2023 Kia Telluride vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2023 Kia Telluride, particularly in its X-Line and X-Pro models, showcased a refreshed design with updated front and rear styling, new headlights and taillights, and a selection of new paint colors like Midnight Lake Blue and Jungle Green. The interior also received updates, including new color options and a digital instrumentation panel paired with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The X-Line model featured a raised suspension and unique design elements, while the X-Pro model added all-terrain tires and exclusive wheels, enhancing its off-road appeal. Despite these changes, the interior updates were subtle, focusing on functionality and minor trim changes.

In contrast, the 2024 MINI Countryman embraced its classic Mini styling with a distinctive wraparound windshield, floating roof, and Union Jack tail lights. The Countryman offered a variety of paint and wheel options, allowing for personalization. The interior, especially in the Iconic trim, featured premium leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Countryman provided a unique driving experience with its upright seating position and compact dimensions, making it easy to maneuver and park. However, it lacked some modern technologies like a surround-view camera, relying instead on parking sensors and a reversing camera.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its mechanical prowess with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting for off-road conditions. The Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models had enhanced off-road capabilities, with raised suspension, improved ground clearance, and a Downhill Brake Control system. The Telluride delivered a smooth and comfortable ride, averaging 24.1 mpg in the X-Line and 20.4 mpg in the X-Pro during testing.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered different powertrains, with the John Cooper Works model standing out with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The Cooper S model, with 189 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, provided a zippy and athletic driving experience, reaching 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. The Countryman excelled in daily driving scenarios, offering a fun and engaging ride, though it wasn't suited for off-road adventures. The test vehicle averaged 25.4 mpg, slightly below its EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered spacious seating for seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated, providing comfort for passengers. The Telluride's interior was roomy, with ample storage space and a "smart" power tailgate for easy cargo access. It offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2024 MINI Countryman accommodated four adults comfortably, with premium leather upholstery and power-adjustable heated front seats. The rear seat provided sufficient legroom and foot space, though fitting a fifth passenger was challenging. The Countryman offered reasonable interior storage, but its cargo space was limited, with 17.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 47.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The 40/20/40-split folding back seat allowed for flexible cargo arrangements.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia Connect services. It included a voice recognition system, six USB charging ports, and options like a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and wireless smartphone charging. The Telluride also offered a Full Display Mirror and a head-up display with a 10-inch viewing area, providing additional information to the driver.

The 2024 MINI Countryman, while not a technology powerhouse, offered a digital instrumentation display and a head-up display. Its 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed in a round center console, used BMW's iDrive technology, providing multiple interaction methods. The system included Apple CarPlay but lacked Android Auto. The Iconic trim featured a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, delivering excellent audio quality.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. It also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Telluride's Highway Drive Assist 2.0 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance, enhancing safety on highways. However, crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered basic safety features, such as forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. It included rear parking sensors and an emergency SOS call button, with adaptive cruise control available on higher trims. The Countryman lacked advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. The IIHS rated the Countryman as Good in crashworthiness evaluations, though some testing procedures were incomplete.