2024 MINI Countryman vs 2023 Lexus GX

2023 Lexus GX
2023 Lexus GX
$58,125MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2024 MINI Countryman
2024 MINI Countryman
$32,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Lexus GX
$58,125MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 MINI Countryman
$32,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2023 Lexus GX is 6.0 out of 10, while the 2024 MINI Countryman scores 6.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2024 MINI Countryman is the better choice, offering a more modern and enjoyable driving experience with a higher overall rating.

Overview

MSRP

$58,125

MSRP

$32,650

Average price

$60,295

Average price

$33,134

Listings

399

Listings

314
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

6.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.5 out of 10
Pros
  • Commanding driving position
  • Off-road capability
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Cramped third row
  • Outdated technology
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Fun to drive
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Not much cargo space
  • Lacks expected safety features

2023 Lexus GX Reviews Summary

Thanks to the rise of car-based crossovers, today’s body-on-frame SUVs appeal to buyers with specific use-cases in mind: towing and driving off-road. Luxury SUVs like the 2023 Lexus GX appeal to an even narrower cross-section of buyers: those who want to tow or drive off-road, and do either in style and comfort. With a V8 engine as its trump card, the GX remains compelling amid its small pool of competition, but due to a combination of age and a lack of innovation, Lexus’s only real off-road SUV has fallen out of favor for anyone not enamored by a V8 growl.

2024 MINI Countryman Reviews Summary

The new Countryman arrives next year and we know at least one version of the 2025 Countryman will be electric, if not all of them. In the meantime, the 2024 Mini Countryman enters its eighth year in second-generation spec. The base Cooper model comes only in Classic trim this year, the Signature trim package adds a standard navigation system, and the Cooper SE plug-in hybrid is more appealing thanks to a lower-priced base version and more standard features in the top-of-the-line Iconic trim package.
No video found
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Popular Features & Specs

Engine

4.6L 301 hp V8

Engine

1.5L 134 hp I3

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

301 hp @ 5500 rpm

Horsepower

134 hp @ 4500 rpm

MPG City

15

MPG City

26

MPG Highway

19

MPG Highway

32
2023 Lexus GX
2023 Lexus GX
$58,125MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 MINI Countryman
2024 MINI Countryman
$32,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Lexus GX
$58,125MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 MINI Countryman
$32,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2023 Lexus GX is 6.0 out of 10, while the 2024 MINI Countryman scores 6.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2024 MINI Countryman is the better choice, offering a more modern and enjoyable driving experience with a higher overall rating.

Overview
MSRP
$58,125
$32,650
Average price
$60,295
$33,134
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.8
5.0
Expert reviews

6.0 out of 10

Read full review

6.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Commanding driving position
  • Off-road capability
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Cramped third row
  • Outdated technology
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Fun to drive
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Not much cargo space
  • Lacks expected safety features
Summary
Thanks to the rise of car-based crossovers, today’s body-on-frame SUVs appeal to buyers with specific use-cases in mind: towing and driving off-road. Luxury SUVs like the 2023 Lexus GX appeal to an even narrower cross-section of buyers: those who want to tow or drive off-road, and do either in style and comfort. With a V8 engine as its trump card, the GX remains compelling amid its small pool of competition, but due to a combination of age and a lack of innovation, Lexus’s only real off-road SUV has fallen out of favor for anyone not enamored by a V8 growl.
The new Countryman arrives next year and we know at least one version of the 2025 Countryman will be electric, if not all of them. In the meantime, the 2024 Mini Countryman enters its eighth year in second-generation spec. The base Cooper model comes only in Classic trim this year, the Signature trim package adds a standard navigation system, and the Cooper SE plug-in hybrid is more appealing thanks to a lower-priced base version and more standard features in the top-of-the-line Iconic trim package.
Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
4.6L 301 hp V8
1.5L 134 hp I3
Drive Train
AWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
7
5
Horsepower
301 hp @ 5500 rpm
134 hp @ 4500 rpm
MPG City
15
26
MPG Highway
19
32
Look and feel
2023 Lexus GX
7/10
2024 MINI Countryman
9/10

The 2023 Lexus GX, with its massive spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and a height of 74.2 inches, certainly commanded attention. The front end appeared ready to devour the road, framed by large headlights that accentuated its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, returned with three paint options: Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl, and the exclusive Nori Green Pearl.

