2023 Lexus RX vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2023 Lexus RX presented a modernized exterior with a shorter height, broader width, and longer wheelbase, maintaining the same overall length as its predecessor. Despite offering more cargo space than the 2022 model, it appeared smaller due to design changes like reduced rear overhang and softer lines. The front featured a spindle-style grille integrated into the design, with a mesh texture flowing into an elevated hood. The rear showcased a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper. The RX's styling was familiar yet fresh, distinguishing it from the previous generation and the smaller Lexus NX. Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. Quality materials like NuLuxe artificial leather and real wood were available, enhancing the luxurious feel.

The 2024 MINI Countryman retained classic Mini styling with a wraparound windshield, floating roof, and Union Jack tail lights. It offered various paint and wheel options, though dark tinted rear privacy glass was optional. The lineup included Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works models, each with distinct powertrains. Our test car, a Cooper S with Iconic trim, featured premium leather, power-adjustable front seats, and a head-up display. The interior was characterized by its retro design and comfortable seating for four adults. Despite its compact size, the Countryman provided reasonable storage and cargo space, with a 40/20/40-split folding back seat for versatility.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. During testing, the RX 350 Luxury displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport Handling trim felt more secure with its adaptive damping suspension. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, with fuel economy expectations of 24 mpg in combined driving, though actual results were slightly lower.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered various powertrains, with the John Cooper Works model boasting a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The Cooper S model, with 189 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, provided a zippy and athletic drive, reaching 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. The Countryman excelled in daily driving, though it wasn't ideal for off-road adventures. Fuel economy for the Cooper S was rated at 28 mpg, but testing yielded 25.4 mpg.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered comfortable seating, with the F Sport Handling package providing sport seat bolsters for added support. The RX 350 Luxury featured premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a sophisticated interior design. The back seat provided good leg support and space, though headroom was tight for taller passengers. Cargo space was improved, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2024 MINI Countryman accommodated four adults comfortably, with premium leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in the Iconic trim. The rear seat offered ample legroom and foot space, though fitting a fifth passenger was challenging. The Countryman provided reasonable interior storage, but cargo space was limited to 17.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 47.6 cubic feet with the seat folded.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a choice of touchscreen displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and various connected services. The system included Drive Connect with Intelligent Assistant voice recognition, user profiles, and streaming capabilities. The Mark Levinson premium sound system was available, along with digital instrumentation, a digital rearview mirror, and a head-up display.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system using BMW's iDrive technology. The system provided multiple interaction methods, including touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. However, it lacked Android Auto connectivity, offering only Apple CarPlay. The Iconic trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

The 2023 Lexus RX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. New semi-autonomous technologies included Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist. While impressive, some features had limitations, such as the HUD's visibility with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered limited advanced driving assistance systems, with Active Driving Assistant providing forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but other features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist were absent. The Countryman received high crashworthiness ratings from the IIHS.