2024 Lexus TX vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2024 MINI Countryman was a playful and distinctive vehicle, embodying classic Mini styling with its erect wraparound windshield, floating roof, and Union Jack tail lights. It offered a variety of customization options, including paint treatments and wheel designs, allowing owners to personalize their vehicle. Despite its compact size, the Countryman provided a unique and unmistakable experience, with a retro interior design that stood out among small SUVs. The test model, a Cooper S with Iconic trim, featured premium leather, power-adjustable front seats, and a dual-panel moonroof, enhancing its appeal.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander but distinguished itself as a luxury SUV with upscale styling. The TX's design was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a toned-down aesthetic. The test model, equipped with Luxury trim, featured 22-inch wheels and a Peppercorn interior, which, despite its dark appearance, contributed to the vehicle's luxurious feel. The TX offered a comfortable and spacious interior, with premium materials and a panoramic glass sunroof, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a refined driving experience.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of powertrains, with the John Cooper Works (JCW) model standing out for its performance. The JCW featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to accelerate to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The Cooper S model, with its 189 horsepower engine, provided a zippy and athletic driving experience, reaching 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. Despite its sporty nature, the Countryman was best suited for daily commuting and errand-running, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 28 mpg in combined driving.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350, equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in eight seconds, offering adequate performance for typical driving situations. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg in combined driving, slightly better than its predecessor, the RX L. The TX's ride and handling were well-balanced, providing a comfortable and quiet driving experience, although the brake pedal felt too soft in the test vehicle.

The 2024 MINI Countryman accommodated four adults comfortably, with enough luggage space for a week-long road trip. The Iconic trim package added dual-zone automatic climate control, premium leather upholstery, and power-adjustable heated front seats. Despite its compact size, the Countryman offered excellent outward visibility and reasonable interior storage. Cargo space was limited, with 17.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 47.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs, offering a spacious and comfortable interior. The TX 350 Luxury model featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row seat provided adequate comfort, while the third-row seat was habitable for adults. The TX offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.

The 2024 MINI Countryman featured a small digital instrumentation display and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with multiple interaction methods. The system, based on BMW's iDrive technology, was user-friendly and included a voice-recognition system. However, it lacked Android Auto connectivity, offering only Apple CarPlay. The Iconic trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, providing excellent audio quality.

The 2024 Lexus TX, equipped with the optional Technology Package, featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Lexus Interface system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. The TX offered several connectivity options, including Wi-Fi Connect and Remote Connect, enhancing its technological appeal. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system delivered impressive audio fidelity.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered basic advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) under the Active Driving Assistant package, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. However, it lacked features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Countryman as Good in crashworthiness evaluations.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with a comprehensive suite of ADAS under the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The LSS+ 3.0 system proved effective, although it occasionally slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in front.