2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA vs 2025 MINI Countryman

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA presented a modernized appearance with its new generation, fitting seamlessly into the Mercedes lineup as the smallest SUV. Its proportions and styling were distinct, placing it below the GLS, GLE, GLC, and GLB models. The GLA's dimensions were on the larger side of the subcompact class, comparable to the BMW X1. It was three inches taller and half an inch shorter than its predecessor, with short overhangs and cladding that contributed to its muscular look. Despite its small windows, the seating positions provided ample visibility. However, the interior was filled with less-than-premium surfaces, and while the seats were well-appointed, the overall interior quality did not match other luxury crossovers.

In contrast, the 2025 MINI Countryman was fundamentally appealing, featuring traditional Mini design cues like wide-eyed headlights and a floating roof. Depending on the model and customization options, it could appear as a conservative crossover or a performance SUV. The Countryman offered various models, including the Cooper S, John Cooper Works, and the electric SE, with prices ranging from $38,900 to $46,900. Our test vehicle, a Cooper S with Iconic trim and Favoured style, made a bold statement with its bright British Racing Green paint and 20-inch wheels. The interior was stylish, with Vintage Brown artificial leather seats and ambient lighting, imparting a sense of quality and making it a standout in a sea of ordinary crossovers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA was available in three variants: the GLA 250, GLA 250 4MATIC, and AMG GLA 35, with the AMG GLA 45 on the horizon. The GLA 250 and 250 4MATIC were powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The AMG GLA 35 offered 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The AMG GLA 45 increased power to 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. The GLA's AWD system could be adjusted through drive modes, and it featured various performance enhancements, though it struggled with turbo lag and road noise.

The 2025 MINI Countryman Cooper S featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The Countryman offered different driving experiences through toggle switches, but it lacked refinement, with clunky shifting and noise issues. Despite these drawbacks, it was quick and nimble, especially in Go Kart mode with adaptive suspension and performance tires. However, its steering and brakes were problematic, and the ride was choppy on uneven surfaces. Fuel economy was estimated at 27 mpg combined, but our test vehicle returned 24.5 mpg.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA offered a more SUV-like seating position with its added height, providing excellent headroom and legroom for front passengers. The rear seats, with a 40/20/40 split-fold, offered more legroom than before, making them comfortable for smaller adults. The GLA came standard with synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and reclining rear seats. Cargo space was 15.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 50.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, providing ample storage for a family road trip.

The 2025 MINI Countryman accommodated four adults comfortably, though squeezing in a fifth passenger was not advisable. The front seats were comfortable, and the artificial leather felt upscale. Visibility was good, aided by oversized side mirrors and a surround-view camera system. The Countryman was roomier than its predecessor, with a snug but comfortable back seat. Storage was generous, with a power tailgate revealing 25 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 56.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The storage solutions were unique, in line with Mini's ethos.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA featured the MBUX infotainment system with two 7.0-inch display screens, touchpad controller, four USB ports, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Upgrades included a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Burmester audio system, wireless charging, WiFi hot spot, head-up display, and navigation. The system was user-friendly, with customizable screens and voice-activated controls. It also introduced a car-wash function, folding mirrors, closing windows, and adjusting climate controls with a single command.

The 2025 MINI Countryman had a 9.4-inch OLED touchscreen infotainment display, though it received mixed reviews. It included cloud-based navigation, connected services, and a smartphone app. The Countryman offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and smartphone charging, with 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 infotainment system was complex, with a head-up display providing helpful information.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA came with a reasonable amount of active safety features, including a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and driver-drowsiness monitoring. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced safety technologies, while the Parking Assistance Package offered a surround-view camera and parking assist. However, the GLA's safety features were not as comprehensive as some less expensive SUVs.

The 2025 MINI Countryman was well-equipped with safety and driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. It also had adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, Assisted Driving, and Assisted Driving Plus. The Countryman received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS in 2024, though its Assisted Driving Plus system had limitations in certain conditions.