2023 Kia Telluride vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models showcased a refreshed design with updated front and rear styling, new headlights and taillights, and a selection of new wheel designs. The SUV was available in striking new paint colours such as Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, while the interior offered fresh hues like Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels, while the X-Pro model added exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road appeal. Inside, the Telluride boasted a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both housed under a curved 24-inch glass panel, giving the interior a modern touch. Minor interior updates included new colours, trim changes, a redesigned steering wheel, and a more functional centre console.

The 2024 MINI Countryman retained its classic MINI styling with an erect wraparound windshield, a floating roof, and Union Jack taillights, proudly displaying its British heritage. The Countryman offered a variety of paint, roof, and mirror cap treatments, along with multiple wheel designs. In Canada, the lineup included Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works models, each with distinct powertrains. The Cooper S and John Cooper Works models featured turbocharged four-cylinder engines, while the Cooper SE was a plug-in hybrid with a 29-kilometre electric range. The Untamed Edition, available on the Cooper S and SE ALL4 variants, added unique features like 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, a Nappa leather steering wheel, and illuminated interior surfaces. The Countryman's interior was a blend of retro design and modern technology, offering a unique driving experience.

The 2023 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting for improved traction. The Telluride X-Line averaged 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, while the X-Pro returned 11.5 L/100 km, including off-road driving. The X-Pro model was equipped with 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an improved cooling system, increasing towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. The Telluride's suspension was raised by 10 mm, enhancing its off-road capabilities, and it featured a new Downhill Brake Control system for added safety on slopes. On highways, the Telluride offered a smooth and quiet ride, with some wind noise at higher speeds.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of powertrains, with the John Cooper Works model featuring a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 5 seconds. The Cooper S model, with a 2.0-litre engine generating 189 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, reached 100 km/h in about 7.3 seconds. The Countryman excelled in daily driving scenarios, offering a zippy and athletic feel. However, it was not suited for off-road adventures, and while it handled twisty roads well, it was not as engaging as some other models. The Cooper S had a fuel consumption rating of 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres, but during testing, it averaged 9.3 L/100 km.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. Test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The interior offered ample space, with comfortable front seats and a power lumbar stabilization system for long trips. The second row included manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. The third-row seating area was accessible and more comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride provided generous storage space, with a smart power tailgate and a maximum cargo volume of 2,455 litres with both rear rows folded down.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered seating for four adults, with supportive front seats and adequate legroom in the rear. While it technically seated five, the rear seat was more comfortable for four passengers. The Countryman provided excellent outward visibility and easy parking, though it lacked some advanced parking technologies. Interior storage was reasonable, but the smartphone charging pad blocked access to the tray beneath it. Cargo space was limited, with 498 litres available behind the back seat and 1,348 litres with the rear seat folded down. The 40/20/40-split folding back seat design allowed for carrying longer items.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. The system supported over-the-air updates and Bluetooth pairing for two devices. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. New digital-key technology and a Full Display rear-view mirror were available, along with an optional head-up display. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature, alerting drivers when traffic ahead started moving.

The 2024 MINI Countryman was equipped with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system using BMW's iDrive technology. It offered multiple interaction methods, including a touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and a voice-recognition system. However, it lacked Android Auto, providing only Apple CarPlay. A 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available, offering a significant improvement over the standard six-speaker system. The Countryman also featured a head-up display, though it was mounted only slightly higher than the digital instrumentation.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. It also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Advanced features like Highway Drive Assist and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist were available, along with a surround-view camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2024 MINI Countryman included Active Driving Assistant, which provided forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. It also featured lane-departure warning and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked many advanced driver assistance systems, such as blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. The Countryman received a Good rating in crashworthiness evaluations from the IIHS.