2024 MINI Countryman vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 MINI Countryman embraced its playful heritage with classic Mini styling cues, including a wraparound windshield and a floating roof reminiscent of a bimini top. Its Union Jack tail lights proudly showcased its British roots. Buyers could personalize their Countryman with various paint options, roof treatments, and wheel designs. However, dark tinted rear privacy glass was an optional feature rather than standard. The lineup included Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works models, each with distinct drivetrains. The Cooper S, with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, was a popular choice for those seeking a balance of performance and efficiency. The Iconic trim added premium features like leather upholstery, a head-up display, and wireless smartphone charging, enhancing the overall experience.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 was lauded for its elegant design, featuring graceful curves that set it apart from its competitors. Despite not having been redesigned since 2017, its timeless styling continued to impress. The interior offered a blend of traditional and modern elements, with high-quality materials and a user-friendly layout. While it lacked the large infotainment screens of some rivals, the physical buttons and knobs provided a more intuitive experience. The CX-5's interior was often compared to those of entry-level luxury SUVs, offering a refined feel that exceeded expectations for its class.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of performance options. The John Cooper Works model was the standout, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. The Cooper S, with 189 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque, provided a spirited drive, reaching 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. While the Countryman excelled in daily driving scenarios, it wasn't designed for off-road adventures. The test vehicle averaged 25.4 mpg, slightly below its EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine choices. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivered 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in about 8 seconds. The Turbo model, with 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, was quicker, reaching 60 mph in approximately 6 seconds. The CX-5's all-wheel-drive system and well-tuned suspension provided a sporty driving experience, with minimal body roll and confident handling. While the ride was slightly firm, it remained comfortable for most passengers, and the quiet cabin enhanced long-distance comfort.

Inside the 2024 MINI Countryman, there was room for four adults and their luggage for a week-long trip. The Iconic trim added dual-zone climate control, premium leather, and power-adjustable heated front seats. While the Countryman technically seated five, four passengers were more comfortable. Visibility was excellent, but the lack of a surround-view camera was a drawback. Cargo space was limited, with 17.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 47.6 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offered a stylish interior with adequate headroom and legroom for adults, though some rivals provided more space. It featured 30.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 58.1 cubic feet with them folded. The cargo area was wide and flat, accommodating larger items. The CX-5 included practical storage solutions, such as cupholders and a deep center armrest bin, with wireless charging available on midlevel trims.

The 2024 MINI Countryman featured an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with multiple interaction methods, including a control knob and voice recognition. While it lacked Android Auto, Apple CarPlay was available. The Iconic trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment display controlled by a center console dial. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with wireless connectivity on higher trims. The CX-5's system was intuitive, with logical menus and easy operation. A head-up display was standard on Premium Plus trims and above, projecting essential information onto the windshield. The top Signature model featured a 10-speaker Bose audio system.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered basic safety features, including forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. However, it lacked advanced systems like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. The IIHS rated it "Good" in crashworthiness tests.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, earning five stars from the NHTSA and a "Good" rating from the IIHS. It included standard features like forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added advanced features such as a surround-view camera and traffic jam assist.