2024 MINI Countryman vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 MINI Countryman exuded a playful charm, staying true to its British roots with classic MINI styling elements. Its design featured an erect wraparound windshield, a floating roof reminiscent of a bimini top, and Union Jack taillights that proudly declared its heritage. The Countryman offered a variety of customization options, including numerous paint treatments, roof and mirror cap colours, and multiple wheel designs. In Canada, the lineup included the Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works models, each with distinct drivetrain configurations. The Cooper models were equipped with a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, while the Cooper S and John Cooper Works boasted a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in varying states of tune. The Cooper SE was a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, 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 to the mix.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 presented a more sophisticated and luxurious appearance. Its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels gave it the look of a luxury SUV. The sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while the short front overhang, long hood, and rear-axle-focused cabin placement contributed to its athletic stance. Inside, the CX-90 continued the premium theme with an elegantly designed interior featuring polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear. However, some ergonomic issues, such as a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls, detracted from the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90 exuded sophistication and offered a compelling alternative to mainstream midsize three-row SUVs.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of performance options, with the John Cooper Works (JCW) model standing out as the most powerful. It 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. MINI claimed the JCW could accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately 5 seconds, making it the choice for those seeking speed and excitement. The Cooper S, with its 189 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, provided a zippy and athletic driving experience, reaching 100 km/h in about 7.3 seconds. While the Countryman excelled in daily commuting and errand-running, it wasn't designed for off-road adventures. Fuel economy was a consideration, with a Natural Resources Canada rating of 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, although real-world testing showed slightly higher consumption.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offered three powertrain options, including the standard-output 3.3 Turbo, the high-output 3.3 Turbo, and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The standard-output engine delivered 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the high-output version produced 319 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The power was transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system with a rear-wheel bias for improved dynamics. The CX-90's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, and it offered various driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing. Fuel economy ratings were competitive, with the standard engine achieving 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres combined, while the high-output version rated at 9.5 L/100 km. The PHEV offered 42 kilometres of electric range and a combined rating of 9.4 L/100 km once the battery was depleted. Despite its impressive ride and handling, the CX-90's drivetrain refinement fell short, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour, especially during cold starts.

The 2024 MINI Countryman provided 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, it was more comfortable for four passengers. Rear legroom and foot space were adequate, but squeezing in a fifth person was challenging unless they were children. The Countryman's compact dimensions made parking easy, although it lacked advanced parking technologies like a surround-view camera. Interior storage was reasonable, but the smartphone charging pad blocked 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 down.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offered a spacious interior with Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and second-row captain's chairs. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin quickly. The panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions. The third row was best suited for children, although adults could fit comfortably with some adjustments. The CX-90's interior design prioritized style over practicality, with limited storage options. Cargo space was competitive, with 451 litres behind the third row, 1,155 litres with the third row folded, and 2,129 litres with the second row flattened.

The 2024 MINI Countryman featured a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen housed in a round display reminiscent of classic MINI models. The system offered multiple interaction methods, including a touchscreen, steering wheel controls, a control knob, and voice recognition. While the system lacked Android Auto, it supported Apple CarPlay. The available 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system delivered excellent audio quality. The head-up display provided useful information, although it was mounted only slightly higher than the digital instrumentation.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's technology was presented in a traditional manner, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring the use of a control knob for the native Mazda Connect platform. The voice recognition system was inconsistent, and Mazda planned to introduce a new Google built-in infotainment system in future models. The 12-speaker Bose audio system provided a rewarding listening experience, and the head-up display offered helpful data. However, the CX-90's technology lacked the high-tech look of some competitors.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered basic safety features, including 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 also included, with adaptive cruise control available as an option. However, the Countryman lacked advanced safety technologies like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Countryman the highest rating of Good in crashworthiness evaluations.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in all crash tests conducted by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and rear parking sensors. Higher trim levels added advanced features like steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids were effective, although the audible warning systems could be overwhelming.