2024 Mazda CX-5 vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2024 MINI Countryman always embraced a playful and classic MINI aesthetic that set it apart from the competition. This included hallmark MINI touches, such as the wraparound windshield design, floating roof resembling a bimini top, and the unmistakable Union Jack tail lights. Buyers could choose from a variety of paint treatments for the body, roof, and mirror caps, as well as different wheel designs, while dark-tinted rear privacy glass was available as an option.

Model-wise, the Countryman line featured Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works versions. Each trim denoted a specific drivetrain, with variants ranging from an underpowered turbocharged three-cylinder engine in the Coopers to a more robust turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the Cooper S and John Cooper Works. The Cooper SE was a plug-in hybrid with an 18-mile electric-only range.

Our test vehicle, a Cooper S with the Iconic trim package, came equipped with features like dark-tinted privacy glass, adaptive damping suspension, and 19-inch wheels with summer performance tires. The total MSRP was $41,945, including destination charges. The Iconic trim added extra luxuries such as premium leather, power-adjustable front seats, a head-up display, and wireless smartphone charging.

On the contrary, the 2024 Mazda CX-5, which had a consistent design since its second generation debuted in 2017, still looked modern and attractive even with incremental updates. Our test car, in the Carbon Turbo trim, showcased Zircon Sand paint and exclusive Terracotta leather seats with black artificial suede inserts, which added a premium touch. The CX-5 retained the same classic Mazda styling cues but had subtle updates like better fuel economy and new features such as wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in certain trims.

The CX-5's trim levels were comprehensive, ranging from the 2.5 S for regular models to the Turbo, which included our test vehicle. Prices ranged from approximately $29,300 to $40,600, depending again on the trim and options. Our Carbon Turbo test vehicle came with additional features, bringing the total MSRP to $39,355. The CX-5’s interior, which has been refined over the years, was consistently praised for its luxurious materials and controls, providing an upscale experience at a mainstream price.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered varied performance levels depending on the model. The entry-level Cooper models were known for their underwhelming turbocharged three-cylinder engines. In contrast, the Cooper S variants, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered a respectable 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque. With front-wheel drive, the Cooper S utilized a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, although an eight-speed sport automatic transmission accompanied the optional ALL4 all-wheel drive (AWD). This setup allowed the Cooper S to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, making it feel zippy in daily driving.

For those seeking more power, the John Cooper Works (JCW) model was the top pick. This variant housed a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing an impressive 301 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. This setup paired with an eight-speed sport automatic powering all four wheels, accelerating to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds.

Fuel economy was average, with the Cooper S test vehicle achieving an EPA rating of 28 mpg combined. However, during testing on Southern California’s mountainous loop, it managed about 25.4 mpg.

Performance-wise, the Cooper S shined the brightest in city driving circumstances and daily commuting. Though less capable in off-road conditions, it offered a surprisingly engaging driving experience, with an adaptive damping suspension enhancing its overall nimbleness, albeit not to the levels of a JCW.

Conversely, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo variant provided a blend of power and refinement. With a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, it produced 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas (227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas). Unlike the immediate surge expected in turbocharged engines, the CX-5 offered a more gradual power delivery, rewarding drivers who adapted to its characteristics.

However, in terms of fuel efficiency, it was slightly less competitive, with an EPA combined rating of 24 mpg and a projected 22.9 mpg observed in similar test conditions. This was notably less efficient than its non-turbo variants, meaning buyers prioritizing fuel economy might prefer the less powerful but more efficient base engine model.

Driving dynamics were another strong point for the CX-5, featuring excellent visibility and a tall and narrow driving position. Mazda’s updates, including a smoother ride, stiffer frame, and standard AWD, translated to a sophisticated, well-balanced ride. Its G-Vectoring Control Plus technology subtly improved its cornering capabilities, nearly eliminating prior choppy handling traits.

On the highway, the CX-5 was impressively quiet, and it remained firm and connected during city driving, offering lively handling. For light off-roading, it managed adequately with 7.9 inches of ground clearance, and it supported up to 2,000 pounds of towing capacity.

