2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2024 MINI Countryman was a fun and quirky entrant in the subcompact SUV market, staying true to its classic Mini aesthetics. With its charming design, the Countryman featured an erect wraparound windshield and a distinctive floating roof reminiscent of a bimini top. It proudly celebrated its British origins with its Union Jack tail lights. Buyers had the luxury of customizing their Countryman with various paint, roof, and mirror cap treatments, as well as an array of wheel designs. Interestingly, dark-tinted rear privacy glass was an optional rather than standard feature.

The Countryman offered different model designations: Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works (JCW), each defined by its drivetrain. The less powerful Cooper included a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, while the Cooper S and JCW models housed a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in varying tunes. The Cooper SE was notable as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), providing about 18 miles of electric driving range before switching to a gas-electric hybrid mode with a combined fuel efficiency of 29 mpg.

Choosing a model was just the first step; buyers then selected from trim packages such as Classic, Signature, and Iconic, each offering different features. Special-edition versions also appeared periodically, boasting unique combinations of paint, wheels, interior designs, and equipment.

Our test vehicle was a Cooper S with the Iconic trim package, dark-tinted privacy glass, an adaptive damping suspension, and 19-inch wheels with summer performance tires. The MSRP was $41,945, including the $995 destination charge. The Iconic trim featured premium leather, power-adjustable front seats, a head-up display, wireless smartphone charging, a semi-autonomous parking system, a power tailgate, and numerous customization options. It had digital instrumentation, an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a design full of classic Mini charm. Additionally, the dual-panel moonroof allowed an abundance of natural light into the cabin.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 aimed for a tougher, more rugged image with a perpetually angry front visage and aggressive lower gray body cladding. Dual exhaust outlets hinted at performance, while upper trims added fake front and rear skid plates. It also had two off-road-themed versions equipped with more utilitarian roof racks.

Our test vehicle was the TRD Off-Road model, which sat at the top of the lineup with a base price of $38,295 plus a $1,350 destination charge. The Army Green color, although not our favorite, did not cost extra. This model came with a digital rearview mirror and the Advanced Technology and Weather option packages, bringing the total MSRP to $41,925.

The RAV4 was available across various gas-engine models, with prices ranging from $28,675 for the LE to $38,295 for the TRD Off-Road. Hybrids added $2,000 to $3,000, enhancing power and fuel efficiency. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex artificial leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable seats, and additional weather-related features such as heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and rain-sensing wipers with a de-icer system.

Though both vehicles had distinctive exterior designs and capable trim options, each catered to different tastes and lifestyles. The MINI Countryman appealed to those seeking a stylish and slightly whimsical vehicle with a customizable and retro feel. In contrast, the Toyota RAV4 targeted those needing a more practical and rugged SUV, especially for outdoor and off-road use.

Underneath the MINI Countryman's cheerful exterior lay a range of performance options, catering to varying needs. The Cooper model had a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, regarded as underpowered by many. The Cooper SE offered a slight performance uptick with its plug-in hybrid system, delivering 18 miles of electric range and 29 mpg in combined driving, but didn’t create much buzz for eager drivers. The real performers in the lineup were the Cooper S and the John Cooper Works (JCW) models.

The John Cooper Works model, a true performer, boasted a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing a substantial 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission, it offered an exhilarating all-wheel drive (AWD) experience, launching from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. The JCW was the choice for those who craved speed and spirited driving.

For everyday performance, the Cooper S Countryman was a pragmatic choice. It also featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 189 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) version had a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT), while the optional ALL4 AWD incorporated the same eight-speed sport automatic found in the JCW. The Cooper S made the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 7.2 seconds (7.1 seconds with AWD), providing a zippy driving experience courtesy of peak torque at just 1,350 rpm.

While the Countryman wasn't built for rugged off-road adventures, its nimbleness on roads made it enjoyable for daily commuting, errands, and scenic drives. Despite its summer performance tires and adaptive damping suspension, the Cooper S model wasn't an exceptional canyon carver but remained engaging within its dynamic limits. It returned an EPA fuel economy rating of 28 mpg in combined driving, but our real-world testing yielded an average of 25.4 mpg in diverse driving conditions.

The Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, featured a robust 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 203 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 184 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. Achieving peak power required the engine to rev high, which could make the driving experience louder and more intense. An eight-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, with an optional torque-vectoring AWD system for enhanced traction.

Our TRD Off-Road test model came standard with AWD, unique off-road suspension tuning, an underbody skid plate, and all-terrain tires on 18-inch matte-black TRD alloy wheels. The Multi-Terrain Select system offered various driving modes, including Normal, Snow, Mud & Sand, and Rock & Dirt. Though capable off-road, its limited ground clearance (8.6 inches, like other RAV4 models) and approach/departure angles left room for improvement. Despite these limitations, the off-road suspension smoothed out daily commutes, and the steering and brakes felt purposefully tuned.

The RAV4's engine, while powerful for its class, could create some torque steer during spirited driving, particularly as the AWD system engaged. The eight-speed automatic transmission, along with Toyota's reputation for reliability, made up for the engine's occasionally unrefined sound. With an EPA rating of 28 mpg in combined driving, the TRD Off-Road model averaged 26.6 mpg during evaluation, which included light off-roading. It's worth considering the RAV4 Hybrid models, which offer better fuel efficiency, such as the Woodland Edition rated at 37 mpg.

