2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 sports subtle yet effective styling adjustments over its predecessors. The gloss black trim on its front bumper, along with the squared-off design of the rear bumper, bolstered its aerodynamics, as Volkswagen claimed. Fresh wheel designs and colors signified the new aesthetic approach for 2023, while the rear VW logo, which now lights up, added a modern twist. Although it was distinguishable as an EV when compared to its gasoline counterparts, the ID.4 did not capture the typical SUV look. The lack of an upright profile and additional ground clearance made it less SUV-like, a possible turn-off for buyers attracted to traditional SUV styling. Meanwhile, the 2024 MINI Countryman exhibited a flair for the dramatic with its classic Mini design cues. It featured an upright wraparound windshield, a floating roof that boasted a bimini top appearance, and Union Jack taillights that loudly proclaimed its British heritage. Buyers had the luxury of selecting from a plethora of paint, roof, and mirror cap treatments, as well as multiple wheel designs. Quirky elements, such as optional privacy glass rather than standard, emphasized its nonconformist nature. The Countryman oozed charm and did not subscribe to the cookie-cutter designs often seen in other small SUVs.

Under the hood of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4, there were two battery pack options. The 62-kWh battery pack was available for the base Standard and S models with RWD. In contrast, the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus carried the 82-kWh pack, available with either RWD or AWD. The single-motor RWD models churned out 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD powertrain delivered a robust 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, enabling a zippy 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. Despite this, it lacked the sharp handling of competitors like VW’s Golf GTI and Golf R. The regenerative braking system, although effective, fell short of offering the one-pedal driving experience some EV enthusiasts desired. The 2024 MINI Countryman, with its range of engine options, catered to various performance preferences. The John Cooper Works variant was the standout performer, packing a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. It rocketed to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. On the other hand, the more practical Cooper S had a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that delivered a respectable 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds with FWD and 7.1 seconds with the ALL4 AWD system despite additional weight. The Cooper SE plug-in hybrid offered 18 miles of electric range before switching to hybrid mode, achieving 29 mpg combined, though its overall performance was less impressive.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in its utility, providing more interior space compared to other budget-friendly EVs. It offered greater legroom both in the front and rear compared to the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf, and superior headroom over the 2023 Kia Niro EV. Its cargo capacity stood out at 30.3 cubic feet with rear seats up, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Although it fell short when compared to traditional gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, it remained a practical option among entry-level EVs. The ID.4’s towing capacity was 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD variants, adding a layer of versatility. In contrast, the 2024 MINI Countryman comfortably accommodated four adults and their luggage for a week-long trip. However, seating five was less practical unless the passengers were children. Our Iconic trim test model featured dual-zone automatic climate control, premium leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Despite having acceptable rear legroom and foot space, its cargo measurements were modest. It offered 17.6 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats, which expanded to 47.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. While it had a split folding backseat design for added flexibility, it couldn’t match the ID.4’s spaciousness.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a standard 12.0-inch touchscreen on all models for 2023, paired with software updates to improve responsiveness. The user interface boasted sharp graphics, a choice between smartphone-like icons or a split-screen view, and efficient voice recognition for most commands. Despite these advancements, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel proved less intuitive, lacking physical feedback which made them distractingly difficult to use. The ID.Light feature provided ambient lighting cues for navigation and drive modes, adding a touch of innovative flair. On the tech front, the 2024 MINI Countryman fell short of being a powerhouse but provided functional essentials. It featured a small digital instrument display and a head-up display (HUD) mounted just above it, which effectively shared driving information. The centerpiece was an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system embedded within a round housing that paid homage to Mini’s historical design. Benefiting from BMW’s iDrive technology, the system accommodated multiple input methods: touchscreen, physical knobs, steering wheel controls, a center console knob, and voice commands. However, it lacked Android Auto connectivity, only supporting Apple CarPlay. The Iconic trim amplified the auditory experience with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 earned high marks in safety, receiving a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with stellar scores in frontal and side crash tests and a satisfactory four-star rating for rollover tests. The IIHS had awarded the 2022 model its top “Top Safety Pick+” rating, which likely extended to the 2023 model as well, given its continuity in safety features. A wealth of driver-assist features came standard, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear park distance control, automatic high beams, traffic-sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, automated lane centering, and a 360-degree camera system. Though aged in many respects, the 2024 MINI Countryman lagged significantly in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Each model came standard with Active Driving Assistant, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Rear parking sensors and an emergency SOS call button were also standard, but adaptive cruise control required an upgrade to Signature or Iconic trims. The absence of critical systems such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system marked a notable shortcoming.