2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, embodying a stately presence at over 16 feet long. Standard 19-inch wheels were available, but the Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its elegant appearance. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy shape, which did not detract from its elegance. The matte Brunswick Green paint added to its refined look. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, while the center console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The two-spoke steering wheel was distinct from other luxury brands. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was a minor inconvenience in an otherwise spacious and luxurious interior.

The 2024 MINI Countryman embraced its playful nature with classic Mini styling cues, including an erect wraparound windshield, a floating roof, and Union Jack tail lights. It offered various paint, roof, and mirror cap treatments, along with multiple wheel designs. The lineup included Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works models, each with distinct drivetrains. The Cooper S and John Cooper Works models featured turbocharged four-cylinder engines, while the Cooper SE was a plug-in hybrid. Our test car, a Cooper S with Iconic trim, included dark-tinted privacy glass, adaptive damping suspension, and 19-inch wheels. The MSRP was $41,945, including destination charges. Iconic trim added premium leather, power-adjustable front seats, a head-up display, wireless smartphone charging, and a semi-autonomous parking system. The interior design retained classic Mini character, with digital instrumentation and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. A dual-panel moonroof allowed natural light into the cabin, enhancing the unique experience of the Countryman.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered all-wheel drive with a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, or a turbo 3.5-liter V6 delivering 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its power, the GV80 was not particularly athletic or nimble, taking about five and a half seconds to reach 60 mph, slower than some competitors. However, it excelled in highway driving, with smooth power delivery and shifts, and an electronically controlled suspension that adjusted to road conditions. Active noise cancellation contributed to a quiet and comfortable freeway commute.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered various performance options, with the John Cooper Works model standing out for its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission. It accelerated to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The Cooper S model, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque. It featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for front-wheel drive or an eight-speed sport automatic for all-wheel drive. The Cooper S reached 60 mph in 7.2 seconds (7.1 seconds with all-wheel drive). The Countryman excelled in daily driving, offering a zippy and athletic feel, though it was not ideal for off-road adventures. The test vehicle achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 28 mpg in combined driving, but averaged 25.4 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with luxurious features. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front and rear seats available. The Ergo Motion driver’s seat offered fatigue-reducing features. Nappa leather seats added to the sumptuous interior. A third row was optional, though legroom was limited. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key. Tri-zone climate control and an optional 21-speaker stereo system enhanced comfort. The GV80 offered ample cargo space, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 84 cubic feet with seats folded. Towing capacity was 6,000 pounds with trailer brakes.

The 2024 MINI Countryman accommodated four adults comfortably, with enough luggage space for a week-long road trip. The Iconic trim included dual-zone automatic climate control, premium leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Mini’s compact dimensions and excellent visibility made parking easy, though it lacked some advanced parking technologies. 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 seats folded. The 40/20/40-split folding back seat allowed for longer items without sacrificing passenger space.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control was cumbersome, though it offered a “clicky” feel and handwriting detection. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, but not wirelessly. The GV80 included wireless charging, four USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, and a 110-volt outlet. Remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to maneuver in and out of parking spaces without the driver inside.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a small digital instrumentation display and a head-up display. The 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system used BMW’s iDrive technology, with five interaction methods: touchscreen, volume and tuning controls, steering wheel controls, a control knob, and voice recognition. The system lacked Android Auto, offering only Apple CarPlay. The Iconic trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, providing excellent audio quality.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with numerous standard advanced driver’s aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. A video feed of the blind spot was displayed in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist used cameras, radar, and navigation to provide hands-on/eyes-up driving aid. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS.

The 2024 MINI Countryman had limited advanced driving assistance systems. Active Driving Assistant included 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 Countryman lacked blind-spot monitoring and other advanced features. The IIHS rated the Countryman as Good in crashworthiness evaluations.