2024 Ford Bronco vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2024 MINI Countryman exuded a playful charm, staying true to its British roots with classic Mini styling elements like the wraparound windshield and Union Jack tail lights. It offered a variety of customization options, from paint colors to wheel designs, allowing owners to personalize their vehicle. Despite its compact size, the Countryman provided a unique and unmistakable presence on the road, with its jaunty styling and retro interior design. The test model, a Cooper S with Iconic trim, featured premium leather, a head-up display, and a dual-panel moonroof, enhancing the overall driving experience.

In contrast, the 2024 Ford Bronco embraced a retro design reminiscent of the 1960s, particularly in its two-door variant. The Sasquatch Package, with its suspension lift and 35-inch mud-terrain tires, gave the Bronco a rugged and adventurous look. The Bronco's interior was functional and spacious, especially in the four-door model, which offered more room than its Jeep Wrangler rival. The marine-grade vinyl upholstery, while practical, was less breathable, but the Bronco's open-air driving options, including removable roof panels and doors, added to its appeal. The Bronco's design was both nostalgic and modern, making it a standout choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of powertrains, with the John Cooper Works (JCW) model standing out for its performance. The JCW featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. The Cooper S, with its 189 hp engine, provided a zippy and athletic driving experience, reaching 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. While the Countryman excelled in daily driving scenarios, its fuel economy was slightly disappointing, averaging 25.4 mpg in testing.

The 2024 Ford Bronco, on the other hand, offered a range of powerful engines, including a standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with 300 hp and an optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 with 330 hp. The Bronco Raptor took performance to another level with a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 delivering 418 hp. The Bronco's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like Trail Control and Trail Turn Assist, making it a formidable off-roader. However, its fuel efficiency was lacking, with the Big Bend Sasquatch averaging 16.9 mpg during testing.

Inside the 2024 MINI Countryman, there was room for four adults and their luggage, making it suitable for road trips. The Iconic trim added premium features like dual-zone climate control and heated front seats. While the Countryman offered good visibility and easy parking, its cargo space was limited, with 17.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 47.6 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2024 Ford Bronco provided a spacious and comfortable interior, especially in the four-door model. It offered ample cargo space, with 38.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 83 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Bronco's interior was practical, with features like MOLLE panels for storage customization. The ability to remove the roof and doors added to its versatility, making it a great choice for outdoor adventures.

The 2024 MINI Countryman featured a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen and multiple interaction methods, including voice recognition. However, it lacked Android Auto connectivity, offering only Apple CarPlay. The Iconic trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2024 Ford Bronco came equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen Sync 4 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system had some connectivity issues, it provided access to a range of features, including a Bronco Trail App for off-road enthusiasts. The Bronco's technology package was comprehensive, with options for a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered basic safety features, including forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. However, it lacked advanced systems like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. The Countryman received a Good rating in crashworthiness evaluations from the IIHS.

The 2024 Ford Bronco came with a robust set of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Mid Package added additional safety technologies, enhancing the Bronco's overall safety profile. The Bronco received favorable ratings from the IIHS, though its headlight performance was rated Marginal.