2023 Subaru Forester vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2023 Subaru Forester, despite its familiar and somewhat plain exterior, offered a practical and functional design. It came in various trims, with the Touring trim being the most visually appealing due to its 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim. The Forester's design was characterized by its boxy shape, flared fenders, and distinctive lighting, resembling a smaller Subaru Ascent. Inside, the Forester Touring featured Saddle Brown leather, metallic accents, and a mix of traditional buttons and knobs, making it user-friendly. The interior was busy but practical, with a focus on functionality over style.

In contrast, the 2024 MINI Countryman embraced its playful and distinctive Mini heritage with classic styling cues, a floating roof, and Union Jack tail lights. The Countryman offered a range of customization options, including various paint treatments and wheel designs. Our test vehicle, in Cooper S specification with Iconic trim, featured premium leather, power-adjustable front seats, and a dual-panel moonroof. The interior design was retro and unmistakably Mini, with digital instrumentation and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Countryman's design was a refreshing departure from the typical small SUV, offering a unique and engaging experience.

The 2023 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. The CVT had eight programmed ratios and a Sport driving mode for improved responsiveness. Most Forester trims featured an X-Mode off-road traction management system, enhancing its capability in various conditions. During testing, the Forester handled challenging weather conditions with ease, showcasing its confidence-inspiring driving dynamics. However, the engine's performance was merely adequate, and the Forester fell short of its EPA fuel economy rating, averaging 25.9 mpg.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of powertrains, with the Cooper S and John Cooper Works (JCW) models standing out. The JCW featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The Cooper S, with 189 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, provided a zippy and athletic driving experience. While the Countryman excelled in daily driving scenarios, it wasn't as engaging in spirited driving as the JCW. The Cooper S averaged 25.4 mpg during testing, slightly below its EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering a practical and spacious interior. It featured a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable seats, and heated front seats in the Premium trim. Higher trims offered leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control. The Forester's excellent outward visibility and easy entry and exit made it user-friendly. However, the panoramic sunroof's lack of tinting could lead to solar heating, and the rear seats lacked comfort for taller passengers. The Forester provided ample cargo space, with 26.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 69.1 cubic feet with the seats 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. While it had seatbelts for five, the rear seat was best suited for four passengers. The Countryman's compact dimensions made it easy to park, but it lacked some advanced parking technologies. 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.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Forester's user interface was straightforward, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for navigation and commands.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, along 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. While the voice-recognition system was accurate, the Countryman lacked Android Auto, offering only Apple CarPlay. The Iconic trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, delivering excellent audio quality.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight system with updated software and cameras for improved performance. It included Automatic Emergency Steering, blind-spot monitoring, and Rear Automatic Braking (RAB) on higher trims. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though it received lower ratings in some new tests. The NHTSA awarded it five-star crash-test ratings.

The 2024 MINI Countryman had limited advanced driving assistance systems, with Active Driving Assistant providing forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control was optional on higher trims. The Countryman lacked blind-spot monitoring and other advanced features. The IIHS rated it Good in crashworthiness evaluations, but testing was incomplete.