2024 MINI Countryman vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from Volvo's past boxy designs. It presented a purposeful yet understated appearance, with a stout front end and an assertive grille that avoided being overly flashy. The recognizable “Thor’s Hammer” headlights added a modern touch absent in older models. The XC90 maintained a rectilinear shape but was far from the toaster-like designs of the past. The Ultimate trim featured 21-inch wheels and a Platinum Grey paint with rich undertones, enhancing its elegant look. Inside, the XC90 boasted a minimalist yet luxurious interior with two-tone leather, metal speaker covers, and Nappa leather upholstery, complemented by tasteful wood inlays.

The 2024 MINI Countryman embraced its playful heritage with classic MINI styling, including a wraparound windshield and Union Jack taillights. It offered various paint and design options, allowing for personalization. The Countryman ALL4 lineup in Canada included several models, each with distinct powertrains. The Cooper S and John Cooper Works variants stood out for their performance, while the Cooper SE offered a plug-in hybrid option. The test vehicle, a Cooper S, featured additional options like the Premier+ 2.0 line and Untamed Edition, adding unique wheels and interior features. The Countryman’s design and retro interior provided a unique experience, setting it apart from other small SUVs.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine with mild-hybrid technology, replacing older powertrains. This setup offered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, slightly less than its predecessor but with improved efficiency. The mild-hybrid system used a 13-volt starter generator to reduce engine load, enhancing the driving experience with smooth acceleration and minimal noise. The XC90’s eight-speed automatic transmission performed seamlessly, and its handling was impressive for its size. While lacking extensive off-road features, the XC90 provided a straightforward driving experience with minimal drive modes.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered varied performance across its models. The John Cooper Works variant delivered 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in about 5 seconds. The Cooper S, with 189 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, was quick and agile, 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. Its fuel economy was decent, with a rating of 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres, though real-world testing showed slightly higher consumption.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a serene front-seat experience but had limited storage space. The second row was comfortable, though accessing the third row was challenging. With the third row in use, cargo space was 356 litres, expanding to 1,856 litres with seats folded, which was less than some competitors. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a more compact vehicle, enhancing its appeal.

The 2024 MINI Countryman accommodated four adults comfortably, with supportive front seats and ample rear legroom. Visibility was excellent, and its compact size made parking easy. Interior storage was reasonable, though the smartphone charging pad obstructed access to other areas. Cargo space was limited, with 498 litres available behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,348 litres with seats folded. The Countryman’s design allowed for flexible cargo arrangements, though the plug-in hybrid model had slightly reduced capacity.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Google OS, integrating Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. While the system was advanced, it relied heavily on the touchscreen, which could be frustrating. Keyless entry was standard, with an optional head-up display.

The 2024 MINI Countryman included an 8.8-inch touchscreen with BMW’s iDrive technology, offering multiple interaction methods. The system was user-friendly, though it lacked Android Auto, providing only Apple CarPlay. A 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system was available, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+. It included standard features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control, supported by Pilot Assist technology.

The 2024 MINI Countryman had fewer advanced safety features. It included Active Driving Assistant with forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Optional adaptive cruise control was available, but it lacked blind-spot monitoring and other advanced systems. The IIHS rated it highly in crashworthiness evaluations.