2024 MINI Countryman vs 2025 Subaru Forester

The 2024 MINI Countryman exuded a playful charm, staying true to its British roots with classic Mini styling cues. Its erect wraparound windshield and floating roof design gave it a distinctive look, while the Union Jack tail lights proudly declared its heritage. Buyers had the option to customize their Countryman with various paint treatments and wheel designs, although dark tinted rear privacy glass was surprisingly optional. The lineup included several models, each with different drivetrains, from the underpowered Cooper to the plug-in hybrid Cooper SE, and the more robust Cooper S and John Cooper Works. Our test model, a Cooper S with the Iconic trim, featured premium leather, power-adjustable front seats, and a head-up display, among other amenities, all for an MSRP of $41,945.

In contrast, the 2025 Subaru Forester focused on practicality and capability, with a more generic yet refined appearance. The exterior featured standard roof rails and 17-inch alloy wheels, with the Sport trim showcasing bronze accents and 19-inch wheels. The Forester's design changes were subtle but noticeable, with geometric wheel arches and a more decisive window shape. Inside, the Forester offered a more intentional and designed look, with the Sport trim featuring StarTex upholstery and brown contrast stitching. The cabin was spacious, with a dark headliner to resist marks, and higher trims offered additional comfort features like power-adjustable seats and heated back seats.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of performance options, with the John Cooper Works model standing out for its speed. It boasted a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 301 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission. This setup allowed the JCW to sprint to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. The Cooper S, while not as fast, provided a respectable 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.2 seconds. The Countryman excelled in daily driving scenarios, though it wasn't the best choice for off-road adventures. Fuel economy was decent, with an EPA rating of 28 mpg combined, though our test averaged 25.4 mpg.

The 2025 Subaru Forester, while not as powerful, offered a reliable 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Its Lineartonic CVT and Symmetrical AWD system were standard, providing a smooth and stable driving experience. The Forester's X-Mode system, available from the Premium trim, enhanced off-road capabilities with features like Hill Descent Control. While acceleration was modest, the Forester excelled in handling various terrains, including snow and mud. Fuel economy was competitive, with an EPA rating of 29 mpg combined, though Sport and Touring trims saw slightly lower figures.

Inside the 2024 MINI Countryman, there was room for four adults and their luggage, making it suitable for road trips. The Iconic trim added dual-zone climate control, premium leather, and power-adjustable heated front seats. The seating was comfortable, though squeezing in a fifth passenger was challenging. Visibility was excellent, and the compact dimensions made parking easy. However, cargo space was limited, with 17.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 47.6 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2025 Subaru Forester offered a more spacious interior, with a hands-free power liftgate available on higher trims. Cargo space was generous, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 74.4 cubic feet with them folded. The Forester's roomy second row contributed to its practicality, though it fell slightly short compared to some competitors. The interior featured a dark headliner and power-adjustable seats, with higher trims offering additional comfort features like seat ventilation and heated back seats.

The 2024 MINI Countryman featured a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, utilizing BMW's iDrive technology. It offered multiple interaction methods, including a touchscreen, control knob, and voice recognition. However, it lacked Android Auto, providing only Apple CarPlay. The Iconic trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, delivering excellent audio quality.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment system, standard on all but the base trim. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with dual USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Higher trims offered a navigation system and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Subaru's Starlink connected services suite added new capabilities, enhancing the Forester's tech offerings.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered basic safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. However, it lacked advanced systems like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. The IIHS rated it highly in crashworthiness evaluations, but the absence of comprehensive ADAS was notable.

The 2025 Subaru Forester came equipped with Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technology, including a wider field of view and an electric brake booster. The Touring trim added features like Emergency Stop Assist and a digital rearview mirror. While crash-test ratings were pending, the 2024 model received high marks, suggesting the 2025 Forester would continue this trend.