MINI Countryman vs Genesis GV80

The 2025 MINI Countryman was a charming blend of classic and contemporary design elements. It retained the iconic Mini features such as wide-eyed headlights and vertical Union Jack taillights, all wrapped in modern sheet metal. Depending on the model and customization choices, the Countryman could present as either a conservative crossover or a sporty SUV. The interior was stylish, with Vintage Brown artificial leather seats and a Petrol Blue fabric dashboard made from recycled polyester, offering a sense of quality and sophistication. The bright British Racing Green paint and 20-inch Windmill Spoke wheels made a bold statement, although the faint gold tint on the trim and wheels was not to everyone's taste.

In contrast, the 2025 Genesis GV80 was a testament to sophisticated design, with a refined exterior that included a more aggressive lower bumper and a tweaked Genesis logo. The front fascia maintained the traditional two horizontal bar headlights, now enhanced with a micro lens array. The interior was equally impressive, featuring quilted Nappa leather seats and unique accents like basalt or recycled newspaper trim. The centre console was thoughtfully designed with tactile dials for gear selection and drive modes. Despite its stunning aesthetics, the GV80's seats were noted for being unyielding, which could detract from comfort on longer journeys.

The 2025 MINI Countryman S was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, allowing it to accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately 6.4 seconds. The Countryman offered different driving modes, including the spirited Go Kart mode, which enhanced its nimble and zippy nature. However, the vehicle's refinement was lacking, with a clunky DCT and a noisy ride on anything but smooth pavement. The steering was not as precise as desired, and the brakes were touchy, making them difficult to modulate. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the test vehicle returning 9.6 L/100 km, higher than the official estimate.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options, with the top Prestige trim featuring a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Standard all-wheel drive provided excellent traction, and the vehicle's adaptive suspension offered a comfortable ride, although it leaned towards a floaty feel rather than sporty. The brakes were firm and reliable, and the GV80 handled rough roads with ease, maintaining a quiet cabin. While the GV80 was not designed for sporty driving, it excelled in providing a smooth and luxurious cruising experience.

The 2025 MINI Countryman provided seating for four adults, with the option to squeeze in a fifth passenger, though not recommended for comfort. The front seats were comfortable, and the artificial Vescin leather added an upscale touch. Visibility was good, aided by oversized side mirrors and an excellent surround-view camera system. The rear seats were snug but comfortable, with amenities like air vents and USB charging ports enhancing passenger satisfaction. Cargo space was generous, with 708 litres available, expanding to 1,591 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 offered a well-equipped interior with power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The top trim added ventilated seats and four-zone climate control. However, the seats were noted for being rigid, which could be uncomfortable on long trips. The second row provided ample legroom, and a third row was available on the Prestige trim, though best suited for children. Cargo space was expected to be similar to the 2024 model's 990 litres, and the GV80 could tow up to 2,720 kilograms.

The 2025 MINI Countryman featured a 9.4-inch OLED touchscreen infotainment display, though it was criticized for its complex menus and lack of physical controls. It included cloud-based navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Harman Kardon audio system. An Intelligent Personal Assistant named Spike was supposed to enhance usability, but it was inactive during testing. The head-up display was a helpful addition, providing essential information without cluttering the centre display.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 boasted a 27-inch OLED screen combining a digital gauge cluster and infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though delayed. The infotainment system was praised for its graphics but criticized for its menu complexity. A programmable favourite button offered some customization, and the top trim included a 12-inch head-up display. The Bang & Olufsen stereo system provided exceptional sound quality, with adjustable surround sound settings.

The 2025 MINI Countryman was well-equipped with safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. An adaptive cruise control system with lane-centring assist was available in the Premier+ package. The Countryman received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS in 2024.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 included advanced driver aids like lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance, and blind-spot monitoring. Upper trims added features like remote smart parking and a 360-degree camera system. The Highway Drive Assist II system was standard, with an attention monitor to ensure driver focus. The 2024 model received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, and the 2025 model was expected to perform similarly.