Mini Countryman vs Toyota RAV4

What's the difference?

The new Mini Countryman John Cooper Works in Favoured trim offers everything you’d expect it to - the iconic Mini styling, a powerful driving performance and a well-equipped cabin. It’s a wonderfully quick urban dweller that you can park anywhere but is just as happy on the open-road. For me, this is pure fun and offers more personality than a lot of its rivals.

The new Toyota RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid 2WD builds on what made it so popular in the first place. It’s easy to drive, efficient and well equipped, with enough features to suit a wide range of buyers.

The updated technology is a clear step forward and lifts the overall experience, but there are still elements that feel out of step with the flagship positioning, particularly the use of hard plastics and some less refined finishes. Even so, it remains a practical and well-rounded option in the segment.

It's a case of the 'not-so-mini' when it comes to the new Countryman because it now stands at 4447mm in length, 1843mm in width and 1645mm in height. That's 170mm longer and 21mm wider than the previous generation!

But the Countryman still has all of the fun styling you’d expect in a Mini and it’s that iconic styling that sets this car apart from its rivals. It knows its fun and isn't afraid to show it.

Our Mini Countryman gets JCW badging across the body of the car, including its wheels but it's the chequered flag motif across the grille that reminds you what’s under the bonnet.

Unfortunately, our test model is finished in the rather boring 'Midnight Black II' but the range of colours and customisations available on the Countryman will help make it feel like your own.

Head inside and there's a hefty mix of materials in the cabin space. You’ve got a thick and rough-textured weave/knit across the dash, doors and tops of the sports seats but that’s then mixed with a black synthetic upholstery and plastics everywhere else.

The red stitching and accents won’t land with everyone but it certainly creates a fun atmosphere.

There are some lovely design highlights with rose gold metal accents in the door handles and air vents. A panoramic sunroof adds some much needed airiness and I adore the way you still get a ‘turn-key’ experience despite having keyless start with the starter knob.

The round media screen isn't as well-integrated as before but it looks gorgeous and the different drive modes give you a range of colours to further customise the cabin.

The previous RAV4 had a distinct, unmistakable look, particularly from the rear but the new design feels a little more subdued by comparison.

It leans into a more conventional SUV shape, with a front grille that borrows heavily from the HiLux, including a strong use of body-coloured panelling. It still presents well at the kerb, but it doesn’t quite have the same standout presence as before.

Inside is where the biggest changes have happened. The dashboard sits lower, there are more storage cubbies and the new displays modernise the space nicely. There are fewer physical buttons than before, with some seat and climate controls now integrated into the touchscreen. It’s not my preference, but overall the layout remains intuitive and easy to navigate.

Looking around the cabin, it still feels very Toyota in its execution. There’s a noticeable use of plastics, even in this flagship grade, though there are enough soft-touch areas to keep things feeling solid and well put together.

One small drawback is the dual-opening, reversible centre console lid as it tends to squeak and doesn’t feel quite as robust as the rest of the interior.

The cabin of the Mini Countryman doesn't feel like it belongs in a small SUV. The legroom is still best up front but the second row offers more than enough space for taller adults. It will be most comfortable for four rather than five adults, though.

The electric front seats have large side bolstering and decent padding but they are on the firmer side. You get a little bit of fatigue on a longer trip but around town they’re great and the massage function on the driver's seat is strong.

The rear seat is even firmer than the front and set like a stadium seat, so it won't be as comfy for adults on a longer trip. The fold-down armrest adds some bolstering.

While the storage looks a little odd at first, all of the cubbies are quite functional. There's a lot of them, too, and the dual shelves underneath the starter-knob are particularly handy for your larger 'small' items, like phones and sunnies case. This is where the wireless charging pad is, too.

The glove box can fit a manual and the little centre console is kind of adorable but still fit all of my keys and wallet.

The sliding armrest is a nice touch and there's a couple of USB-C ports underneath it. There are two large cupholders, two drink holders and small storage bins in the doors.

In the rear you get a drink bottle holder in each door, two map pockets, two USB-C ports and two cupholders.

The circular multimedia screen looks great and once you get used to how the menus are accessed and the little shortcuts, it’s a fairly simple system to use while on the go.

The touchscreen is fairly responsive but you'll need to do wide swipes across to switch the menu screens.

I’m not a massive fan of having to access a screen for most of your functions but do like the way climate control remains on the screen at all times and it's just the fan function that needs a couple of extra toggles.

The multimedia system is run by Android Automotive and has wired and wireless phone mirroring. The Apple CarPlay maintained a steady connection this week with my iPhone 15 Pro Max and the built-in sat nav is easy to use.

Rounding out the interior is the large 505L boot and if you want more storage options, the back row has a 40/20/40 split-fold.

The loading space has a small lip, and a handy storage compartment underneath the floor which holds the tyre repair kit and other items you don’t want rolling around. JCWs get a hands-free powered tailgate, which is always handy after a big shopping trip.

