2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2023 Buick Encore GX did not reflect Buick's storied design history. Its rounded exterior surfaces and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that failed to convey the high-riding SUV look popular in the market. Even with the optional Sport Touring Package, which included different front and rear bumpers, a black mesh grille with red inserts, rocker and body-side moldings, and 18-inch wheels, the changes were subtle and barely noticeable without a direct comparison to a standard Encore.

Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and power-adjustable front seats. However, the interior was dominated by plastic, reminding us of its position at the bottom of Buick's model hierarchy. The fit and finish were commendable, but the design was uninspired, with a blob-like dashboard and door panels reminiscent of 1990s automotive design. The instrument cluster, with its two round binnacles and small digital display, was the only standout feature.

The 2024 MINI Countryman, true to its brand, embraced classic Mini styling cues with an erect wraparound windshield, a floating roof, and Union Jack tail lights. The Countryman offered numerous paint, roof, and mirror cap treatments, along with multiple wheel designs. However, dark tinted rear privacy glass was an option rather than standard equipment.

The 2024 Countryman lineup included Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works models, each with different drivetrains. The Cooper had a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, while the Cooper S and John Cooper Works used a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in varying states of tune. The Cooper SE was a plug-in hybrid with an 18-mile electric range. Our test car, a Cooper S with Iconic trim, featured dark-tinted privacy glass, an adaptive damping suspension, and 19-inch wheels. The MSRP was $41,945, including the destination charge.

The Iconic trim equipped the Countryman with premium leather, power-adjustable front seats, a head-up display, wireless smartphone charging, a semi-autonomous parking system, and a power tailgate. The interior design retained classic Mini character, with digital instrumentation, an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a dual-panel moonroof that brightened the cabin. The Countryman's unique styling and retro interior design made it a standout in a segment filled with blandly interchangeable small SUVs.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the optional 1.3-liter engine delivered 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available for the 1.3-liter engine. The FWD models used a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Our 1.3-liter AWD test car felt stronger than its specs suggested, with a pleasant engine note. However, power delivery was not smooth, and the nine-speed automatic transmission often lagged. The Encore GX excelled in ride comfort and noise reduction, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. Despite these strengths, the Encore GX felt ponderous and awkward, with slow and lifeless steering and significant body roll.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of powertrains. The John Cooper Works model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and AWD. Mini claimed a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds for the JCW.

The Cooper S, our test model, also used a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque. FWD models had a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT), while AWD models used an eight-speed sport automatic. The Cooper S accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds (7.1 seconds with AWD). The Countryman excelled in daily driving, with zippy and athletic performance, but was less engaging on twisty roads compared to the JCW.

Our test vehicle averaged 25.4 mpg in combined driving, below the EPA rating of 28 mpg. The available Green mode might have improved fuel efficiency.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, and Subaru Crosstrek. However, the Subaru provided more front legroom, and the Kia Seltos offered more rear legroom. The Encore GX had 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 50.2 cubic feet with them folded, topping the Kona and CX-30 but falling short of the Seltos.

The front seats were placed far inboard, squeezing the driver and front passenger together and reducing the feeling of spaciousness. The seats lacked thigh support, making them less comfortable. However, the Encore GX made good use of available space for small-item storage, with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless phone charger. The instrumentation was well-executed, with clear information displays and an array of hard buttons for ease of use.

The 2024 MINI Countryman accommodated four adults and their luggage for a week-long road trip. Our test vehicle, with Iconic trim, featured dual-zone automatic climate control, premium leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The seats were small but supportive, and the steering wheel was a delight to grip. While the Countryman had seatbelts for five, four passengers were more comfortable.

Outward visibility was excellent, and the Countryman's compact dimensions made it easy to park. However, it lacked a surround-view camera and rear cross-traffic alert, offering only parking sensors, a reversing camera, and an optional automated parking assistance system. Interior storage was reasonable, but the smartphone charging pad blocked access to the tray beneath it.

Cargo space was limited, with 17.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 47.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The 40/20/40-split folding back seat allowed for longer items without sacrificing rear passenger space. The Cooper SE PHEV model had slightly smaller cargo measurements.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. Optional features included a built-in navigation system, head-up display, wireless phone charging, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The interface was user-friendly, with clear graphics and an easy-to-navigate menu layout.

The 2024 MINI Countryman was not a technology powerhouse but offered useful features. Our test vehicle had a head-up display projecting information on a small screen, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system within a round housing. The system used BMW's iDrive technology, with five interaction methods: touchscreen, volume and tuning controls, steering wheel controls, a control knob and buttons on the center console, and voice recognition.

The infotainment system was easy to navigate and use, with accurate voice recognition. However, it lacked Android Auto, offering only Apple CarPlay. The Iconic trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, which provided excellent audio quality.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver assist features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, automatic park assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, a 360-degree camera system, and a rearview camera mirror.

The Encore GX was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick and received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top ratings in frontal and side crash tests and a four-star rating in the rollover category.

The 2024 MINI Countryman had fewer advanced driving assistance systems. Standard features included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, rear parking sensors, and an emergency SOS call button. Adaptive cruise control was optional with the Signature or Iconic trim.

The Countryman lacked blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and a surround-view camera system. The lane-departure warning system provided a subtle vibration through the steering wheel. The IIHS rated the Countryman "Good" in crashworthiness evaluations.