2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer presented itself as a compact yet robust SUV, echoing the design cues of its larger sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer. It managed to strike a balance between ruggedness and sophistication, with intricate lighting elements and dark chrome trim enhancing its upscale appearance. The Activ and RS models offered distinct styling, with the Activ featuring a rugged front fascia and the RS boasting a sportier look with blacked-out trim and dual exhaust outlets. The contrasting roof options added a touch of retro flair, making the Trailblazer stand out in the subcompact crossover segment.

In contrast, the 2024 MINI Countryman embraced its playful and iconic MINI design, with a wraparound windshield and a floating roof reminiscent of a bimini top. The Union Jack taillights proudly displayed its British heritage. The Countryman offered a variety of paint and wheel options, allowing for personalization. The interior was a blend of retro and modern elements, with supportive front seats and ample legroom for four adults. However, the cargo space was limited, and the lack of advanced driver assistance systems hinted at its aging design.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX, offering a standard 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. An optional 1.3-litre turbo-three increased output to 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The Trailblazer's AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, while FWD models had a CVT. The Activ model, with its AWD and 1.3-litre engine, provided a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note. However, the nine-speed automatic exhibited some rough shifts, and the selectable AWD system required manual engagement.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of powertrains, with the John Cooper Works (JCW) model standing out with its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. The JCW could accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately 5 seconds. The Cooper S model, with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, provided a zippy and athletic driving experience. The Countryman excelled in daily driving scenarios, but its adaptive damping suspension didn't make it a canyon carver. Fuel economy was reasonable, with a combined rating of 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite being one of the smallest SUVs, offered decent utility with generous headroom and mid-pack legroom. Its cargo space was respectable, with 716 litres behind the second row and 1,540 litres with the seats folded. However, the Trailblazer's towing capacity was limited to 454 kilograms. Interior storage was well-utilized, with a covered storage bin, deep tray, and cupholders, although the small carve-out above the dashboard was puzzling.

The 2024 MINI Countryman provided room for four adults and their luggage for a week-long trip. The front seats were supportive, and rear legroom was sufficient for taller passengers. However, cargo space was limited, with 498 litres behind the back seat and 1,348 litres with the seats folded. The Countryman's interior storage was reasonable, but the smartphone charging pad blocked access to the tray beneath it. The lack of advanced parking technologies was a drawback, though parking sensors and a reversing camera were available.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, Bose audio system, and wireless phone charging were available. While the Trailblazer's tech offerings were adequate, the lack of a fully digital instrument cluster might not satisfy tech-savvy buyers. The 8-inch touchscreen was well-sized for the dashboard, with easy-to-read graphics and logical menus.

The 2024 MINI Countryman, while not a technology powerhouse, offered a useful infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen. The system, based on BMW's iDrive, provided multiple interaction methods, including a touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. However, it lacked Android Auto connectivity, offering only Apple CarPlay. A 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system was available, providing a significant audio upgrade.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came equipped with standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with high marks for crash prevention and overall safety.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered limited advanced driver assistance systems, with standard features like forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but the Countryman lacked blind-spot monitoring and other advanced features. The IIHS rated the Countryman highly in crashworthiness evaluations, but the absence of comprehensive safety features was notable.