2024 MINI Countryman vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 MINI Countryman exuded a playful charm, staying true to its British roots with classic MINI styling cues. Its erect wraparound windshield and floating roof design gave it a distinctive look, while the Union Jack taillights proudly declared its heritage. The Countryman offered a variety of paint, roof, and mirror cap treatments, along with multiple wheel designs, allowing for a personalized touch. In Canada, the Countryman ALL4 lineup included the Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works models, each with different drivetrain options. 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, a plug-in hybrid, provided 29 kilometres of electric range before switching to hybrid mode, achieving 8.0 L/100 km in combined driving. Special editions like the Untamed Edition added unique features and styling elements, enhancing the Countryman's appeal.

The 2024 Volvo XC90, available in B6 and Recharge T8 models, showcased a sophisticated and practical design. The B6 model featured a turbocharged and supercharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the Recharge T8, a plug-in hybrid, offered impressive performance and efficiency with 53 kilometres of electric-only range. Both models came standard with all-wheel drive. The XC90's exterior paint palette was subdued and earthy, aligning with its luxury SUV status. Inside, the XC90's interior, though dated, was adorned with rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery and ventilated Nappa leather. The Orrefors crystal shift knob and natural wood trim added a touch of elegance. Volvo's attention to detail extended to the ability to mix and match paint, wheels, and upholstery, catering to discerning customers.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of performance options, with the John Cooper Works model standing out for its speed and power. Equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, it delivered 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 5 seconds. The Cooper S, with its 189 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque, provided a zippy and athletic driving experience, achieving 100 km/h in about 7.3 seconds. The Countryman excelled in daily commuting and errand-running, though it wasn't designed for off-road adventures. Fuel economy was a consideration, with the test vehicle averaging 9.3 L/100 km in combined driving, slightly above the rated 9.1 L/100 km.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. It offered 53 kilometres of electric-only driving and averaged 8.9 L/100 km in hybrid mode. The XC90's performance was lively, with a five-second sprint to 100 km/h in Power mode. Recharging was convenient, with options for standard and 240-volt outlets. The XC90's driving modes, including Pure, Power, and Hybrid, allowed for versatile performance. However, the SUV's handling was more focused on luxury than sportiness, with a firm ride and some cabin noise.

The 2024 MINI Countryman provided seating for four adults, with supportive front seats and ample legroom in the rear. While it technically accommodated five passengers, four would be more comfortable. The Countryman's compact dimensions made parking easy, though it lacked advanced parking technologies. Interior storage was reasonable, but the smartphone charging pad obstructed access to the tray beneath it. Cargo space was limited, with 498 litres behind the rear seats and 1,348 litres with the seats folded.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 offered a well-equipped interior with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, and wood trim. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims included features like a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats with massage. The XC90 seated seven, with a comfortable second-row bench and a more accommodating third row than expected. Interior storage was adequate, and cargo capacity reached 1,854 litres with the third row folded and 2,426 litres with the second row down.

The 2024 MINI Countryman featured a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, incorporating BMW's iDrive technology. It offered multiple interaction methods, including touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. While it lacked Android Auto, it supported Apple CarPlay. The available 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system provided excellent audio quality.

The 2024 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system utilized Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. It was compatible with Android devices and included Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM. The XC90 offered premium sound systems, including a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins option. The infotainment system was intuitive, and the digital voice assistant enhanced the user experience.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered basic safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. It lacked advanced driver assistance systems like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated it highly in crashworthiness evaluations.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 excelled in safety, with a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. While it lacked innovative ADAS features, it included Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist. However, Pilot Assist had limitations, particularly on highway exits.