2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2024 MINI Countryman

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered two distinct models: the 2.5 S and the 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S featured a standard 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the 2.5 Turbo boasted a turbocharged version of the same engine, delivering up to 250 horsepower. Both models came with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The CX-30's design was characterized by a long hood, dramatic flanks, and a stubby rear end, giving it a nose-heavy appearance. Despite its appealing design, the excessive gray body cladding detracted from its overall aesthetic. Inside, the CX-30's cabin was upscale and elegant, with quality materials and a tasteful combination of colors, making it resemble an entry-level luxury SUV.

The 2024 MINI Countryman, true to its brand, embraced classic Mini styling cues with an erect wraparound windshield, a floating roof, and Union Jack tail lights. The Countryman offered a variety of paint, roof, and mirror cap treatments, along with multiple wheel designs. The lineup included Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works models, each with different drivetrains. The Cooper S, with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, was the most balanced choice for performance and practicality. The interior, especially in the Iconic trim, featured premium leather, power-adjustable heated front seats, and a thick-rimmed heated steering wheel. The Countryman provided a unique and unmistakable experience, with its jaunty styling and retro interior design standing out in a sea of bland small SUVs.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S models gained an additional five horsepower, totaling 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque from the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This improvement was accompanied by a notable increase in fuel economy, achieving 29 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo model, when fueled with premium gas, produced 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, while regular gas resulted in 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The CX-30's eight inches of ground clearance and Off-Road traction assist function made it suitable for light off-road adventures. However, the suspension struggled with speed bumps, and the small 12.7-gallon fuel tank limited its range. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-30 excelled on twisty roads, offering a rewarding driving experience.

In contrast, the 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of powertrains, with the John Cooper Works model standing out for its performance. It 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 AWD. The Cooper S model, with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, provided a zippy and athletic feel for daily driving. The Countryman excelled in commuting and errand-running, but its summer performance tires and adaptive damping suspension didn't make it an engaging canyon carver. The EPA-rated fuel economy for the Cooper S was 28 mpg in combined driving, but real-world testing yielded 25.4 mpg.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered standard dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a power sunroof. The Turbos added a heated steering wheel. While the driver's seat was comfortable, the front passenger seat had limited adjustability. Rear passengers had standard air conditioning vents, but legroom was tight. The CX-30 provided reasonable storage space, with a center armrest bin, glove compartment, and door panel bins. Cargo space was limited, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.2 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2024 MINI Countryman accommodated four adults comfortably, with enough luggage space for a week-long road trip. The Iconic trim added dual-zone automatic climate control, premium leather upholstery, and power-adjustable heated front seats. The Countryman's seats were supportive, and the steering wheel was a delight to grip. While it had seatbelts for five, four passengers were more comfortable. The Countryman offered reasonable interior storage, 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 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had three significant flaws: the lack of a touchscreen display, non-conversational voice-recognition technology, and the absence of a tuning knob. These issues detracted from the user experience, despite the system's pleasing graphics and logical menu structure. The CX-30 included Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. Turbos added SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and a 14-speaker Bose premium sound system.

The 2024 MINI Countryman featured 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 housing, used BMW's iDrive technology and offered five ways to interact with it. The system was easy to navigate and use, with accurate voice recognition. However, it lacked Android Auto connectivity, providing only Apple CarPlay. The Iconic trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 excelled in safety, earning a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS. It featured standard adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included a driver monitoring system, automatic high-beam headlights, and an E911 emergency notification system. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus added a surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and Traffic Jam Assist.

The 2024 MINI Countryman had limited advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). It included Active Driving Assistant with 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. The Countryman lacked blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The IIHS rated the Countryman as "Good" in crashworthiness evaluations.