Compact suv showdown: subaru forester vs. mini countryman – which offers the best value for your adventure dollar?
What To Know
- While the Forester has the edge in horsepower, the Countryman’s turbocharger provides it with a more responsive and peppy driving experience.
- The Subaru Forester boasts an impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
- The MINI Countryman has slightly better fuel economy than the Subaru Forester, with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
The Subaru Forester and MINI Countryman are two of the most popular compact SUVs on the market. Both vehicles offer a unique blend of style, performance, and versatility. But which one is right for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Subaru Forester against the MINI Countryman to determine which vehicle reigns supreme.
Performance
Engine Power:
The Subaru Forester offers a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The MINI Countryman, on the other hand, comes equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that generates 134 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. While the Forester has the edge in horsepower, the Countryman’s turbocharger provides it with a more responsive and peppy driving experience.
Fuel Economy:
The Subaru Forester boasts an impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The MINI Countryman, with its smaller engine, achieves slightly better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
All-Wheel Drive:
Both the Subaru Forester and MINI Countryman offer all-wheel drive as standard. Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is renowned for its reliability and capability in all weather conditions. The Countryman’s all-wheel drive system, while not as well-known, provides ample traction and stability on slippery surfaces.
Interior
Space and Comfort:
The Subaru Forester offers a spacious and comfortable interior with ample headroom and legroom for all passengers. The MINI Countryman, while slightly smaller, still provides reasonable space for up to five adults. The Countryman’s front seats are particularly well-bolstered, offering excellent support and comfort.
Cargo Capacity:
The Subaru Forester has a large cargo area with 31.1 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. The MINI Countryman has a smaller cargo capacity of 17.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, but it can be expanded to 47.6 cubic feet by folding down the rear seats.
Features and Technology:
Both vehicles offer a wide range of interior features and technology. The Subaru Forester comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a suite of driver-assistance technologies. The MINI Countryman features a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium audio system.
Exterior
Design:
The Subaru Forester has a rugged and utilitarian exterior design that emphasizes functionality. The MINI Countryman, on the other hand, has a more stylish and whimsical exterior design with its iconic round headlights and two-tone paint scheme.
Ground Clearance:
The Subaru Forester has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches, which gives it an advantage in off-road situations. The MINI Countryman has a ground clearance of 6.5 inches, which is sufficient for most daily driving conditions.
Price
Starting Price:
The Subaru Forester has a starting price of $26,395. The MINI Countryman has a starting price of $30,250.
Trims and Options:
Both vehicles offer a range of trims and options to suit different budgets and preferences. The Subaru Forester offers four trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, and Touring. The MINI Countryman offers five trim levels: Classic, Signature, Iconic, S, and John Cooper Works.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, the choice between the Subaru Forester and MINI Countryman depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you value space, versatility, and all-weather capability, the Subaru Forester is an excellent choice. If you prioritize style, agility, and premium features, the MINI Countryman is worth considering.
FAQ
Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The Subaru Forester has a more powerful engine with 182 horsepower, while the MINI Countryman has 134 horsepower.
Q: Which vehicle has better fuel economy?
A: The MINI Countryman has slightly better fuel economy than the Subaru Forester, with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which vehicle has a larger cargo capacity?
A: The Subaru Forester has a larger cargo capacity of 31.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats, compared to the MINI Countryman‘s 17.6 cubic feet.
