2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a standout in Canada, significantly outselling its sibling, the Land Rover Discovery. Despite sharing similar size and price points, the Defender's design resonated more with consumers, reminiscent of the classic boxy look of the old LR4. Its design was a testament to good industrial design, with consistent themes of sharp corners and steep angles. The Defender's exterior paid homage to its 1980s predecessor with tasteful accents like the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and a full-size wheel mounted on the hatch. Available in three body styles—90, 110, and 130—the Defender offered unparalleled choice in the SUV market.

Inside, the Defender maintained its rugged character, focusing on function and durability. Despite its high price, the interior was basic, with rubber and plastic surfaces designed to resist moisture and stains. The dashboard featured a wide metal piece, exposed screws, and plain air vents, creating a utilitarian feel. While the build quality was excellent, the interior lacked the opulence of a Range Rover, making the Defender's high price tag seem excessive to some. However, its sales success in Canada indicated that many consumers appreciated its unique character.

The 2024 MINI Countryman embraced its playful nature, showcasing classic MINI styling with a wraparound windshield, floating roof, and Union Jack taillights. It offered a variety of paint and wheel options, allowing for personalization. The Canadian lineup included the Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works models, each with distinct powertrains. The Cooper S and John Cooper Works models stood out with turbocharged four-cylinder engines, while the Cooper SE offered a plug-in hybrid option. The Countryman was available with special editions like the Untamed Edition, adding unique features and styling elements.

Inside, the Countryman provided a unique experience with its retro design and comfortable seating for four adults. The interior offered reasonable storage, though the cargo space was limited compared to other small SUVs. The infotainment system, housed in a round centre display, used BMW's iDrive technology, offering multiple interaction methods. While the system lacked Android Auto, it provided Apple CarPlay and a premium sound system option. The Countryman's technology was practical, though not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its air suspension allowed it to tackle challenging terrains, though most owners would not fully utilize its capabilities. On-road, the Defender's performance was less refined, with noticeable body roll, slow steering, and wind noise. The turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided strong performance, with the V8 delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The six-cylinder engine, part of a mild hybrid system, offered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft, balancing performance and fuel efficiency. The four-cylinder engine, with 296 hp and 295 lb-ft, was less impressive for highway driving. Fuel economy varied, with the V8 being the least efficient.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of powertrains, with the John Cooper Works model delivering 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in about 5 seconds. The Cooper S, with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft, provided a zippy and athletic drive, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds. The Countryman excelled in daily driving, though it was not suited for off-road adventures. Fuel economy was reasonable, with the Cooper S averaging 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, though our test showed slightly higher consumption.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered exceptional versatility with its seating configurations. The Defender 90 could seat six with a jump seat, while the 110 and 130 models offered optional third rows, accommodating up to eight passengers. The interior featured large windows and moonroofs, providing excellent visibility. Cargo space varied by model, with the 130 offering up to 2,180 litres with seats folded. The Defender's off-road capabilities were complemented by features like a metal roof rack, console refrigerator, and power-deployable side steps.

The 2024 MINI Countryman provided comfortable seating for four adults, with supportive front seats and adequate rear legroom. Visibility was excellent, and the compact dimensions made parking easy. Interior storage was reasonable, though the cargo space was limited, with 498 litres behind the rear seats and 1,348 litres with seats folded. The Countryman offered a 40/20/40-split folding back seat for added flexibility.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems with Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen and optional 11.4-inch screen were user-friendly, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard features included heated front seats, keyless entry, and heated mirrors. Higher trims added features like air suspension, a head-up display, and a rearview mirror with a camera display.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered practical technology, with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system using BMW's iDrive technology. The system provided multiple interaction methods, including a touchscreen, control knob, and voice recognition. While it lacked Android Auto, it offered Apple CarPlay and an optional Harman Kardon sound system. The head-up display was useful, though the technology was not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash testing, though it lacked some airbags. Standard safety features included lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel with maps and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered basic safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. It lacked some advanced driver assistance systems, such as blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. The Countryman received a Good rating in IIHS crashworthiness evaluations.