2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a standout in the SUV market, outselling its sibling, the Land Rover Discovery, by a significant margin. Its boxy design, reminiscent of the old LR4, appealed to customers who favored its classic Land Rover aesthetics over the Discovery's more Ford-like appearance. The Defender's design was characterized by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood, and doors, all set parallel to the ground, with a sharply chopped tail that defined its classic truck look. Tasteful nods to the original 1980s Defender, such as the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and the body-color square separating the side glass, added to its charm. The Defender was available in three body styles: the short two-door 90, the medium-length four-door 110, and the extended-length four-door 130, offering unparalleled choice in the SUV segment.

Inside, the Defender prioritized function and durability over luxury, with most surfaces coated in moisture-wicking rubbers and plastics. Despite its high price, the interior was basic, with exposed screws and plain air vents, maintaining the Defender's hardcore character. While the build quality was excellent, the interior lacked the opulence of a Range Rover. The Defender's price, especially for the V8 Carpathian Edition, was considered excessive by some, yet it remained the second most popular model in Land Rover's lineup, indicating its strong appeal to a dedicated customer base.

The 2024 MINI Countryman, like all Minis, embraced a playful and distinctive design, proudly showcasing its British heritage with Union Jack tail lights and classic Mini styling cues. Its erect wraparound windshield and floating roof added to its unique appearance. The Countryman offered a variety of paint, roof, and mirror cap treatments, along with multiple wheel designs, allowing for extensive customization. However, dark tinted rear privacy glass was an optional feature rather than standard equipment. The Countryman lineup included Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works models, each with different drivetrains. The Cooper S, with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, was a popular choice, offering a balance of performance and efficiency. The interior of the Countryman, especially in the Iconic trim, featured premium leather, power-adjustable front seats, and a head-up display, providing a comfortable and stylish driving experience. Despite its compact size, the Countryman offered a unique and unmistakable presence in the small SUV segment.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled in off-road conditions, showcasing its impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its air suspension allowed it to tackle challenging trails with ease, although most owners rarely used its full off-road capabilities. On-road, the Defender's performance was less refined, with noticeable friction in the drivetrain, body roll, and wind noise. The V8 engine, with 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque, provided exhilarating acceleration, while the turbocharged inline-six offered a balance of power and efficiency. The Defender's fuel economy varied, with the V8 returning 14/19/16 mpg, while the six-cylinder achieved 18/23/20 mpg.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of powertrains, with the John Cooper Works model delivering 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The Cooper S, with 189 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, provided a spirited driving experience, reaching 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds. The Countryman excelled in daily driving scenarios, offering a zippy and athletic feel. However, its fuel economy was slightly below expectations, with our test vehicle averaging 25.4 mpg compared to the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered exceptional versatility with its seating configurations, accommodating up to eight passengers in the 130 model. The Defender's large glass areas and optional panoramic moonroof provided excellent visibility. Cargo space varied across models, with the 130 offering 77 cubic feet with seats folded. The Defender's off-road capabilities were complemented by features like a metal roof rack, console refrigerator, and power-deployable side steps.

The 2024 MINI Countryman provided comfortable seating for four adults, with premium leather upholstery and power-adjustable heated front seats in the Iconic trim. While it technically seated five, the rear seat was best suited for four passengers. The Countryman's compact dimensions made it easy to park, though it lacked some advanced parking technologies. Cargo space was limited, with 17.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 47.6 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software, with options for a 10-inch or 11.4-inch screen. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, and navigation. Higher trims offered additional features like a Meridian stereo, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display.

The 2024 MINI Countryman, while not a technology powerhouse, offered a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen. The system, based on BMW's iDrive, provided multiple interaction methods, including a touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. However, it lacked Android Auto connectivity. The Iconic trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash testing, though it lacked some airbags found in competitors. Standard safety features included lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a 360-degree camera system and a head-up display.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered limited advanced driving assistance systems, with standard features like forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims. The Countryman received the highest rating of Good in IIHS crashworthiness evaluations.