2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2023 Buick Encore GX departed from Buick's storied design history, presenting a style that didn't echo the brand's past nor forge a new path. Its rounded exterior and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that failed to capture the SUV allure that many buyers sought. Even with the Sport Touring Package, which added subtle enhancements like different bumpers and a black mesh grille, the changes were barely noticeable unless compared directly to a standard model. Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered expected features like leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, but the abundance of plastic reminded occupants of its entry-level status within Buick's lineup. The interior design, with its blob-like dashboard, harkened back to less appealing 1990s aesthetics, though the instrument cluster stood out with its well-framed digital display.

In contrast, the 2024 MINI Countryman embraced its playful heritage with classic MINI styling cues, such as the wraparound windshield and Union Jack taillights. The Countryman offered a variety of paint and wheel options, allowing for personalized flair. The interior was a blend of retro charm and modern functionality, with supportive front seats and a steering wheel that was a pleasure to grip. While the Countryman could technically seat five, it was more comfortable for four adults, offering ample legroom and foot space. The cargo area was modest, with 498 litres available behind the rear seats, but the 40/20/40-split folding back seat allowed for flexible storage solutions.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX in Canada came with a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. While the engine delivered a pleasant note, its power delivery was not smooth, requiring patience to extract its full potential. The ride was comfortable, with a quiet cabin thanks to Buick's Quiet Tuning package, but the Encore GX felt ponderous, with slow steering and significant body roll.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of powertrains, with the John Cooper Works (JCW) model standing out for its 301 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque from a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. This model could sprint to 100 km/h in about 5 seconds. The Cooper S variant, with 189 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque, provided a zippy and athletic drive, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds. The Countryman excelled in daily driving scenarios, though it wasn't suited for off-road adventures. Fuel economy was decent, with a combined rating of 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres, though real-world testing showed slightly higher consumption.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, the Kia Seltos provided more rear legroom and cargo space. The Encore GX's cargo capacity was respectable, with 665 litres available with the rear seats up and 1,422 litres with them folded. The front seats were positioned close together, compromising spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Despite the limited cabin size, Buick managed to include ample small-item storage, with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless charging pad.

The 2024 MINI Countryman accommodated four adults comfortably, with supportive front seats and excellent outward visibility. While it technically seated five, the rear seat was best for two adults. The Countryman's cargo space was limited, with 498 litres behind the rear seats, but the 40/20/40-split folding back seat allowed for versatile storage. Interior storage was reasonable, though the smartphone charging pad's placement under the centre armrest was inconvenient.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display, with optional navigation, a head-up display, and a Bose audio system. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics, though the screen size was modest.

The 2024 MINI Countryman, while not a tech powerhouse, offered practical features. It had a small digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system using BMW's iDrive technology. Interaction options included a touchscreen, steering wheel controls, a control knob, and voice recognition. The system lacked Android Auto but supported Apple CarPlay. An optional 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system provided excellent audio quality.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane keep assist. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered limited advanced driver assistance systems, with standard features like forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but the Countryman lacked blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera. The IIHS rated the Countryman as "Good" in crashworthiness evaluations.