially in the Iconic trim, featured premium leather, power-adjustable seats, and a dual-panel moonroof, creating a unique and enjoyable driving environment. Despite its compact size, the Countryman managed to deliver a singular experience with its retro design and character.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, combined with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), aimed to deliver a thrilling driving experience. However, the performance enhancements didn't fully harmonize, leading to issues like an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. The MDX Type S struggled to meet its performance-oriented expectations, with fuel economy averaging 16.9 mpg, falling short of its EPA rating.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of powertrains, with the John Cooper Works (JCW) model being the most powerful, boasting a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 301 horsepower. The Cooper S, with 189 horsepower, provided a zippy and athletic feel for daily driving. While the Countryman excelled in urban and suburban settings, it wasn't as engaging on twisty roads, despite its adaptive damping suspension. Fuel economy for the Cooper S was rated at 28 mpg, but real-world testing yielded 25.4 mpg, highlighting its spirited nature.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seats, accommodating up to seven passengers. The Type S Advance trim featured luxurious amenities like 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats didn't provide the expected support for spirited driving. The MDX's cargo space was generous, with 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 71.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Despite its practicality, the interior design prioritized style over storage space, limiting some usability.

The 2024 MINI Countryman provided seating for four adults comfortably, with supportive front seats and ample legroom in the rear. While it technically seated five, the rear seat was best suited for four passengers. The Countryman's cargo space was modest, offering 17.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 47.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. Interior storage was reasonable, but the smartphone charging pad obstructed access to the storage tray beneath it. The Countryman's compact dimensions made it easy to maneuver and park, enhancing its practicality in urban environments.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, but the lack of a touchscreen interface was a drawback. Instead, Acura employed a True Touchpad Interface (TTI), which required a learning curve and occupied valuable console space. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, but the native voice recognition system was less intuitive. The ELS Studio 3D audio system delivered impressive sound quality, and the head-up display provided essential driving information.

The 2024 MINI Countryman, while not a technology powerhouse, offered practical features. Its 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed in a retro-style round display, used BMW's iDrive technology. The system allowed interaction through multiple methods, including touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. However, it lacked Android Auto connectivity, offering only Apple CarPlay. The Iconic trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2023 Acura MDX came equipped with Acura Watch, a suite of advanced safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The MDX received high safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it had some issues with false lane-departure warnings and adaptive cruise control responsiveness.

The 2024 MINI Countryman featured Active Driving Assistant, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. However, it lacked some advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. The Countryman received high crashworthiness ratings from the IIHS, but its safety technology offerings were limited compared to more modern vehicles.