Inside the 2024 MINI Countryman, there was space for four adults and enough luggage for a week-long road trip. Our test model sported the Iconic trim package, featuring dual-zone automatic climate control, premium leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated front seats, and a thick-rimmed heated steering wheel. The seating position was upright, and though the seats were compact, they were supportive and comfortable. While the Countryman officially had seatbelts for five, fitting three adults in the rear was a tight squeeze, better suited for children.

Visibility from the Countryman was excellent, complementing its easy-to-park dimensions. The vehicle's parking sensors and a reversing camera were convenient, but features like a surround-view camera and rear cross-traffic alert would enhance safety further. Storage inside was adequate for its size, though the location of the smartphone charging pad under the center armrest limited access to the tray beneath it.

Cargo space was modest compared to its class. The rear cargo area offered 17.6 cubic feet of space, accommodating two full-size suitcases side-by-side if laid flat. For more flexibility, the 40/20/40-split folding back seat design allowed longer items to be carried without sacrificing rear passenger space. Fully folding the rear seats expanded storage to 47.6 cubic feet. However, the Cooper SE PHEV's cargo measurements were slightly reduced.

The Toyota RAV4 focused on practicality and utility, aligning with its recreational activity theme. The interior featured multiple storage solutions, from shelves to oversized control knobs, all aiming for functionality rather than luxury.

With the TRD Off-Road trim, the seats were covered in SofTex artificial leather, with the driver's seat boasting eight-way power adjustment. Optional features included heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and rain-sensing wipers. Our test vehicle’s driver’s seat was notably comfortable, and visibility was superb, thanks in part to the optional digital rearview mirror.

The RAV4 comfortably seated four adults, though five could fit in a pinch. The rear seats could feel a bit low with limited leg support, but soft front seatbacks and ample legroom compensated for this. Rear passengers also had access to air conditioning vents, USB charging ports, and a fold-down center armrest with cupholders.

In terms of cargo space, the RAV4 excelled. The power liftgate revealed 37.6 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. These dimensions were competitive within the segment, offering extensive room for various activities and loads.

The 2024 MINI Countryman wasn't packed with cutting-edge technology but offered practical and user-friendly features. It included a small digital instrumentation display perched on the steering column and a head-up display (HUD) for essential driving information. The central dashboard housed an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system encased in a round housing, which recalled the brand's classic center-mounted analog dials.

The infotainment system was based on BMW’s iDrive technology and could be controlled in five ways: the touchscreen, volume and tuning controls, steering wheel buttons, a control knob with buttons on the center console, and voice recognition. This multifaceted interface might sound overwhelming but proved intuitive and easy to use once familiarized. Apple CarPlay was supported, but Android Auto was notably absent.

With the Iconic trim, our test vehicle included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, delivering excellent audio quality -- a marked improvement over the Countryman’s standard six-speaker setup.

In comparison, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 stuck with modern technology, despite its aging model. It featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system available with either a standard 8-inch or an optional 10.5-inch touchscreen display. Key highlights included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and various connected service plans.

The Service Connect and Safety Connect services were complimentary for ten years, with features like automatic collision notification and SOS emergency calling. Remote Connect, free for one year, allowed remote access to vehicle functions through a smartphone app. Likewise, Drive Connect, also free for a year, added features like cloud-based navigation, a digital voice assistant, and concierge services. The Wi-Fi Connect feature transformed the car into a mobile hotspot with a free three-month data plan, after which it required a subscription. Users could even access their Apple Music and Amazon Music accounts via the interface.

Though sophisticated, the system had a few drawbacks. The absence of a multi-panel Home screen meant users couldn't reference multiple features simultaneously, causing distractive toggling between functions. Additionally, exiting Apple CarPlay to use SiriusXM necessitated a voice command, and the display's font was sometimes hard to read against the daytime background.

Our RAV4 didn’t include the optional JBL premium audio system but came with a standard speaker setup that sufficed for most users. The vehicle did feature a digital rearview mirror using a camera for a clear rear view when the car was fully loaded. However, it missed the panoramic surround-view camera, which might have mitigated the damage during our off-road adventure.

Safety-wise, the 2024 MINI Countryman lagged in advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). It came standard with Active Driving Assistant, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additionally, it was equipped with rear parking sensors and an emergency SOS button. Adaptive cruise control was an option with Signature or Iconic trims, but other ADAS features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping and centering assist, or a surround-view camera system were missing.

The Countryman, however, performed well in safety tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), earning the highest ratings of Good in available evaluations.

Conversely, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 was better equipped with safety features. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5) included a comprehensive suite of ADAS. Nonetheless, the base LE trim lacked a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, a feature deemed crucial by many.

The TSS 2.5 system, though occasionally intrusive, performed adequately under testing. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist worked best on straight roads while struggling slightly on winding stretches. When encountering slower traffic, the RAV4's adaptive cruise control opted for cautious braking, which some might find excessive.

Despite these safety technologies, the 2024 RAV4 lost its IIHS Top Safety Pick award due to stricter testing standards. It received a Marginal rating in the latest small overlap frontal-impact crash test and an Acceptable rating in the latest side-impact test, indicating the need for design updates.