MINI Countryman vs Genesis GV80

The 2025 MINI Countryman was a charming blend of classic and contemporary design elements. It retained the iconic Mini features such as wide-eyed headlights and a floating roof, available in various colors, alongside modern sheet metal. The vertical Union Jack taillights added a touch of British flair. Depending on the model and customization choices, the Countryman could present as either a conservative crossover or a sporty SUV. The interior was equally stylish, with options like Vintage Brown artificial leather seats and a Petrol Blue fabric dashboard made from recycled polyester. The overall aesthetic was bold, especially with the Favoured style package and 20-inch wheels, making the Countryman a standout in a sea of mundane crossovers.

In contrast, the 2025 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication with its redesigned exterior and luxurious interior. The front fascia featured two horizontal bar headlights with a micro lens array, a deeper grille, and a more aggressive lower bumper. The subtle tweaks to the rear and the addition of new colors like Storr Green enhanced its visual appeal. Inside, the GV80 offered quilted Nappa leather seats, a suede headliner, and unique trim options like basalt or recycled newspaper. The interior color schemes, such as Smoky Green over Earth Brown, added to the vehicle's allure. The center console was thoughtfully designed with tactile dials for gear selection and drive modes, although the redundant infotainment dial seemed unnecessary.

The 2025 MINI Countryman Cooper S was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, allowing it to accelerate to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. The Countryman offered a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. Drivers could choose from different Mini Experiences, which altered the engine sound, driving dynamics, and the appearance of the 9.4-inch touchscreen. However, the Countryman lacked refinement, with a clunky DCT and a noisy ride. Despite these drawbacks, it was quick and nimble, especially in Go Kart mode with the adaptive suspension and 20-inch wheels. Fuel economy was estimated at 27 mpg, but our test vehicle returned 24.5 mpg.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options, with our test vehicle featuring a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. All trims came with all-wheel drive, capable of sending up to 100 percent of the torque to the rear wheels. The GV80's acceleration was satisfying, and the engine emitted a burly sound at full throttle. While the Sport mode tightened the suspension and throttle response, the GV80 was best suited for comfortable cruising rather than sporty driving. The brakes were firm and linear, providing confident stopping power. Despite its 5,000-pound weight, the GV80 maintained a quiet interior even on rough roads.

The 2025 MINI Countryman provided seating for four adults, with the option to squeeze in a fifth passenger. The front seats were comfortable, and the artificial Vescin leather added an upscale touch. Visibility was excellent, aided by oversized side mirrors and a surround-view camera system. The Countryman offered 25 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 56.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the back seat was snug, and clearance for a reverse-facing child seat was tight. Storage solutions were quirky yet practical, with a funky storage box on the center console and a deep tray for large water bottles.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 came well-equipped with power-adjustable heated seats, power-folding mirrors, and the new Mood Curator for a spa-like experience. Our top tester included heated armrests, three-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats. However, the seats were unyielding and rigid, making long trips uncomfortable. The GV80 seated five passengers, with the option for a third row in the Advance trim. The second row offered almost 39 inches of legroom, allowing for major reclining. Cargo space was similar to the 2024 model, with an estimated 35 cubic feet. The GV80 could tow 6,000 pounds with trailer brakes.

The 2025 MINI Countryman featured a 9.4-inch OLED touchscreen infotainment display, though it received mixed reviews. It included cloud-based navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, Spike, was inactive in our test vehicle, and navigating the menus was challenging. The head-up display was helpful, providing information on upcoming turns and safety features.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 boasted a 27-inch OLED screen for the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though delayed. The infotainment system was clear and crisp but could be cumbersome due to menus and submenus. Standard features included wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and four USB-C ports. The top tester had a 12-inch head-up display and a digital rearview mirror. The 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system offered adjustable surround sound, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2025 MINI Countryman was well-equipped with safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. It also had adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, Assisted Driving, and Assisted Driving Plus. The latter allowed for hands-free driving, though it was not available in all areas. The Countryman was named a "Top Safety Pick" by the IIHS in 2024.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 included advanced driver aids like lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance, and blind-spot monitoring. Upper trims added remote smart parking and a 360-degree camera system. The Highway Drive Assist system featured an attention monitor, though it struggled with certain sunglasses. The NHTSA had not yet rated the 2025 model, but the 2024 GV80 received high safety ratings.