2025 Ford Explorer vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2024 MINI Countryman embraced its playful heritage with classic Mini styling, featuring an erect wraparound windshield and a floating roof reminiscent of a bimini top. Its Union Jack tail lights proudly showcased its British roots. Buyers could personalize their Countryman with various paint options, roof, and mirror cap treatments, along with multiple wheel designs. However, dark tinted rear privacy glass was an optional feature rather than standard. The lineup included Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works models, each with distinct drivetrains. The Cooper S, with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, was a popular choice, while the Cooper SE offered a plug-in hybrid option. The Iconic trim package added premium features like leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and a head-up display, enhancing the overall experience.

In contrast, the 2025 Ford Explorer boasted a sleek design with balanced proportions, thanks to its rear-wheel-drive platform. The refreshed model featured a restyled front end, giving it a wider and more rugged appearance. New LED taillights and a variety of wheel designs added to its appeal. Inside, the Explorer's updates significantly improved its ambiance, with competitive materials and design. Ford streamlined the trim levels to four, including the new base Active trim and the sporty ST-Line. Prices ranged from $39,755 to $55,505. During a test drive in Michigan, the ST-Line with RWD and additional packages impressed with its Vapor Blue paint and performance features, priced at $50,340.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of performance options. The John Cooper Works model stood out with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The Cooper S, with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, provided a zippy drive, reaching 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. The Countryman excelled in daily driving scenarios, though it wasn't ideal for off-road adventures. The test vehicle averaged 25.4 mpg, slightly below its EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engines. Most models featured a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The ST and Platinum trims had a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, delivering 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. All Explorers came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and optional 4WD. The ST-Line test vehicle averaged 23.8 mpg during varied driving conditions. The Explorer's turbo four provided quick acceleration, while the ST-Line Street Package enhanced performance with larger wheels and brakes. The Explorer ST showcased its capabilities on an autocross course, while the Platinum trim impressed with its V6 engine's acceleration and sound.

The 2024 MINI Countryman accommodated four adults comfortably, with enough luggage space for a week-long trip. The Iconic trim added dual-zone climate control, premium leather, and heated front seats. While the Countryman had seatbelts for five, four passengers were more comfortable. Visibility was excellent, but some advanced parking technologies were absent. Cargo space was limited, with 17.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 47.6 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 Ford Explorer seated six in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line featured heated front seats, ambient lighting, and a power-folding third-row seat. The front and second-row seats were comfortable, but the third row was less suitable for adults. Cargo space was competitive, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet behind the second row, and 85.8 cubic feet in total.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered practical technology, including a small digital display and a head-up display. The 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system used BMW's iDrive technology, with multiple interaction methods. However, it lacked Android Auto, offering only Apple CarPlay. The Iconic trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

The 2025 Ford Explorer introduced the Ford Digital Experience with a 12.3-inch digital panel and a 13.2-inch touchscreen. It featured Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with Google Maps and app downloads. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems, with the ST-Line having 10 speakers and higher trims boasting 14 speakers.

The 2024 MINI Countryman had limited advanced driving assistance systems. It included Active Driving Assistant with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control was optional. The IIHS rated it highly for crashworthiness.

The 2025 Ford Explorer came with Ford CoPilot 360+, offering comprehensive ADAS features. The ST-Line and higher trims included BlueCruise, a hands-free highway driving system. The Explorer earned high safety ratings for side-impact and rollover resistance, though full ratings were pending.