2024 Lexus GX vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2024 MINI Countryman was a playful nod to its British roots, with classic MINI styling cues like the erect wraparound windshield and floating roof. It proudly displayed Union Jack taillights, and offered a variety of paint and wheel design options. In Canada, the Countryman ALL4 lineup included several models, each with distinct drivetrains. The Cooper models featured a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, while the Cooper S and John Cooper Works boasted a more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Cooper SE was a plug-in hybrid with a modest electric range. Special editions like the Untamed Edition added unique features and styling elements. The Countryman was known for its distinctive look and retro interior, making it stand out in a sea of small SUVs.

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, embracing a more geometric and aggressive design. The spindle grille was less pronounced, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights. The new GX had a more vertical front end and a flat hood with humps over the front wheels for better off-road visibility. The side profile was minimalistic, with a low window beltline for improved visibility. The GX was available in a single trim level in Canada, with five packages emphasizing luxury or off-road capabilities. The interior blended luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a large 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions. The GX was less luxurious than some competitors but was built for durability and off-road prowess.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of performance options, with the John Cooper Works (JCW) model standing out for its speed. The JCW featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission. It could accelerate to 100 km/h in about 5 seconds. The Cooper S, with its 189 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque, was quick enough for most drivers, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds. The Countryman excelled in daily driving scenarios but wasn't designed for off-road adventures. Fuel economy was decent, with a combined rating of 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres, though real-world testing showed slightly higher consumption.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a new twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The powertrain provided ample low-end torque for off-road driving. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for improved stability. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time four-wheel drive with a locking Torsen limited-slip centre differential. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and advanced suspension technology for enhanced off-road capability. The GX performed well in both on-road and off-road conditions, with effective brakes and controlled handling. However, off-road testing was limited due to weather conditions.

The 2024 MINI Countryman provided seating for four adults and their luggage for a week-long trip. The front seats were small but supportive, and the steering wheel was comfortable to grip. While it had seatbelts for five, the rear seat was best suited for four passengers. Visibility was excellent, and the compact dimensions made parking easy. Interior storage was reasonable, though the smartphone charging pad blocked access to a storage tray. Cargo space was limited, with 498 litres behind the rear seats and 1,348 litres with the seats folded.

The 2024 Lexus GX offered a more minimalist and sophisticated interior compared to its predecessor. It had fewer physical buttons, with important controls retained. The first and second rows provided ample space for six-foot-tall adults, but the third row was cramped and suitable only for children. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 292 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,138 litres with the third row folded. Total cargo space reached 2,178 litres, with Overtrail models offering even more capacity.

The 2024 MINI Countryman featured a small digital instrumentation display and a head-up display projecting information on a small screen. The 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system used BMW's iDrive technology, offering multiple interaction methods, including touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. However, it lacked Android Auto connectivity, providing only Apple CarPlay. An available 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system enhanced the audio experience.

The 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen integrated into the dash, with USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad for front-seat passengers. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a voice assistant. Subscription services like Drive Connect and Remote Connect provided additional features. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with higher packages offering a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, subscription costs for certain features were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2024 MINI Countryman had limited advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), with Active Driving Assistant providing forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. It also had lane-departure warning and automatic high-beam headlights. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but other features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were absent. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Countryman as Good in crashworthiness evaluations.

The 2024 Lexus GX received a significant upgrade in safety features with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. It included pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, and road-sign recognition. Proactive driving assist was also available. While crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available, the new architecture and ADAS features inspired confidence in the GX's safety.