2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox presented itself as an attractive crossover, even if it didn't boast the futuristic design of a Kia Sportage or the rugged appearance of a Toyota RAV4. Its restrained bodywork was complemented by a chunky front end that made the grille appear smaller, offering a refreshing change from the aggressive front fascias common in the industry. The gold Bowtie emblem, while a bit garish against certain paint colors like Radiant Red Tintcoat, looked appealing on others such as Blue Glow Metallic and Harvest Brown Metallic. The Equinox was available in four trim levels: LS, LT, RS, and Premier, with options for either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Inside, the Equinox Premier trim featured handsome two-tone leather upholstery and standard heated front seats, which were also available on the RS and LT trims. The interior, though practical and easy to use, appeared somewhat dated compared to competitors, with a small touchscreen and basic driver-information display. Despite this, the Equinox offered a straightforward and gratifying driving experience, with a traditional PRNDL shift lever and spacious cupholders. The optional Confidence and Convenience II package added desirable features like lumbar adjustments, ventilated front seats, and an HD surround-view camera, enhancing the overall appeal of the vehicle.

The 2024 MINI Countryman, like all Minis, embraced a playful and distinctive design. It featured classic Mini styling cues, including an erect wraparound windshield, a floating roof, and Union Jack tail lights. The Countryman offered various paint, roof, and mirror cap treatments, along with multiple wheel designs. However, dark tinted rear privacy glass was an optional feature rather than standard. The lineup included Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works models, each with different powertrains. The Cooper S and John Cooper Works versions used a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the Cooper SE was a plug-in hybrid with an 18-mile electric range.

Our test vehicle, a Cooper S with the Iconic trim package, came equipped with premium leather, power-adjustable front seats, a head-up display, and wireless smartphone charging. The interior boasted a retro design with digital instrumentation and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The dual-panel moonroof allowed ample natural light into the cabin, enhancing the overall experience. The Countryman's unique styling and interior design made it stand out in a sea of bland small SUVs, offering a singular experience for those seeking something different.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. While it handled low-speed acceleration adequately, it struggled to deliver the desired performance at higher speeds. The Equinox's six-speed automatic transmission, though older, contributed to the powertrain's noise and lack of sprightliness. The vehicle offered all-wheel drive across all trims, but it required manual engagement via a button on the center console. The Equinox's braking system was upgraded to an electronically assisted brake-by-wire system, providing smooth and predictable braking. The suspension was well-tuned, offering a comfortable ride and precise steering.

In contrast, the 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of powertrains, with the John Cooper Works model standing out for its performance. It featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission. The John Cooper Works model could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. The Cooper S model, with its 189 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, provided a zippy and athletic driving experience. The Countryman excelled in daily driving scenarios, offering a rewarding driving rhythm on twisty roads. However, its fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 25.4 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered a cargo area measuring 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While it didn't match the cargo space of some competitors, it provided ample passenger space, with sufficient headroom and legroom for taller occupants. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components, numerous cup holders, and a decently sized center console bin. The Premier trim included a nearly silent power liftgate, adding to the vehicle's convenience.

The 2024 MINI Countryman accommodated four adults comfortably, with enough luggage space for a week-long road trip. The Iconic trim package added dual-zone automatic climate control, premium leather upholstery, and power-adjustable heated front seats. The interior offered excellent outward visibility and easy parking, though it lacked some advanced parking technologies. The Countryman's cargo space was limited, with 17.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 47.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The 40/20/40-split folding back seat design allowed for flexible cargo arrangements.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox featured a simple yet effective technology offering. The 8-inch touchscreen, though small, was crisp, clear, and easy to use. The infotainment system responded quickly and offered good voice recognition software. The Premier trim included a wireless charging pad, while all trims featured wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The upgraded driver-information display provided useful features, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2024 MINI Countryman, while not a technology powerhouse, offered practical features. The 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed in a round casing, used BMW's iDrive technology. It provided multiple interaction methods, including touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. The system lacked Android Auto but offered Apple CarPlay. The Iconic trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, delivering excellent audio quality.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox came equipped with a suite of standard advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. However, it lacked genuine level two autonomous driving technology. The Equinox received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but scored poorly in some IIHS crash tests.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered limited advanced driving assistance systems. It included Active Driving Assistant, which provided forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. The Countryman lacked features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The IIHS awarded the Countryman a Good rating in crashworthiness evaluations.