MINI Countryman vs Nissan Armada

The everyman’s version of the Infiniti QX80, Nissan’s full-size SUV gets an expanded range for 2025. It’s still offered in familiar SV, SL, and Platinum trims, but Platinum Reserve has joined the roster and so, for the first time ever, has PRO-4X. We tested both new trims on a first drive program hosted by the automaker in Franklin, Tennessee.

Verdict: Nissan has undeniably improved the Armada with this new generation, and the PRO-4X and the Platinum Reserve trim levels both bring something new to the table. The PRO-4X adds just enough adventure-ready content to make it worth a look to shoppers who may not have considered it before, while the Platinum Reserve challenges the value of stepping up to an Infiniti.

Redesigned this year, the 2025 Countryman grows in size but remains a small crossover SUV. Expressively styled, infused with parent company BMW’s engineering and technology, and packed with cheeky Mini quirks, the Countryman is available in Cooper S All4, John Cooper Works All4, and electric SE All4 model series, each equipped with standard All4 all-wheel drive (AWD). It can comfortably hold rear-seat passengers, carries a competitive amount of cargo, and remains fun to drive.

Verdict: With prices starting at just over $40,000, the Mini Countryman sells in entry-level luxury territory. However, anyone expecting plush refinement will want to shop elsewhere because the Countryman is decidedly rough around the edges. We begrudgingly accept its quirks in exchange for its personality, but many people likely won’t.