2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2024 MINI Countryman exuded a playful charm, staying true to its British roots with classic Mini styling cues. Its design featured an erect wraparound windshield, a floating roof reminiscent of a bimini top, and Union Jack tail lights that proudly declared its heritage. Buyers had the option to customize their Countryman with various paint treatments for the body, roof, and mirror caps, as well as multiple wheel designs. However, it was peculiar that dark tinted rear privacy glass was not standard but an optional feature. The interior of the Countryman was a blend of retro and modern, with digital instrumentation and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Iconic trim added premium leather, power-adjustable front seats, and a head-up display, among other features, making the cabin a unique and enjoyable space.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, in contrast, presented a more robust and boxy design, with a long wheelbase, flat hood, and snub nose. Its pixelated H-shaped LED headlamps and taillights aligned with Hyundai's design aesthetic, offering a modern touch. The Santa Fe was available in vibrant colors like Terracotta Orange and Atlantis Blue, providing a refreshing break from the usual shades of grey and white. Inside, the Santa Fe offered ample space for seven passengers, with the top Calligraphy trim featuring captain's chairs in the second row. The interior was well-appointed, though some squeaks and rattles were noted during testing. The Santa Fe's design was practical, with a wide rear opening for easy loading, making it a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of powertrains, with the Cooper S and John Cooper Works (JCW) models standing out for their performance. The JCW was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 301 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission. This setup allowed the JCW to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, making it the choice for those seeking speed. The Cooper S, with its 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, provided a more balanced performance, reaching 60 mph in 7.2 seconds with front-wheel drive. The Countryman excelled in daily driving scenarios, offering a zippy and athletic feel, though it wasn't the best choice for off-road adventures.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged engine delivering 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission handling the shifts. The Santa Fe felt stable in corners, with firm brakes and responsive steering, though turbo lag was noticeable during acceleration. The XRT trim, designed for off-road use, featured 30-inch all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance, enhancing its off-road capabilities. However, the Santa Fe was better suited for light off-road conditions rather than rugged terrains. Its towing capacity of up to 4,500 pounds in the XRT trim added to its versatility.

The 2024 MINI Countryman provided seating for four adults comfortably, with enough luggage space for a week-long road trip. The Iconic trim added dual-zone automatic climate control, premium leather upholstery, and power-adjustable heated front seats. The interior offered excellent outward visibility and easy parking, though the lack of a surround-view camera was a drawback. Cargo space was limited, with 17.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 47.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it less practical for larger loads.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in interior space, offering the most third-row legroom in its class. The second and third rows could be folded to provide up to 79.6 cubic feet of cargo space, accommodating larger items with ease. The Santa Fe's rear opening was widened to 50.2 inches, facilitating the loading of bulky items. The XRT trim included features like heated front seats and a sunroof, while the Calligraphy trim added luxury touches such as heated second-row seats and a premium audio system. The Santa Fe's practicality and spaciousness made it an ideal choice for families and those needing ample cargo capacity.

The 2024 MINI Countryman featured a modest array of technology, with a small digital instrumentation display and a head-up display projecting information on a small screen. The 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed in a round casing reminiscent of classic Mini speedometers, used BMW's iDrive technology. It offered multiple interaction methods, including touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. However, the system lacked Android Auto, providing only Apple CarPlay. The Iconic trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment, with the top trims also featuring a digital gauge cluster of the same size. The system was user-friendly, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upper trims offered additional features like Amazon Music, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Hyundai Pay. The Santa Fe included multiple USB-C ports and wireless charging, with the option for a digital key and fingerprint scanner for added convenience. The Bluelink app connectivity allowed for remote vehicle management, and over-the-air updates ensured the latest software was always available.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered basic safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. However, it lacked more advanced systems like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims, but the overall safety suite was limited. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Countryman as Good in crashworthiness evaluations, though some testing was incomplete.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe provided a comprehensive suite of safety features, with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard. Higher trims offered additional features like Highway Drive Assist and Blind-View Monitor. The Santa Fe's safety systems were generally effective, though some inconsistencies were noted in traffic situations. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Santa Fe a four-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it as Good in most categories, with some areas rated as Acceptable.