2024 Acura MDX vs 2024 MINI Countryman

In 2024, the MINI Countryman continued to embrace its playful, quirky design that stood out from the crowd. It sported iconic MINI styling cues like the tall wraparound windshield, bimini-look floating roof, and Union Jack tail lights, boasting its British heritage proudly. Buyers could choose from a variety of paint colors and treatments for the roof and mirror caps, along with numerous wheel designs. However, unlike many competitors, dark tinted rear privacy glass was an optional feature.

The 2024 MINI Countryman lineup consisted of the Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works (JCW) models, each named for their specific powertrains. The Cooper models featured a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, while the Cooper S and JCW used a more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine with varying performance levels. The Cooper SE, as a plug-in hybrid, offered 18 miles of electric-only range and a combined fuel economy of 29 mpg.

One had to choose from the Classic, Signature, and Iconic trim packages, which were dependent on the selected powertrain. Special edition versions were often released with exclusive paint, wheel, and interior/exterior features. The Cooper S version in Iconic trim came with pricing that hit $41,945 including destination. Features like premium leather, power-adjustable heated front seats, head-up display, wireless smartphone charging, and semi-autonomous parking were included. One remarkable element was the dual-panel moonroof which brightened the cabin with natural light.

Conversely, the 2024 Acura MDX featured a polished, refined look. With its large shield grille flanked by sleek headlamps and LED-accented intake vents, the MDX exuded sophistication. Inside, while the layout proved tech-heavy, it could initially feel overwhelming due to the myriad controls on the center console.

Trim options for the MDX included Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages, along with a performance-oriented Type-S and Type-S Advance. Base models featured tri-zone climate control, push-button start, synthetic leather, a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats, and heated seats. The Technology Package brought ambient lighting and a premium stereo system, while the A-Spec Package offered a sportier look and upgraded audio. The Advance Package included additional comforts like a heated steering wheel and more USB ports.

Our test vehicle, the Type-S Advance, offered an exceptional 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, praised for their firmness and invigorating properties on long drives. Although the MDX cabin couldn’t quite rival the opulence of the Mercedes-Benz GLS, its features and overall comfort were commendable.

The 2024 MINI Countryman boasted several powertrain options but particularly shone with its Cooper S and JCW models. The JCW, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, produced a robust 301 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission driving all four wheels, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of just 4.9 seconds.

Meanwhile, the Cooper S, also utilizing a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque. It featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for front-wheel-drive models or an eight-speed automatic for AWD. MINI claimed a 0-60 mph time of 7.2 seconds for the FWD model and 7.1 seconds for AWD, noting the latter's added curb weight.

Although the Countryman excelled in daily driving scenarios like commuting and errands, it wasn’t intended for serious off-roading, even with performance tires and adaptive damping suspension. Fuel efficiency was another selling point with an EPA rating of 28 mpg, though our real-world testing yielded 25.4 mpg.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 290 hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine providing 267 lb-ft of torque. The Type-S models stepped it up with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6, producing a notable 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. These engines were mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission with power delivered either to the front wheels or to Acura’s SH-AWD system.

Driving the MDX Type-S Advance revealed impressive acceleration, seamless power delivery, and a ride that balanced comfort with a touch of firmness. Brembo brakes and adaptive air suspension heightened its driving dynamics, highlighted by adjustable ride heights linked to various driving modes, including a Lift mode for added clearance.

With a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds in AWD models and 3,500 pounds in FWD models, the MDX proved versatile. Though heavier at around 4,500 pounds, it remained agile and responsive, effortlessly handling urban and highway environments alike.

Inside the 2024 MINI Countryman, the cabin accommodated four adults comfortably, though it technically seated five. The Iconic trim added luxurious features like dual-zone automatic climate control, premium leather upholstery, and power-adjustable heated front seats. Despite the supportive yet small seats, rear legroom and foot space were commendable for most passengers, though a fifth person would find the rear seat cramped.

Cargo space, however, was limited: 17.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 47.6 cubic feet with the split-folding rear seats down. These figures lagged behind many competitors, though the design allowed longer items to fit without fully compromising passenger space.

In contrast, the Acura MDX naturally capitalized on its larger size. Three rows of seating provided reasonable comfort, though the third row was best suited for children. With the third row up, cargo space started at 16.3 cubic feet, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded and maxing out at 71.4 cubic feet with all rear seats down, complete with underfloor storage. A power liftgate came standard, and the hands-free power option was available on higher trims.

The second-row bench included a folding center console for cupholders and easier third-row access. However, unlike some competitors, captain’s chairs were not an option. While interior storage spaces were plentiful, the central control design was cluttered, diminishing the ease of use of the driving experience.

While the MINI Countryman wasn’t a tech powerhouse, it offered practical features. Our test vehicle included a head-up display, a digital instrument cluster, and an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen with BMW’s iDrive-based MINI Connected system. Interaction options were diverse, including touchscreen, steering wheel controls, a center console knob, and a voice-recognition system. Android Auto, however, was notably absent, with only Apple CarPlay available. The Iconic trim also featured a discreet and effective Harman Kardon sound system.

Contrastingly, the Acura MDX’s infotainment system was its weak point. The 12.3-inch display atop the dash wasn’t a touchscreen; it relied on a cumbersome touchpad, worsening the user experience. Nevertheless, the MDX packed a robust feature set including wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Multiple USB ports and wireless charging were well-placed, but the overall interface left much to be desired.

Acura’s insistence on the touchpad control system was particularly puzzling, given the more straightforward touchscreen interface found in the new Integra, suggesting a need for future updates in the MDX lineup.

When it came to safety, the MINI Countryman showcased its age, offering only basic driver assistance features. Every model came with the Active Driving Assistant suite, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Rear parking sensors and an emergency call button were standard, but adaptive cruise control required higher trims. Important features like blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera were conspicuously absent.

Crash-test ratings from the IIHS yielded Good scores in available tests, marking the Countryman competent but hardly cutting-edge in safety tech.

The 2024 Acura MDX came well-equipped with contemporary driver aids. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, driver attention monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added parking sensors, reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing wipers, a 360-degree camera system, and a head-up display.

The 2022 MDX, sharing its design with the 2024 model, previously earned a five-star NHTSA rating and the IIHS’s Top Safety Pick+ designation. However, the infotainment system's complexity posed a potential distraction for drivers, detracting slightly from its otherwise comprehensive safety package.