2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, was a standout in the compact crossover SUV segment. It exuded a sense of luxury with its stylish design and high-quality materials, making it feel more like a premium vehicle than a mass-market option. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the model boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Mazda's decision to transition the CX-5 to the CX-50 was a strategic move, allowing consumers to adjust to the change while maintaining the model's appeal. The CX-5 was praised for its quality, refinement, and sophistication across all versions, offering a choice between a standard 187-horsepower engine and a more powerful 256-hp turbocharged variant.

In contrast, the 2024 MINI Countryman embraced its playful and distinctive design, showcasing classic MINI styling cues and a bold British heritage. The Countryman offered a variety of paint, roof, and mirror cap treatments, along with multiple wheel designs, allowing for personalization. The lineup included Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works models, each with different powertrains. The Cooper S and John Cooper Works versions were noted for their turbocharged four-cylinder engines, while the Cooper SE provided a plug-in hybrid option. The Countryman was known for its unique styling and retro interior design, offering a refreshing alternative to the often bland small SUV segment.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options, starting with the Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, achieving a fuel economy rating of 9.0 L/100 km in combined driving. The more enticing option was the 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produced 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. This engine also featured a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD, with a fuel economy of 9.8 L/100 km. The CX-5's updates in 2022 improved its structural rigidity, suspension dampening, and transmission responsiveness, enhancing its driving dynamics and making it feel more like an entry-level luxury vehicle.

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, producing 301 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. This model featured an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and AWD, achieving 0-100 km/h in approximately 5 seconds. The Cooper S model, with its turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-100 km/h in about 7.3 seconds. The Cooper S was equipped with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and standard AWD in Canada. The Countryman excelled in daily driving scenarios, offering a zippy and athletic feel, though it was not as engaging for spirited driving as the John Cooper Works model. The Cooper S had a fuel consumption rating of 9.1 L/100 km, slightly higher than expected during testing.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 received updates to its front seats for improved comfort and support, with height-adjustable seats available across most trims. Higher trims offered power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated seats, and premium Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited, with smaller storage areas, cramped rear-seat space, and a cargo capacity of 871 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,680 litres with the seats folded. The infotainment system lacked a conversational voice recognition system, making it less user-friendly compared to competitors.

The 2024 MINI Countryman provided seating for four adults, with supportive front seats and ample rear legroom. While it technically seated five, the rear seat was more comfortable for four passengers. The Countryman offered good outward visibility and easy parking, though it lacked advanced parking technologies. Interior storage was reasonable, but the smartphone charging pad obstructed access to the storage tray. Cargo space was limited, with 498 litres behind the rear seats and 1,348 litres with the seats folded. The 40/20/40-split folding back seat allowed for flexible cargo arrangements.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was criticized for its awkward physical controls and lack of a helpful voice recognition system. The system required memorization and focus to operate, making it less intuitive than touchscreens. Despite this, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. Upper trims included a Bose premium audio system and a surround-view camera system.

The 2024 MINI Countryman featured an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with BMW's iDrive technology, offering multiple interaction methods, including a touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and a voice-recognition system. The system was user-friendly and responsive, though it lacked Android Auto connectivity. A 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system was available, providing excellent audio quality.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with the i-Activsense suite offering a range of driver assistance technologies. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The CX-5 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a five-star overall rating and a Top Safety Pick designation. However, the lack of a warning for driving without headlights at night was a noted concern.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered basic safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. It lacked advanced systems like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. The Countryman received Good ratings in IIHS crashworthiness evaluations, though some testing procedures were incomplete.