Stepping into the 2024 MINI Countryman, passengers found a satisfying combination of space and comfort for four adults and their luggage. Our Iconic-trimmed test model featured dual-zone automatic climate control, premium leather upholstery, and power-adjustable heated front seats. The driving position was upright and comfortable, with a good grip on the heated steering wheel. Although it could technically seat five, the limited rear space made it more suitable for four adults or possibly five children.

The Countryman offered adequate outward visibility and manageable dimensions, simplifying parking. However, it lacked a surround-view camera and rear cross-traffic alert system, relying on parking sensors and a reversing camera instead.

Cargo space was limited, with 17.6 cubic feet available behind the rear seats, enough for two full-size suitcases laid flat. With the rear seats folded, the cargo space expanded to 47.6 cubic feet. The plug-in hybrid variant offered slightly less cargo volume due to battery placement. Practical touches included a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for flexibility in carrying longer items.

In contrast, the interior of the 2024 Mazda CX-5 was more spacious and comfortable, albeit with a snugger fit for four adults. Front seats were redesigned a few years prior, offering substantial comfort and support with six-way power adjustment for the driver. Higher trims featured luxuries like a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and ventilated front seats.

Cargo capacity in the CX-5 was superior, boasting 30 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, which was considerably more spacious than the Countryman. For larger loads, folding down the rear seats increased cargo volume to 59.3 cubic feet.

The CX-5 also excelled in practical amenities, featuring rear air conditioning vents, a center fold-down armrest with cupholders, and a storage tray. Overall, the CX-5 offered a comfortable and functional environment, enhanced by high-quality materials and a design that rivaled luxury-branded competitors.

For the 2024 MINI Countryman, technology was more retro than advanced, yet functional. The digital instrumentation display was small but complemented by a useful head-up display projecting information on a separate screen. At the center of its retro-styled dashboard was an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, utilizing BMW’s iDrive technology.

The system offered several interaction methods: touchscreen, physical controls below the screen, steering wheel controls, a center console knob, and a voice-recognition system. Despite a somewhat unusual configuration, the system was intuitive and user-friendly after initial acclimatization. However, it lacked Android Auto connectivity, offering only Apple CarPlay. The 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system in the Iconic trim produced high-quality audio, improving the infotainment experience.

On the other hand, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 took a more traditional yet somewhat contrary approach. Eschewing the modern trend of touchscreens, Mazda provided tactile controls for essential functions like climate and radio tuning. This approach minimized driver distraction but conflicted with the ubiquitous presence of touchscreens in contemporary technology.

Nonetheless, Mazda did incorporate touchscreen capabilities for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 10.25-inch display was controlled primarily via a center console knob, augmented by physical buttons for quick access to main menus. Though the native voice interface was less user-friendly than Siri or Google Assistant, the system offered practical features like remote engine starting through Mazda Connected Services and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Higher trims included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, enhancing the audio experience and adding a touch of elegance to the CX-5’s interior. Overall, the technology package was robust, making up for the lack of a fully touchscreen-centered interface with practical and advanced functions.

Safety-wise, the 2024 MINI Countryman lagged behind contemporary standards. It featured a basic set of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) under the Active Driving Assistant package, which included forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additionally, it had rear parking sensors and an emergency SOS call button.

Unfortunately, it lacked advanced features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and a surround-view camera system. Optional adaptive cruise control was available only for higher trims.

Crash-test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) were limited but positive, with the Countryman scoring the highest rating of Good in available tests.

In stark contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 was well-equipped with a comprehensive suite of ADAS. It included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist on all models.

Higher trims added advanced features such as adaptive headlights, traffic sign recognition, and Traffic Jam Assist technology. The CX-5 Turbo Signature further offered a driver monitoring system, surround-view camera, parking sensors, and automatic reverse braking.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) granted the CX-5 five-star ratings in all categories except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. Historically, it had earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, indicating high safety standards.