2024 MINI Countryman vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant shift in design from its predecessors, presenting a more assertive and truck-like appearance. It was longer and wider, with a muscular stance that was visually evident. The classic D-pillar taillights were modernized with three L shapes, contributing to a more aggressive look. The CR-V Hybrid Touring trim, tested in Canyon River Blue, featured sporty elements like black roof rails and mirrors, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and 19-inch wheels. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid followed the design direction of the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, with a premium feel and high-quality materials, including contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2024 MINI Countryman embraced its playful and classic MINI styling, with a wraparound windshield, floating roof, and Union Jack taillights. It offered a variety of paint and wheel design options, allowing for personalization. The Countryman ALL4 lineup in Canada included various models, each with different powertrains. The Cooper S and John Cooper Works models were noted for their turbocharged engines, while the Cooper SE was a plug-in hybrid. The test vehicle, a Cooper S with additional options, was priced at $53,456 in Canada. The Premier+ 2.0 line and Untamed Edition added features like power folding mirrors, a head-up display, and unique wheels, enhancing the Countryman's appeal.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a simplified powertrain lineup, with a hybrid option combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date, with a top speed of 185 km/h. The hybrid powertrain was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and featured four drive modes: Snow, Sport, Normal, and Econ. The updated Real Time AWD system could send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels, and the CR-V Hybrid was equipped with a hill-descent control system. Fuel efficiency was impressive, with an estimated consumption of 6.0 L/100 km in the city, 6.9 on the highway, and 6.4 combined.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of powertrains, with the John Cooper Works model standing out for its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. It could accelerate to 100 km/h in about 5 seconds. The Cooper S model, with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, was quick enough for most drivers, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds. The Countryman excelled in daily driving scenarios, though it wasn't designed for off-road adventures. Fuel consumption for the Cooper S was rated at 9.1 L/100 km combined, though our test averaged 9.3 L/100 km.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's larger exterior translated to increased interior space, with 1,028 litres of cargo space with rear seats up and 2,030 litres with them folded. Rear seat legroom increased to 1,042 mm, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The CR-V featured wide-opening rear doors and an improved LATCH system for easy car seat installation. The interior boasted eight cupholders and a cubby for smartphones, with a traditional console design offering best-in-class storage.

The 2024 MINI Countryman provided room for four adults and their luggage, though it technically seated five. The front seats were small but supportive, and rear legroom was sufficient for taller passengers. Visibility was excellent, and the Countryman's compact dimensions made parking easy. Interior storage was reasonable, though the smartphone charging pad blocked access to the tray beneath it. Cargo space was limited, with 498 litres behind the rear seats and 1,348 litres with seats folded. The 40/20/40-split folding back seat allowed for flexible cargo arrangements.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display with physical volume and tuning knobs, while the EX-L and Hybrid Touring trims had a 9-inch touchscreen with a volume knob. The CR-V Hybrid was well-equipped with USB ports, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, and seats. The Hybrid Touring trim added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Honda's smart navigation system optimized fuel efficiency based on the route.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a modest technology suite, with a small digital instrumentation display and a head-up display. The 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system used BMW's iDrive technology, with multiple interaction methods, including a touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. The system lacked Android Auto but included Apple CarPlay. A 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system was available, providing a significant audio upgrade.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistance technologies. New features for 2023 included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. The CR-V earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with new airbags and a stiffer structure enhancing crash protection.

The 2024 MINI Countryman had limited advanced driver assistance systems, with Active Driving Assistant providing forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Rear parking sensors and an emergency SOS call button were standard, with adaptive cruise control available as an option. The Countryman lacked features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. The IIHS rated the Countryman highly in crashworthiness evaluations.