2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, with its redesigned exterior, maintained a familiar aesthetic that was hard to distinguish from its non-hybrid counterparts. The RX 350h Luxury model, in particular, showcased a sleek Iridium silver finish with 21-inch wheels, yet lacked any overt hybrid branding. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling, embodying a sportier persona. Despite its popularity, the RX's design was not universally praised, with its front-heavy appearance and signature rear roof pillar design contributing to a visually smaller profile. Inside, the RX embraced a minimalist approach, featuring a modern infotainment system and ambient lighting, with the RX 350h Luxury offering luxurious Macadamia leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance opted for a darker, sportier interior.

In contrast, the 2024 MINI Countryman exuded a playful charm, staying true to its classic Mini styling with a wraparound windshield, floating roof, and Union Jack tail lights. The Countryman offered a variety of customization options, from paint to wheel designs, allowing for a personalized touch. Our test vehicle, a Cooper S with Iconic trim, featured dark-tinted privacy glass, adaptive damping suspension, and 19-inch wheels. The interior boasted premium leather, power-adjustable heated front seats, and a head-up display, all contributing to a unique and engaging driving experience. Despite its compact size, the Countryman provided ample legroom and comfort for four adults, though squeezing in a fifth passenger proved challenging. The Mini's distinctive design and retro interior made it a standout choice in a sea of bland small SUVs.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a range of powertrains, with the RX 350h delivering 246 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine. It promised efficiency with an estimated 36 mpg in combined driving, though our test averaged 32 mpg. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, on the other hand, packed a punch with 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque from a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid system. It accelerated to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, but fuel economy dropped to an average of 20.9 mpg during spirited driving. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension and rear-wheel steering enhanced its dynamic capabilities, making it a thrilling drive, albeit at the cost of fuel efficiency.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of powertrains, with the John Cooper Works (JCW) model leading the pack with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 301 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. It sprinted to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, making it the choice for speed enthusiasts. The Cooper S, with 189 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque, provided a balanced performance, reaching 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. While the Cooper S was quick and agile, it wasn't as engaging as the JCW for spirited driving. The Countryman excelled in daily driving scenarios, offering a comfortable and efficient ride with an EPA rating of 28 mpg, though our test averaged 25.4 mpg.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid prioritized comfort and practicality, with the RX 350h Luxury model offering ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and a three-zone automatic climate control system. The RX 500h F Sport Performance featured eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger bolsters and a sportier steering wheel. The hybrid's battery placement under the rear seat provided excellent leg support and legroom, though rear headroom was limited. Cargo space was generous, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing its predecessor.

The 2024 MINI Countryman, with its Iconic trim, offered dual-zone automatic climate control, premium leather upholstery, and power-adjustable heated front seats. The interior was spacious enough for four adults, though fitting a fifth passenger was challenging. Visibility was excellent, and the Mini's compact dimensions made parking a breeze. Interior storage was adequate, though the smartphone charging pad obstructed 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 seats folded, making it less practical for larger loads.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, offering a modern interface with connected services plans. The system required activation of trial subscriptions for full functionality, including cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant. While the system worked well, it had limitations, such as the inability to view multiple menus simultaneously and issues with screen reflections. The available head-up display added convenience, though it posed challenges for users with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 MINI Countryman featured a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, utilizing BMW's iDrive technology. It offered multiple interaction methods, including a touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. The system was intuitive and responsive, though it lacked Android Auto connectivity. The Iconic trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, delivering impressive audio quality.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included features like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist added to the safety package, though some features, like curve-speed reduction, were less refined. The RX also offered an available semi-autonomous parking system.

The 2024 MINI Countryman, while lacking in advanced safety features, provided essential systems like forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims, but the Countryman lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Countryman highly in crashworthiness evaluations.