2024 Lexus TX vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2024 MINI Countryman was a playful nod to its British roots, showcasing classic MINI styling with its erect wraparound windshield and floating roof reminiscent of a bimini top. Its Union Jack taillights proudly declared its heritage, while a variety of paint, roof, and mirror cap treatments allowed for personalization. In Canada, the Countryman ALL4 lineup included the Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works models, each with distinct drivetrains. The Cooper models featured a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, while the Cooper S and John Cooper Works boasted a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in varying tunes. The Cooper SE was a plug-in hybrid offering a modest 29 kilometres of electric range before switching to a gas-electric hybrid mode. Special editions like the Untamed Edition added unique features and styling elements, enhancing the MINI's distinctive appeal.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander but distinguished itself as a luxury SUV with upscale styling. The TX's design was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a subtler aesthetic. The TX 350 Executive package included striking 22-inch wheels that enhanced its presence. The TX lineup featured the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486. The TX 350, likely the most popular variant, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The Ultra Luxury and Executive packages offered additional features, with the latter available in 7-seat and 6-seat configurations. The TX's interior was luxurious, though the dark Peppercorn interior could feel too sombre despite the panoramic sunroof.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of performance options, with the John Cooper Works (JCW) model standing out for its speed and power. 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 and all-wheel drive. It could accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately 5 seconds, making it the choice for those seeking speed. The Cooper S, with its 189 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, was more suited for everyday driving, reaching 100 km/h in about 7.3 seconds. The Countryman excelled in urban environments, offering a zippy and athletic feel, though it wasn't designed for off-road adventures. Fuel economy was rated at 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres, but real-world testing showed a slightly higher average of 9.3 L/100 km.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it could reach 100 km/h in roughly eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The TX 350's performance was adequate for typical driving scenarios, but its engine note could be grating. Fuel economy was rated at 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres, only a slight improvement over the previous RX L model. During testing, the TX 350 averaged 13.8 L/100 km, with the U.S. specification front-wheel drive model. The TX's suspension provided a comfortable ride with commendable body motion control, and the steering was accurate and responsive. However, the brake pedal felt too soft, though it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered seating for four adults, with enough luggage space for a week-long road trip. The front seats were small but supportive, and the steering wheel was a pleasure to grip. While the Countryman had seatbelts for five, four passengers were more comfortable. Rear legroom was sufficient for taller passengers, but fitting a fifth person was challenging unless they were children. Visibility was excellent, and the compact dimensions made parking easy. Interior storage was reasonable, though the smartphone charging pad blocked access to the tray beneath it. Cargo space was limited, with 498 litres available behind the rear seats and 1,348 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs, offering a more spacious and comfortable interior. The TX 350 test unit featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard. The second-row bench seat was comfortable, though captain's chairs were available with the Executive package. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, a significant improvement over previous models. Sliding the second-row seat forward provided more space for third-row passengers, though it compromised second-row comfort. The TX offered numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise. Cargo space was generous, with 572 litres behind the third row and up to 2,746 litres with all seats folded down.

The 2024 MINI Countryman was not a technology powerhouse but offered useful features. It had 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, with multiple interaction methods, including touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. The system lacked Android Auto but offered Apple CarPlay. A 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system was available, providing excellent audio quality.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional features in the Executive packages. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a 14-inch touchscreen display, with a Drive Connect subscription offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, and the TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2024 MINI Countryman had limited advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), with Active Driving Assistant providing forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Rear parking sensors and an emergency SOS call button were standard, with adaptive cruise control available as an option. The Countryman lacked blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and other advanced features. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Countryman as Good in crashworthiness evaluations.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), offering a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Proactive Drive Assist provided additional braking and steering assistance, though it was not always transparent. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features included front and rear parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. LSS+ 3.0 was generally smooth and effective, though it could slow too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.