MINI Countryman vs Mercedes-Benz GLA

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA presented a modernized look with its new generation, fitting snugly as the smallest SUV in the Mercedes lineup. Its proportions and styling were designed to reflect its position below the GLS, GLE, GLC, and GLB models. The GLA's dimensions placed it on the larger side of the subcompact class, comparable to the BMW X1. It was 7.6 centimetres taller and 1.2 cm shorter than its predecessor, with short overhangs and cladding that added to its muscular appearance. Despite the small-looking windows, the seating positions provided ample visibility. However, the interior, particularly in the GLA 250, was filled with less-than-premium surfaces, detracting from its luxury appeal.

In contrast, the 2025 MINI Countryman was fundamentally appealing with its traditional Mini cues, such as wide-eyed headlights and a floating roof, wrapped in modern sheet metal. Depending on the model and customization options, the Countryman could appear as a conservative crossover or a performance SUV. The Countryman S, JCW, and SE models offered varying levels of power and performance, with the SE being an electric model. The interior featured Vintage Brown artificial leather seats and an adaptive damping suspension, contributing to a sense of quality. Despite some criticisms of the faint gold tint on the trim and wheels, the Countryman made a bold statement with its customizable LED exterior lighting and stylish interior.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA offered three variants: the GLA 250 4MATIC, AMG GLA 35, and AMG GLA 45. The GLA 250 4MATIC was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h. The AMG GLA 35 and AMG GLA 45 models offered increased power, with the latter achieving 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. The GLA's AWD system could be adjusted through various drive modes, and while the ride quality was good, road noise was a notable issue.

The 2025 MINI Countryman S featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 6.4 seconds and had a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms. The Countryman offered different driving modes, including Core and Go Kart, which adjusted the driving dynamics and infotainment display. However, the lack of refinement was evident, with clunky shifting from the dual-clutch transmission and a lack of paddle shifters. Despite these issues, the Countryman was described as zippy and fun to drive, though road noise and ride compliance were concerns.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA provided a more SUV-like seating position with its added height, offering fantastic headroom and legroom for front passengers. The rear seats, with a 40/20/40 split-fold, offered improved legroom, making them comfortable for smaller adults. The GLA's cargo capacity was 435 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,430 litres with the seats folded, providing ample storage space for a family road trip.

The 2025 MINI Countryman offered seating for four adults, with the back seat remaining snug but comfortable. The front seats were comfortable, and the artificial Vescin leather added an upscale feel. The Countryman provided good outward visibility and an excellent surround-view camera system. Cargo space was generous, with 708 litres available behind the rear seats and 1,591 litres with the seats folded. The storage solutions were unique, in line with the Mini ethos, and the power tailgate added convenience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring two 7.0-inch display screens. The system included four USB ports, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Upgrades were available, such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Burmester audio system, and navigation. The MBUX system was user-friendly, though it lacked a quick way to scroll through radio stations. Voice-activated controls were responsive, and the car-wash function was a unique feature.

The 2025 MINI Countryman featured a 9.4-inch OLED touchscreen infotainment display, though it received criticism for its user interface. The system 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 recognize voice commands, but it was inactive in the test vehicle. The depth of menus and settings was extensive, making it easy to forget where certain features were located. The head-up display was helpful, given the cluttered centre display.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA included standard safety features such as a rearview camera, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, the GLA 250 felt lacking in safety features compared to less expensive SUVs, with competitors offering more comprehensive safety packages.

The 2025 MINI Countryman was well-equipped with safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The Driving Assistant Professional upgrade added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centring assist. The Countryman was named a "Top Safety Pick" by the IIHS in 2024, highlighting its strong safety credentials.