2023 Audi Q5 vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2023 Audi Q5 presented a blend of elegance and sportiness with its exterior design, featuring subtle curves and angular accents. It was available in two body styles: the standard Q5 SUV and the Q5 Sportback, which had a sloping rear roofline for a sleeker look. Despite the typical dislike for coupelike styling, the Q5 Sportback was an exception, thanks to a spoiler-like element above the taillights that provided a more defined transition from hatch to tail section. Inside, the Q5 was refined with a simple layout, though its age was noticeable since its last redesign was five years prior. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The 10-inch touchscreen was a nod to traditional design amidst a trend of larger screens, and while materials were of good quality, the Q5 no longer felt as special compared to newer non-luxury competitors. The build quality was robust, with no squeaks or creaks, making it a solid choice among luxury SUVs.

The 2024 MINI Countryman embraced its playful nature with classic Mini styling cues, such as an erect wraparound windshield, a floating roof, and Union Jack tail lights. It offered numerous customization options for paint, roof, and mirror caps, along with various wheel designs. The lineup included Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works models, each with distinct powertrains. The Cooper S and John Cooper Works models were more powerful, with the latter boasting a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 301 horsepower. The Countryman was available in Classic, Signature, and Iconic trims, with special editions offering unique combinations. Our test car, a Cooper S with Iconic trim, featured dark-tinted privacy glass, adaptive damping suspension, and 19-inch wheels. The Iconic trim added premium leather, power-adjustable front seats, a head-up display, and more customization options. The interior design was unmistakably Mini, with digital instrumentation and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The dual-panel moonroof allowed natural light into the cabin, enhancing the unique experience of the Countryman.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, and was the sole engine for the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI was a plug-in hybrid powertrain delivering 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated 23 miles of electric-only range. All Q5s featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a delay in power delivery due to the slow-reacting transmission, making initial acceleration feel sluggish. However, once underway, power was adequate. Handling was sporty, with precise steering that inspired confidence on curvy roads. The Q5 balanced compliance and cornering well, with minimal road noise for a calm cabin.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered various powertrains, with the John Cooper Works model standing out for its performance. It featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Mini claimed a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds for the JCW. The Cooper S model, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, was quick enough for most drivers, reaching 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. The Countryman excelled in daily driving, with a zippy and athletic feel. However, it wasn't as engaging for spirited driving, despite summer performance tires and adaptive damping suspension. The test vehicle averaged 25.4 mpg in combined driving, slightly below its EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design remained largely unchanged since 2018, but it aged well. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned atop the dash for easy visibility, with traditional dials and buttons for climate controls. Outward visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar. The Q5 offered ample space for taller passengers, with rear seats accommodating six-footers comfortably. Storage options were available, though some were oddly sized. The wireless phone charger was on a sliding tray covering the cupholders, and the door pockets were spacious. Cargo space was 25.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, slightly reduced to 24.7 cubic feet in the Sportback.

The 2024 MINI Countryman accommodated four adults comfortably, with enough luggage space for a week-long road trip. The Iconic trim added dual-zone automatic climate control, premium leather upholstery, and power-adjustable heated front seats. The steering wheel was a delight to grip, and visibility was excellent. Interior storage was reasonable, though the smartphone charging pad blocked access to the tray beneath it. Cargo space was 17.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 47.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The 40/20/40-split folding back seat design allowed for longer items without sacrificing passenger space.

The 2023 Audi Q5 featured a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with sharp graphics and quick responses, though it took time to boot up and activate Apple CarPlay. Both CarPlay and Android Auto were available wirelessly. A Bang & Olufsen audio system was standard on higher trims. The Q5 could be monitored remotely via a smartphone app, with features like unlocking and temperature pre-conditioning. Mid-range trims had a customizable digital instrument panel.

The 2024 MINI Countryman wasn't a technology powerhouse, but it offered useful features. The test vehicle had a head-up display projecting information on a small screen, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with iDrive technology. There were five ways to interact with the system, including touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. The system lacked Android Auto, offering only Apple CarPlay. The Iconic trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, and four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ with "Good" ratings in all crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors. Higher trims added lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera, and traffic jam assist.

The 2024 MINI Countryman had limited advanced driving assistance systems. It featured Active Driving Assistant with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Rear parking sensors and an emergency SOS call button were standard, with adaptive cruise control available on higher trims. The IIHS rated the Countryman "Good" in crashworthiness evaluations.