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The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and 2024 Mini Countryman are subcompact SUVs with room for five and a whole lot of personality. With the freshly redesigned Crosstrek, car shoppers get a vehicle that’s part wagon, part small SUV, and, perhaps, part hiking boot. Subaru’s smallest SUV has a reputation for its ability to venture into places that would have many of its rivals spinning their wheels in frustration.
In comparison, the Mini Countryman has the style and attitude of a city-dwelling SUV. From its blunt front end and chrome-framed grille to its hilariously fun steering, the Mini Countryman thankfully bucks the trend that small SUVs must toss driving enjoyment out the window.
Let’s look at the highlights of the latest Subaru Crosstrek and Mini Countryman.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
This 2024 Crosstrek comes in five trims – Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness – with a base price of $26,540, including destination fees. One perk of the Crosstrek is that every example comes with Subaru’s highly regarded all-wheel-drive (AWD) system as standard.
Upper trims, like the Wilderness, have upgraded versions with extra off-road drive modes. This is the third generation of the Crosstrek, which is one of Subaru’s most popular models.
Subaru Crosstrek Highlights
Better behaved than before: In updating the 2024 Crosstrek, Subaru was able to stiffen the chassis while softening the ride. This results in a much smoother suspension that better absorbs bumps and ruts in the road.
Resale value: One aspect of the Crosstrek that sometimes flies under the radar is its excellent record for resale value. This is handy to know for Subaru shoppers looking for a long-term relationship with their next vehicle.
Rugged Wilderness model: The Wilderness model jacks up the off-road credentials of the Crosstrek even more. And we mean this literally because the Wilderness rides on all-terrain tires and has 0.6 inches more ground clearance than other variants. It also comes with more selectable AWD modes, water-resistant upholstery, and an underbody skid plate to prevent rocks from bashing its belly.
User-friendly infotainment system: A user-friendly 11.6-inch touchscreen is fitted to all but the entry-level Crosstrek. Perks include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and front and rear USB ports. Also available is a wireless device charging pad and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Crosstrek models for sale near you.
2024 Mini Countryman
The Mini Countryman has a wide range of trims and powertrains to choose from, including top-of-the-line versions churning out more than 300 horsepower. This isn’t something you get in many subcompact SUVs, and it explains why the Countryman has a reputation for being a performance firecracker.
Pricing starts at $33,645, including destination charges. This generation of Countryman was first introduced for the 2017 model year, and an all-new model is on the way for 2025.
Mini Countryman Highlights
Fun to drive: The Countryman can be had in front- or all-wheel drive format. There is a base turbocharged 3-cylinder engine that produces 134 horsepower, a plug-in hybrid variant, and more potent turbo 4-cylinder engines that make 189 hp and 301 hp. We’re fans of extra ponies, but its razor-sharp handling truly sets the Countryman apart. Few subcompact SUVs are this much fun to pilot.
John Cooper Works model: If you have the means, we highly recommend taking the range-topping John Cooper Works ALL4 model for a test drive. Thanks to the 301-hp turbo 4-cylinder under its hood, the JCW ALL4 zips from 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds. Combined with those riotous handling reflexes, this Countryman is a thrill machine. The one caveat is that it’s also a very pricey machine.
Upscale interior: To put it gently, the Mini Countryman is far from being the least expensive subcompact SUV out there. But step inside and you’ll better understand its premium price. From its circular central display screen to the many chrome-colored or red toggle switches (the latter serves as the starter button/toggle), this classy cabin goes beyond the small SUV norm.
Panoramic moonroof: SUVs typically have a commanding view of the road and good outward visibility. Adding to these attributes is the Countryman’s panoramic moonroof. This creates an airy atmosphere and comes standard on every trim.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Countryman models for sale near you.
Similarities
Comparing the specs of the Crosstrek and Countryman makes them seem very similar, at least when it comes to numbers-based measurements like wheelbase, width, length, and height. In terms of many other factors, however, these two subcompact SUVs couldn’t be more different.
Conclusion
The Crosstrek and Countryman present their own unique spin on a small SUV, with equal parts practicality and personality. But when it comes down to which is the better choice, the answer of which is best for you might come down to comparing price points.
Starting around $26,000, the Crosstrek comes standard with AWD, and when moving one or two trims up from the base variant, you get plenty of tech and comfort features. It won’t wilt when venturing off-road, and the updated Crosstrek now delivers a smoother ride all on-road adventures, too.
Don’t get us wrong — the classy interior and superb steering that come with the Countryman are pretty addictive. And performance-tuned versions like the John Cooper Works ALL4 have sports-car-like degrees of speed and agility.
The price, however, might give you pause. The base Countryman is expensive, and moving to the highest echelons can mean handing over more than $50,000. The Crosstrek isn’t as racy, but it’s a much better value.
| 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | 2024 Mini Countryman | |
| Starting Price | $26,540 | $33,645 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | Turbo 1.5-liter 3-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 152 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 134 hp @ 4,500 rpm |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 162 lb-ft @ 1,480 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | 7-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 27 city/34 highway/29 combined | 26 city/32 highway/28 combined |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, Turbo 1.5-liter plug-in hybrid, 8-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic, AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | NA |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 inches | 105.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 176.4 inches | 169.7 inches |
| Width | 70.9 inches | 71.7 inches |
| Height | 62.8 inches | 61.3 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 35.4 feet | 37.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.8 inches | 40.5 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.0 inches | 38.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.9 inches | 40.4 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 36.5 inches | 37.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.8 inches | 54.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 55.3 inches | 54.0 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 19.9 cubic feet | 17.6 cubic feet |
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