2024 Kia Carnival vs 2025 MINI Countryman

Ahead of a 2025-model-year refresh, the 2024 Kia Carnival carries over unchanged as Kia’s entry into a small, but competitive, minivan segment that also includes the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, and Toyota Sienna.

The Carnival offers a great driving experience and affordable starting price, but these upsides are tainted by a lack of all-wheel drive and mixed safety ratings.

Redesigned this year, the 2025 Countryman grows in size but remains a small crossover SUV. Expressively styled, infused with parent company BMW’s engineering and technology, and packed with cheeky Mini quirks, the Countryman is available in S All4, John Cooper Works All4, and electric SE All4 model series, each equipped with standard All4 all-wheel drive (AWD). It can comfortably hold rear-seat passengers, carries a competitive amount of cargo, and remains fun to drive.

Verdict: With prices starting at around $45,000 in Canada before fees, the Mini Countryman sells in entry-level luxury territory. However, anyone expecting plush refinement will want to shop elsewhere because the Countryman is decidedly rough around the edges. We begrudgingly accept its quirks in exchange for its personality, but many people likely won’t.