2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, having undergone a redesign in 2022, maintained its modern aesthetic into 2023 with minimal changes. Its design combined futuristic elements like the headlights with traditional features such as the angular C-pillar, creating a look that was both forward-thinking and timeless. Inside, the Pathfinder offered a cabin with clean lines and a practical layout, making it visually appealing and user-friendly. The trims ranged from the basic S with essential features to the luxurious Platinum, which included upgraded leather upholstery and advanced technology.

In contrast, the 2024 MINI Countryman embraced its playful and classic Mini styling, featuring a wraparound windshield, a floating roof, and Union Jack tail lights. The Countryman offered a variety of customization options, including paint treatments and wheel designs. The lineup included the Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works, each with distinct powertrains. The interior, especially in the Iconic trim, provided premium leather, power-adjustable heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Despite its compact size, the Countryman was designed to accommodate four adults comfortably, with a focus on style and character.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The Rock Creek variant offered a slight power increase to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. Power was delivered through a 9-speed automatic transmission, with options for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Rock Creek model featured off-road enhancements, including a taller suspension and all-terrain tires, which improved trail performance but resulted in a rougher ride on paved roads. The Pathfinder's towing capacity varied, with the Rock Creek capable of towing up to 6,000 pounds.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of powertrains, with the John Cooper Works model standing out with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. This model could accelerate to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. The Cooper S variant, with a 189 hp engine, provided a balance of performance and efficiency, achieving 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. The Countryman excelled in urban environments, offering a zippy and athletic drive, though it was less suited for off-road adventures. The Cooper S achieved an EPA rating of 28 mpg in combined driving, though real-world tests showed slightly lower efficiency.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered generous interior space, with up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity when the second and third rows were folded. With all seats in use, it provided 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The first two rows offered ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was suitable for short trips. The Pathfinder featured numerous storage compartments and cupholders, enhancing its practicality. The Rock Creek model's roof rack was robust, capable of holding up to 220 pounds, though its proximity to the roof made snow removal challenging.

The 2024 MINI Countryman, while compact, provided enough space for four adults and their luggage for a week-long trip. The Iconic trim added luxury features like dual-zone climate control and premium leather upholstery. The Countryman's seats were supportive, and the steering wheel was comfortable to grip. Cargo space was limited, with 17.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 47.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The interior offered reasonable storage, though the smartphone charging pad's placement hindered access to other compartments.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with higher trims offering a 9-inch version. While the system was user-friendly, some found the graphics dated. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The SV trim added a Wi-Fi hotspot, while the SL trim introduced wireless Apple CarPlay and additional USB ports. The Pathfinder's tech was functional, though not cutting-edge.

The 2024 MINI Countryman featured an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with BMW's iDrive technology. The system offered multiple interaction methods, including a touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. While the system lacked Android Auto, it supported Apple CarPlay. The Iconic trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, enhancing the audio experience. Despite its age, the Countryman's technology was intuitive and effective.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The SV trim added ProPilot Assist, which included lane centering and adaptive cruise control. The SL trim introduced front parking sensors and a 360-degree monitor, while the Platinum trim added rain-sensing wipers and a head-up display.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered basic safety features, such as forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. It also included lane-departure warning and automatic high beams. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims, but the Countryman lacked advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. The IIHS rated the Countryman as Good in crashworthiness evaluations, though some tests were incomplete.