2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, a full-size luxury SUV, maintained its established design without significant updates since its last refresh in 2022. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featured a Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim, which, while stylish, proved challenging to keep clean. Inside, the Navigator's cabin exuded luxury with its all-black interior accented by real wood trim and chrome details. The ambient lighting from the Reserve I package added a touch of character, though some chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the overall upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2024 MINI Countryman embraced its playful and distinctive design, showcasing classic Mini styling cues like a floating roof and Union Jack tail lights. The test vehicle, a Cooper S with Iconic trim, featured dark-tinted privacy glass, an adaptive damping suspension, and 19-inch wheels. The interior offered premium leather, power-adjustable heated front seats, and a thick-rimmed heated steering wheel. Despite its compact size, the Countryman provided ample legroom and foot space for four adults, though squeezing in a fifth passenger was impractical.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. It offered five driving modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with an additional Hill Climb mode available with the towing package. Despite its adaptive damping suspension, the Navigator's ride quality was inconsistent, feeling truck-like over smaller bumps and floaty over larger dips. The SUV's nearly three-ton curb weight challenged the brakes during spirited driving, and its size proved cumbersome in tight spaces.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of powertrains, with the John Cooper Works model boasting a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. The Cooper S, with 189 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, provided a zippy and athletic driving experience, especially with the optional ALL4 AWD system. The Countryman excelled in daily driving scenarios, though it wasn't as engaging on twisty roads as the JCW model. The test vehicle averaged 25.4 mpg on a mountainous testing loop, slightly below its EPA rating of 28 mpg in combined driving.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering spacious seating across three rows and a generous cargo area. The test vehicle featured Lincoln's 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, though finding the ideal seating position proved challenging. Storage space was abundant, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. The extended-length Navigator L model provided even more cargo space, accommodating larger loads with ease.

The 2024 MINI Countryman, while compact, offered sufficient room for four adults and their luggage. The test vehicle's Iconic trim included dual-zone automatic climate control, premium leather upholstery, and a power tailgate. Interior storage was reasonable, though the smartphone charging pad obstructed access to the tray beneath it. Cargo space was limited, with 17.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 47.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The 40/20/40-split folding back seat design allowed for flexibility in carrying longer items.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a dual-screen Lincoln Play infotainment system for rear passengers. The Sync 4 system offered wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition. The test vehicle's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System delivered impressive sound quality, though the wireless smartphone charger caused overheating issues.

The 2024 MINI Countryman, while not a technology powerhouse, offered a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen housed in a round display reminiscent of classic Mini models. The system, based on BMW's iDrive technology, 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 premium sound system, delivering excellent audio quality.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) through the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages. Notable features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. However, BlueCruise struggled with certain driving conditions, requiring frequent driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered limited ADAS features, with the standard Active Driving Assistant providing forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Optional adaptive cruise control was available with higher trims, but the Countryman lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The IIHS awarded the Countryman a Good rating in crashworthiness evaluations, though testing was incomplete due to new procedures.