2024 Kia Telluride vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2024 MINI Countryman carried the unmistakable charm synonymous with the Mini brand. It featured classic Mini styling cues, such as a distinctive wraparound windshield, a floating roof reminiscent of a bimini top, and Union Jack tail lights that loudly proclaimed its British heritage. This model could be customized with multiple paint treatments for the body, roof, and mirror caps, along with various wheel designs. However, it was puzzling that dark-tinted rear privacy glass was an option rather than a standard feature.

The Countryman lineup included several drivetrain-specific models: Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works. Options for model-specific trim packages included Classic, Signature, and Iconic, each enhancing the Countryman's styling and equipment. Special-edition versions with unique paint, wheel, interior, and equipment combinations were also frequently rolled out.

Our test vehicle was the Cooper S with the Iconic trim level. It had dark-tinted privacy glass, an adaptive damping suspension, and 19-inch wheels equipped with summer performance tires, all for a price of $41,945, including the $995 destination charge. The Iconic trim added premium leather, power-adjustable front seats, a HUD, wireless smartphone charging, a semi-autonomous parking system, and a power tailgate. The dashboard boasted digital instrumentation and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, encapsulated within a design that exuded classic Mini character. Natural light flooded the cabin courtesy of a dual-panel moonroof.

Conversely, the 2024 Kia Telluride offered five core trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige, with X-Line and X-Pro packages adding rugged functionalities to certain trims. Our SX Prestige test model with the X-Line package showcased features such as standard AWD, increased ground clearance, unique grille and wheel designs, and roof rails, all for an MSRP of $54,270, including the $1,365 destination charge.

The Telluride's good looks attracted numerous buyers, even though recent styling updates did not appeal to everyone. The optional Wolf Gray paint harmonized well with the X-Line's blacked-out styling, enhancing the SUV's robust aesthetic.

Inside our test Telluride, the black interior was accentuated by premium Nappa leather seats. Although not the most appealing color, it was offset by ambient lighting and thoughtful details, like a dual sunroof panel illuminating the cabin. Other interior hues available included variants like Mahogany brown, Terracotta brown, light gray over black or dark blue, and Sage Green. The luxurious atmosphere was almost comparable to higher-end SUVs. However, shiny plastic on the lower interior surfaces was a letdown for an otherwise refined cabin.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered varied performance across its models. The John Cooper Works (JCW), boasting a 301 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 331 lb-ft of torque and an eight-speed sport automatic transmission, could reach 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. This made the JCW the choice for speed enthusiasts.

The test vehicle, a Cooper S, had a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel-drive models featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, while AWD versions like our test model had the same eight-speed sport automatic found in the JCW. The Cooper S achieved 60 mph in 7.2 seconds (7.1 seconds with AWD). Fuel economy was rated at 28 mpg combined by the EPA, but real-world testing delivered an average of 25.4 mpg on a challenging test route.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Telluride was powered by a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Also, the Telluride could tow up to 5,000 pounds or 5,500 pounds with the X-Pro package, which included heavy-duty engine cooling.

AWD-equipped Tellurides featured a locking center differential to distribute power evenly between the front and rear wheels and offered multiple driving modes, including Snow. Despite its considerable size and power, the Telluride wasn't particularly fuel-efficient. The EPA estimated 20 mpg combined for AWD versions, but real-world testing under demanding conditions revealed an average of 19 mpg, with city driving dropping it further to 17.5 mpg.

The Telluride excelled with a comfortable and responsive driving experience, featuring standard brake-induced Torque Vectoring Cornering Control for added athleticism in curves. Its ride quality balanced well between firm and compliant, making it a capable and comfortable choice for various driving conditions.

The 2024 MINI Countryman had enough space for four adults and modest luggage, ideal for a week-long road trip. The Iconic trim added premium features such as dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The compact but supportive seats ensured a comfortable and commanding driving position, ideal for city navigation.

However, the Countryman's cargo space was restricted, with just 17.6 cubic feet available behind the rear seats. Removing the cargo cover allowed for more vertical stacking. The 40/20/40-split folding back seat design offered flexibility, expanding the cargo capacity to 47.6 cubic feet, although the Cooper SE PHEV model had slightly reduced measurements.

The 2024 Kia Telluride, on the other hand, provided ample room for passengers and cargo. Our SX Prestige X-Line test model featured Nappa leather upholstery and was remarkably spacious, accommodating up to seven passengers comfortably, thanks to heated and ventilated front and second-row seats and an adult-friendly third row. Dual sunroofs added a touch of opulence to the interior atmosphere.

The Telluride offered practical and extensive storage solutions, including a covered cubby near the shifter, trays for smartphones, and generous door panel bins. Behind the third-row seats, it offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space, extendable to 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 87 cubic feet with all rear seats down, making it one of the most capacious in its class. Moreover, the X-Line and X-Pro trims' functional roof rails provided additional storage options.

The 2024 MINI Countryman wasn’t overwhelmingly advanced in terms of technology, but it included useful features. A small digital instrumentation display was perched on the steering column, supplemented by a head-up display projecting information slightly above it. The main attraction was an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system integrated into a nostalgic round housing on the dashboard.

Mini's system, borrowed from parent company BMW’s iDrive, allowed interaction through five methods: the touchscreen, physical volume and tuning controls, steering wheel controls, a central control knob, and voice recognition. Although it lacked Android Auto, the system integrated well, providing Apple CarPlay and a commendable 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system in the Iconic trim.

Kia’s 2024 Telluride excelled with its impressive 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Although it required a wired connection for smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the system's ease of use and a wide range of available Kia Connect plans catered to most needs. Four plans included essentials like 911 Connect and vehicle tracking, with higher-tier plans offering remote features and voice assistance.

Additional tech in the Telluride included a 10-inch HUD, wireless smartphone charging, and a remarkable 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Kia also provided thoughtful features like Quiet Mode, which played audio only through the front speakers to let rear passengers rest, and an innovative digital key function, usable through a smartphone or credit card-sized key card. One standout feature was the clear and high-resolution camera-based rearview mirror.

The 2024 MINI Countryman’s safety features were relatively basic. The standard Active Driving Assistant offered forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and parking sensors. Optional adaptive cruise control was available in Signature or Iconic trims. However, more advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were absent. The IIHS rated the Countryman highly for crashworthiness, awarding its highest rating of Good where tested.

In stark contrast, the 2024 Kia Telluride came packed with the Kia Drive Wise suite, standard across all trims. This suite included advanced collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear occupant protection. Higher trims offered further enhancements like front parking sensors, cross-traffic alert, evasive steering assist, lane-change assist, and automatic rear braking. The Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist 2.0 added further layers of semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

The Telluride earned impressive safety ratings, securing a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, underscoring its commitment to occupant safety.