Despite its imposing front, the GX's side profile seemed more compact, with a short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs. This design suggested it was built for tackling obstacles. The flared fenders added to its chunky look, but overall, the GX leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to Toyota's blocky designs. From the driver's seat, the hood dropped away quickly, aiding in technical driving. Inside, the GX had a mix of luxury touches and disappointing plastic materials, with features like heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery.

The 2024 MINI Countryman, true to its brand, embraced a playful and classic Mini design. It featured an erect wraparound windshield, a floating roof, and Union Jack tail lights, proudly showcasing its British heritage. 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 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 tunes. 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, adaptive damping suspension, and 19-inch wheels. The Iconic trim added premium leather, power-adjustable front seats, a head-up display, wireless smartphone charging, and a semi-autonomous parking system. The dual-panel moonroof allowed ample natural light into the cabin, making the Countryman a unique and unmistakable small SUV.

Performance
2023 Lexus GX
6/10
2024 MINI Countryman
7/10

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, which delivered a linear rise in power and noise as the accelerator was pressed. The 4.6-liter V8 produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 provided a satisfying driving experience. However, its fuel economy was a drawback, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's 6,500-pound towing capacity was respectable but not class-leading.

The GX's weight affected its handling, but it remained predictable and controllable through corners. The steering was vague off-center, but the brakes were strong and reliable. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential distributed power in a 40:60 front:rear split, adjusting based on wheel slip, making the GX user-friendly in various conditions. Despite its age, the GX's driving dynamics had been improved over the years.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of performance options. 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 all-wheel drive. Mini claimed a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds for the JCW.

The Cooper S, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 189 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. It came with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic for front-wheel drive or an eight-speed sport automatic for all-wheel drive. The Cooper S accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds (7.1 seconds with AWD). The Countryman excelled in daily driving, with a zippy and athletic feel. However, it wasn't suited for off-road adventures, and while it handled twisty roads well, it wasn't as engaging as the JCW.

The Cooper S had an EPA fuel economy rating of 28 mpg combined, but our test vehicle averaged 25.4 mpg in real-world conditions. The available Green mode might have improved fuel efficiency.

Form and function
2023 Lexus GX
6/10
2024 MINI Countryman
6/10

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep center console bin, a phone space ahead of the shifter, and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, featuring only USB-A ports. The GX's physical controls, with hard buttons, were a blessing for those who preferred them over touchscreens. The center console lid had sliding mechanisms for adjustable armrests, and the second row was comfortable with captain's chairs or a three-across bench seat. However, the third row was too tight for regular use, and the side-hinged trunk door was cumbersome. Cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both rows folded.

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, power-adjustable heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The seats were supportive, and the steering wheel was a delight to grip. While the Countryman had seatbelts for five, four passengers would be more comfortable. Outward visibility was excellent, and the Mini's compact dimensions made parking easy. However, it lacked a surround-view camera and rear cross-traffic alert. 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 back seat and 47.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Technology
2023 Lexus GX
6/10
2024 MINI Countryman
8/10

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo. However, the touchscreen lagged, and the graphics were not as crisp as competitors. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, and stability control. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) and Off-Road Package added further off-road features.

The 2024 MINI Countryman wasn't a technology powerhouse but offered useful features. The digital instrumentation display and head-up display were helpful, and the 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system used BMW's iDrive technology. The system could be controlled via touchscreen, volume and tuning controls, steering wheel controls, a control knob on the center console, and voice recognition. The voice-recognition system was accurate, but the infotainment system lacked Android Auto, offering only Apple CarPlay. The Iconic trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, which sounded great.

Safety
2023 Lexus GX
6/10
2024 MINI Countryman
4/10

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were commendable.

The 2024 MINI Countryman lacked some advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) but included Active Driving Assistant with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also had rear parking sensors and an emergency SOS call button. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims. The Countryman earned the highest rating of Good in IIHS crashworthiness evaluations.

Cost Effectiveness
2023 Lexus GX
5/10
2024 MINI Countryman
5/10
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