2024 MINI Countryman vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 MINI Countryman exuded a playful charm, staying true to its British roots with classic Mini styling cues. Its design featured an erect wraparound windshield, a floating roof reminiscent of a bimini top, and Union Jack tail lights that proudly declared its heritage. Buyers had the option to customize their Countryman with various paint treatments for the body, roof, and mirror caps, along with multiple wheel designs. However, it was peculiar that dark tinted rear privacy glass was an optional feature rather than standard. The Countryman lineup included several models, each with distinct drivetrains, from the underpowered Cooper to the plug-in hybrid Cooper SE, which offered a modest electric range. The test vehicle, a Cooper S with the Iconic trim package, boasted premium features like leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and a head-up display, all for an MSRP of $41,945. Despite its digital instrumentation and 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, the Countryman retained its classic Mini character, making it a unique choice in a sea of bland small SUVs.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 presented a more luxurious appearance, with lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels that gave it the look of a high-end SUV. Its sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while the short front overhang and long hood contributed to its athletic stance. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly designed, featuring polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear. However, some materials reflected its competitive pricing. The test vehicle's cabin was upscale, but there were ergonomic issues, such as a confusing electronic shifter and a counterintuitive climate panel. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossovers, offering a firm and communicative ride that was engaging to drive.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of performance options, with the John Cooper Works (JCW) model standing out for its impressive power. The JCW featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Mini claimed the JCW could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, making it the choice for those seeking speed. The Cooper S, while not as powerful, still delivered a spirited drive with its 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque from a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. It offered a choice between front-wheel drive with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or all-wheel drive with an eight-speed sport automatic. The Cooper S was quick enough for most drivers, reaching 60 mph in 7.2 seconds (7.1 seconds with all-wheel drive). However, the Countryman was not designed for off-road adventures, and while it handled twisty roads well, it wasn't the most engaging canyon carver. Fuel economy was decent, with an EPA rating of 28 mpg combined, though real-world testing yielded 25.4 mpg.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine in the 3.3 Turbo model, producing 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The 3.3 Turbo S variant offered even more power, with 319 hp and 369 lb-ft (340 hp with premium gas). Power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, which Mazda claimed was rear-wheel biased for better dynamics. The CX-90 offered various driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. However, the drivetrain lacked refinement, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior, especially when cold. The CX-90's ride and handling were impressive, but noise and impact harshness were noticeable. Fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg combined, but real-world testing showed 21.3 mpg. Despite its flaws, the CX-90 provided a satisfying driving experience, especially in Normal mode, where it showcased Mazda's dynamic character.

Inside the 2024 MINI Countryman, there was room for four adults and their luggage 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. The seats were small but supportive, and the steering wheel was a delight to grip. While the Countryman had seatbelts for five, four passengers would be more comfortable. Rear legroom was sufficient, but squeezing in a fifth person was challenging. Outward visibility was excellent, and the compact dimensions made parking easy. However, the lack of a surround-view camera and rear cross-traffic alert was a drawback. Interior storage was reasonable, but the smartphone charging pad blocked access to the tray beneath it. Cargo space was limited, with 17.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 47.6 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior, in contrast, featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin quickly. The front seats were comfortable for long trips, and the panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light. Second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions, but seat-track travel was limited, making it challenging to install rear-facing child seats. The long rear doors facilitated access to the third row, which was best suited for children. Storage space was limited, with a smartphone charging tray, a shallow bin under the center armrest, and small trays under the load floor. Cargo space measured 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 40 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 74.2 cubic feet with the second row down, which was small for the segment.

The 2024 MINI Countryman wasn't a technology powerhouse, but it offered useful features. The test vehicle had a small digital instrumentation display and a head-up display (HUD) projecting information on a small screen. The 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed in a round casing reminiscent of classic Mini speedometers, used BMW's iDrive technology. It offered five ways to interact: touchscreen, volume and tuning controls, steering wheel controls, a control knob on the center console, and voice recognition. While it lacked Android Auto, it supported Apple CarPlay. The Iconic trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, providing excellent audio quality.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. While it lacked the high-tech look of some rivals, it offered a traditional gauge cluster and display. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform requiring the use of a control knob. Mazda's voice recognition system was hit-and-miss, but a new Google Built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle had a 12-speaker Bose audio system, delivering a rewarding listening experience. The Active Driving Display provided helpful information, and the blind-spot monitoring system added an extra layer of safety.

The 2024 MINI Countryman had limited advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). It featured Active Driving Assistant, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Rear parking sensors and an emergency SOS call button were standard, with adaptive cruise control available on higher trims. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Countryman as Good in crashworthiness evaluations.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests. It came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, front cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The Cruising and Traffic Support system provided hands-on driving aid, though it had some issues with speed reduction and lane markings. Despite the occasional annoyance from warning chimes, the CX-90's driver aids were effective and added an extra layer of safety.