2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2024 MINI Countryman embraced its playful heritage with classic Mini styling, featuring a wraparound windshield, floating roof, and Union Jack tail lights. It offered a variety of paint and wheel options, though dark tinted rear privacy glass was oddly optional. The lineup included several models, each with distinct drivetrains, from the underpowered Cooper to the plug-in hybrid Cooper SE. The Cooper S, with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, was a popular choice. Our test car, a Cooper S with Iconic trim, boasted premium leather, a head-up display, and a dual-panel moonroof, priced at $41,945.

In contrast, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade showcased a bold, luxurious design with a new front end aligning it with Cadillac's EVs. It featured large vertical headlights and 24-inch wheels, enhancing its imposing presence. Available in standard and long-wheelbase versions, the Escalade offered various trims, including the performance-focused Escalade-V. Inside, Cadillac replaced the previous 38-inch display with a 55-inch screen spanning the dashboard. The Premium Luxury Platinum trim impressed with Whisper Beige upholstery and wood trim, highlighting Cadillac's commitment to luxury.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of engines, 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, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The Cooper S, with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, was quick enough for most, reaching 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. Despite its sporty nature, the Countryman excelled in daily driving, offering 28 mpg combined, though our test averaged 25.4 mpg.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade dropped its diesel option, leaving the 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Escalade-V's supercharged V8 delivered 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. All models featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth power delivery. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with optional four-wheel drive. The Escalade's Magnetic Ride Control and optional air suspension provided a comfortable ride, though it lacked the handling finesse of some competitors. Brembo brakes were available for enhanced stopping power.

The 2024 MINI Countryman accommodated four adults comfortably, with supportive seats and excellent outward visibility. Cargo space was limited, with 17.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 47.6 cubic feet with seats folded. Interior storage was reasonable, though the smartphone charging pad obstructed access to the tray beneath.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered spacious interiors, with the long-wheelbase ESV providing even more room. It seated up to eight, with ample headroom and legroom in the first two rows. Cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 142.8 cubic feet in the ESV. The Escalade's towing capacity reached 8,100 pounds, though it lacked some towing features found in rivals.

The 2024 MINI Countryman featured an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with multiple interaction methods, including voice recognition. It lacked Android Auto but offered Apple CarPlay. The Iconic trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade boasted a 55-inch display integrating digital instruments and infotainment. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 19-speaker AKG audio system standard. The optional Executive Second Row Package added rear screens and upgraded seats, offering a luxurious experience for passengers.

The 2024 MINI Countryman included basic safety features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. It lacked advanced systems like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. The IIHS rated it highly in crashworthiness.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade came with comprehensive driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. Super Cruise offered hands-free driving on mapped roads. Current crash-test ratings were unavailable.