MINI Countryman vs Toyota 4Runner

The 2024 MINI Countryman exuded a sense of whimsy and charisma, staying true to its British roots. It embraced the classic Mini styling with features such as an erect wraparound windshield, a floating roof resembling a bimini top, and Union Jack tail lights proudly declaring its heritage. Buyers could personalize their Countryman with various paint, roof, and mirror cap treatments, alongside numerous wheel designs. The dark-tinted rear privacy glass was an unusual optional feature instead of standard.

The Countryman lineup consisted of the Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works, each tied to a specific drivetrain. The Cooper featured a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, while the Cooper S and John Cooper Works boasted turbocharged four-cylinder engines in different tunes. The Cooper SE was a plug-in hybrid with an 18-mile electric range before transitioning to a gas-electric hybrid mode, achieving 29 mpg combined.

Our test model arrived as a Cooper S with the Iconic trim package, retailing for $41,945, including the destination charge. It featured premium leather, power-adjustable front seats, a head-up display, wireless smartphone charging, a semi-autonomous parking system, and a power tailgate. The design inside the Countryman retained that unmistakable Mini character with digital instrumentation, an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a dual-panel moonroof to flood the cabin with natural light.

In stark contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner felt like a trip down memory lane. Its boxy silhouette, flared fenders, and thick, beveled shapes reinforced a rugged, off-road persona. Our TRD Pro model looked particularly aggressive with skid plates, all-terrain tires, and a robust tubular roof rack, making it seem ever-ready for the toughest terrains.

Inside, the 4Runner’s retro styling was apparent, with analog instruments and an old-school look to the small eight-inch infotainment screen, traditional gear selector, and transfer case levers. The abundant hard plastic was typical for the off-road segment, though Toyota cushioned common touchpoints. The seats, covered in a vinyl-like material, provided an easy-to-clean surface suited for adventurous outings.

Performance-wise, the 2024 MINI Countryman offered varying degrees of fun. The John Cooper Works stood out with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 301 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission. This configuration propelled the JCW from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 4.9 seconds.

The Cooper S, with the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder but producing 189 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque, proved adequate for most drivers. It achieved 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds (7.1 with AWD). Its EPA rating was 28 mpg combined, though our real-world testing yielded 25.4 mpg.

The Toyota 4Runner housed a 4.0-liter V6 churning out 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. However, it was held back by a dated five-speed automatic transmission. Its power figures paralleled competitors like the Bronco and Wrangler, but those models benefited from more advanced transmissions, enhancing acceleration and fuel efficiency.

Off-road, the 4Runner thrived with 4WD, a two-speed transfer case, and features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. On pavement, it felt sluggish, especially during highway merges. The soft suspension excelled off-road, but it caused significant body roll and nosedive during on-road maneuvers. The ride was bouncy over ruts, which calmed when the vehicle was loaded.

Inside the MINI Countryman, space for four adults was ample, and cargo capacity was modest. Our test vehicle, adorned with the Iconic trim, included dual-zone climate control, premium leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The upright seating provided comfort, though a fifth occupant would find it cramped. Despite excellent outward visibility, the lack of some advanced parking aids was notable.

Cargo space measured 17.6 cubic feet, expandable to 47.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The smartphone charging pad's placement under the armrest hindered access to additional storage.

The Toyota 4Runner’s interior felt dated but functional with plenty of room. Front passengers enjoyed ample space, while the second row offered stadium-style seating for better views but limited headroom for tall individuals. The third row was optional.

Storage solutions were plentiful, and cargo capacity was a notable strength. The 4Runner held 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanded to 89.7 cubic feet with them stowed. The absence of remote seat release was a downside. However, its flat load floor was practical, and the sliding rear window provided easy access to gear. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The MINI Countryman’s tech offerings were practical but not groundbreaking. Its digital instrumentation and head-up display, while basic, provided essential information at a glance. The 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment housed in a retro center console was intuitive, leveraging Mini’s version of BMW’s iDrive. Interaction options included the touchscreen, physical controls, steering wheel buttons, a center-console knob, and voice commands.

However, the system lacked Android Auto, supporting only Apple CarPlay. Our test car had a premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, enhancing audio quality.

The Toyota 4Runner featured an eight-inch touchscreen with basic functions like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Though lacking in off-road specific apps compared to rivals, it included additional terrain controls for enhanced off-road capability. Our TRD Pro model came with a 15-speaker JBL audio system, but road and engine noise detracted from its performance.

Safety features in the MINI Countryman were limited. The standard Active Driving Assistant included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Rear parking sensors and an SOS call button were included, with adaptive cruise control available as an option. However, features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist were missing. The IIHS rated the Countryman "Good" in some crashworthiness tests, though the results were incomplete.

The Toyota 4Runner offered a robust safety suite with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The TRD Pro included a surround-view camera, while the Limited added parking sensors. NHTSA awarded the 4Runner four out of five stars overall, and IIHS gave mixed ratings, indicating room for improvement compared to the Bronco and Wrangler.