2025 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2024 MINI Countryman

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, as well as 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, ranging from the underpowered turbocharged three-cylinder engine in the Cooper to the more robust turbocharged four-cylinder engines in the Cooper S and John Cooper Works versions. The Cooper SE offered a plug-in hybrid option with a modest electric range. Our test vehicle, a Cooper S with the Iconic trim package, boasted features like premium leather, power-adjustable front seats, and a head-up display, all for an MSRP of $41,945.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser presented a more rugged and utilitarian aesthetic. The base model, known as the 1958, paid homage to its origins with a retro look, round headlights, and basic equipment. However, the Land Cruiser model, priced at $62,965, offered a more modern and upscale appearance, with additional off-roading capabilities and a Premium Package option. Our test vehicle, equipped with the Premium Package, featured Heritage Blue paint, 20-inch wheels, and a roof rack, bringing the MSRP to $71,004. The Land Cruiser's design emphasized functionality, with a traditional two-box SUV shape that maximized off-road clearances and visibility. Inside, the cabin was utilitarian yet comfortable, with Java-colored leather and dual 12.3-inch digital screens enhancing the interior's appeal. Despite its utilitarian nature, the Land Cruiser's steering-wheel controls were intuitive, making it a user-friendly choice for drivers.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of performance options, with the John Cooper Works model standing out for its impressive power. 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 all-wheel drive. This setup allowed the JCW to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. For those seeking a balance between performance and practicality, the Cooper S model was a suitable choice. It also utilized a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 189 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. The Cooper S offered a choice between front-wheel drive with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or all-wheel drive with an eight-speed sport automatic. It could reach 60 mph in 7.2 seconds (7.1 seconds with all-wheel drive). While the Countryman excelled in daily driving scenarios, it wasn't designed for off-road adventures, and its fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 25.4 mpg during testing.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, on the other hand, featured Toyota's i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup generated 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for both on-road and off-road driving. The Land Cruiser's full-time four-wheel-drive system, equipped with electronic locking differentials, allowed for a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. Off-road enthusiasts appreciated features like Multi-Terrain Select modes, Multi-Terrain Monitor camera views, and a front stabilizer bar disconnect. However, the Land Cruiser's fuel economy fell short of expectations, achieving only 15.7 mpg during testing. Despite its off-road prowess, the Land Cruiser struggled with handling on twisty roads, but it excelled in urban and suburban environments, offering a comfortable and capable ride.

Inside the 2024 MINI Countryman, there was room for four adults and their luggage, making it suitable for road trips. The Iconic trim package added dual-zone automatic climate control, premium leather upholstery, and power-adjustable heated front seats. While the Countryman technically accommodated five passengers, four would be more comfortable due to limited rear seat space. The SUV's compact dimensions made parking easy, though it lacked advanced parking technologies like a surround-view camera. Interior storage was reasonable, but the smartphone charging pad obstructed 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 down.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a more spacious interior, especially when upgrading from the 1958 model. The Premium Package added real leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sunroof. While the front seats were comfortable, the second-row seats lacked thigh support and had an uncomfortable backrest angle. The Land Cruiser's rear window design was less practical than expected, and the center console's cool box seemed unnecessary. Cargo space was generous, with 46.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 82.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. However, the high load floor required effort when loading heavy items.

The 2024 MINI Countryman featured a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen housed in a round display reminiscent of classic Mini models. The system, based on BMW's iDrive technology, offered multiple interaction methods, including touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. While it lacked Android Auto, it provided Apple CarPlay connectivity. The Iconic trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, delivering excellent audio quality.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered advanced technology with two 12.3-inch displays for the driver and infotainment system. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with access to Apple Music and Amazon Music accounts. Five connected service plans were available, enhancing the SUV's connectivity and convenience. The Premium Package added a 14-speaker JBL sound system, a wireless smartphone charger, a head-up display, and digital key technology.

The 2024 MINI Countryman had limited advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), with Active Driving Assistant providing forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. It also included lane-departure warning and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Countryman as Good in crashworthiness evaluations.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0), offering a comprehensive suite of ADAS features. This included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The Land Cruiser also featured lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front cross-traffic alert. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Land Cruiser a four-star overall rating, with five stars in side-impact testing.