MINI Countryman vs Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2025 MINI Countryman was a visually appealing vehicle, maintaining traditional Mini design elements such as wide-eyed headlights, a floating roof available in various colours, and vertical Union Jack taillights. These features were wrapped in modern sheet metal, giving the Countryman a contemporary yet classic look. Depending on the model, paint, interior, and wheels, the Countryman could appear as a conservative crossover or a performance-oriented SUV. Buyers had to choose between different models like the Countryman S, John Cooper Works (JCW), and the electric SE, each offering unique features and performance levels. The interior was stylish, with Vintage Brown artificial leather seats and a Petrol Blue fabric dashboard made from recycled polyester, providing a sense of quality and customization.

In contrast, the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold design that could polarize opinions. Its grille, spanning the entire width of the front end, was particularly divisive. The vehicle's personality changed significantly with different colours and trim levels, with body-coloured vertical strakes at each edge. The X-Line and X-Pro models replaced these strakes with rectangular grille blocks, accompanied by distinctive amber accent lights. The side profile featured unique faceted fender sculpting and black plastic tabs atop each wheel well, which some found unnecessary. The rear view, with rounded corners and vertical taillights, resembled a Range Rover, adding to its bold aesthetic. Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, featuring a simple horizontal dashboard layout and a modern, buttonless appearance. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim offered a luxurious two-tone palette, though some controls were difficult to read.

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 Core and Go Kart, which altered the driving dynamics and engine sound. However, the vehicle lacked refinement, with a clunky transmission and touchy brakes. Despite these issues, the Countryman was quick and nimble, providing a fun driving experience, especially in Go Kart mode. Fuel economy was estimated at 8.7 litres per 100 kilometres, but the test vehicle returned 9.6 L/100 km.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid model added electric motors, increasing output to 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed transmission. The Telluride Hybrid was quiet and smooth, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power. Both the standard and hybrid models were tuned for comfort, delivering a smooth ride. The X-Pro model, with its off-road suspension, was surprisingly comfortable, while the Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride due to its 20-inch wheels. The Telluride was composed on winding roads, though not particularly sporty, and the brake pedal required some getting used to.

The 2025 MINI Countryman offered seating for four adults, with the option to squeeze in a fifth passenger. The front seats were comfortable, and the artificial Vescin leather added an upscale feel. Visibility was good, aided by oversized side mirrors and an excellent surround-view camera system. The back seat was snug but comfortable, with air vents, USB charging ports, and a panoramic sunroof enhancing passenger satisfaction. Cargo space was generous, with 708 litres available behind the rear seats and 1,591 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid provided ample space for adults in all three rows, though the rearmost row was better suited for smaller passengers. The second row featured power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, offering comfort comparable to business-class airline seats. The middle-row seats had significant travel, allowing for more cargo or third-row legroom. Cargo capacity was impressive, with 631 litres behind the third row and up to 2,528 litres with the second-row seats folded. The Telluride could tow up to 2,268 kilograms, or 2,040 kilograms for the hybrid model.

The 2025 MINI Countryman featured a 9.4-inch OLED touchscreen infotainment display, though it received mixed reviews. It included cloud-based navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. An Intelligent Personal Assistant named Spike was supposed to recognize natural commands, but it was inactive in the test vehicle. The head-up display was helpful, providing information on upcoming turns and safety features.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch touchscreen for climate controls. It included a native navigation system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual wireless phone chargers. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though it required a firm tap to register inputs. A 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system was available, delivering excellent sound quality.

The 2025 MINI Countryman was well-equipped with safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. It also had automatic high-beam headlights, parking sensors, and an adaptive cruise control system with lane-centring assist. The Countryman was named a "Top Safety Pick" by the IIHS in 2024.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid was expected to include standard safety features such as forward collision warning, blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims offered additional features like a surround-view camera system and automatic reverse braking. The highway driving assist was particularly helpful, though the driver attention monitor occasionally triggered false alerts.