As far as mid-size SUVs go, the Toyota RAV4 still hits a solid beat when it comes to overall practicality. It doesn't get everything right but it does enough.

The space up front is generous and the seats are comfortable, especially with their added heat and ventilation functions. Access is decent enough with wide door apertures and an easy ground clearance and the only drawback is the high lip in the footwell, which can catch your foot slightly when getting out.

Storage is a highlight due the sheer number of options with a deep middle console, centre trays, sunglasses holder and dashboard shelving. Add in a couple of cupholders and drink bottle holders and it shouldn't be difficult to keep the cockpit tidy.

In the second row, there’s plenty of space for adults, with good leg- and headroom and a seat that’s supportive enough for longer trips. The leather trim feels nice, and practical touches like large map pockets and cupholders are appreciated.

However, for a flagship grade, it feels a little underdone on features. You get rear air vents and USB-C ports, but miss out on things like climate control, sunblinds and more thoughtful storage solutions. There are two ISOFIX points and three top-tether anchors, though realistically two child seats will fit best.

As mentioned, the technology upgrades are a big step forward. The new multimedia system is clean, responsive and easy to use, and while wireless Apple CarPlay can get confused if you have multiple device connections stored, it works seamlessly once pared back to one.

There’s built-in satellite navigation, a highly customisable digital instrument cluster that can display directions, and a solid mix of charging options including dual wireless pads, a 12-volt socket and four USB-C ports (two in each row).

Around the back, the boot is well-shaped and easy to load, with a claimed 705L of capacity when measured to the roofline. A powered tailgate, 12-volt socket and temporary spare tyre all add to its usability.

That said, the adjustable boot floor and cargo cover feel a bit flimsy and awkward in practice, which is slightly at odds with the otherwise practical and family-friendly focus.

There are six grades available in the new RAV4 line-up, split across a hybrid powertrain for now, with a plug-in hybrid set to join the range soon. We’re in the flagship Cruiser FWD hybrid for this family test, which is priced from $56,990, before on-road costs, and yes, that’s creeping close to $6.0K more than the outgoing model.

But here’s the twist, it’s still one of the more affordable options compared to its nearest rivals. The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Premium starts at $58,350 MSRP, while the Kia Sportage GT-Line Hybrid FWD jumps significantly higher at $71,540 MSRP.

Even the Mazda CX-5 Akera, which sits in the same segment from $54,990, doesn’t offer a hybrid powertrain. So while the price hike stings a little, the value argument still stacks up.

Straight outta the gate, the biggest glow-up is the tech. The new 12.9-inch touchscreen runs Toyota’s 'Arene' operating system, bringing cleaner graphics, a more intuitive layout and over-the-air updates. It’s not as flashy as some rivals, but it’s a big step forward from the outgoing system and it’s easier to live with day-to-day.

There’s also a refreshed 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a colour head-up display and a digital rearview mirror.

Add in the nine-speaker JBL sound system, dual wireless charging pads, four USB-C ports and built-in satellite navigation and you have a nicely rounded tech package.

Being the flagship, the Cruiser leans into the premium feel with heated and ventilated electric front seats, leather upholstery, heated rear outboard seats and a panoramic moonroof. But interestingly, those last two are the only standout upgrades over lower grades.

Practical items include a powered tailgate, 12-volt socket and a temporary spare tyre but you miss out on some top-grade items in the second row that you might expect. Like climate control, device pockets and sunblinds. Omissions families will notice.

The JCW Countryman is an all-wheel-drive with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission. It has a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine that produces up to 233kW of power and 400Nm of torque. This model has a 0-100km/h sprint time of just 5.4-seconds!

There are eight drive 'experience' modes you can choose from, comprising 'Core', 'Green', 'Go Kart' (very fun), 'Personal', 'Timeless', 'Vivid', 'Balance' and 'Trail'.

Under the bonnet, the RAV4 pairs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor as part of its updated hybrid system. Toyota doesn’t quote a combined torque figure, and total power has dropped slightly to 143kW, down 17kW from the previous front-wheel drive variant.

On paper, that reduction might raise a few eyebrows, but in practice it’s not something you notice often. What is more apparent is the improvement in refinement, with smoother transitions between electric and petrol power that make the overall driving experience feel more polished.

For a performance SUV, the JCW Favoured has a lowish official combined (urban/extra-urban) fuel cycle figure of just 7.7L/100km and a large 54L fuel tank, giving you a theoretical driving range of up to 701km, which isn’t bad for such a little go-getter.

After doing a few bigger road trips this week, plus a long weekend in the city, my real-world usage has popped out at 7.9L/100km, which is excellent but expect it to be higher if you only do city driving.

Efficiency remains a strong point for the RAV4. Toyota claims a combined cycle (urban/extra-urban) fuel consumption figure of 4.5L/100km, and with a 55-litre fuel tank, that equates to a theoretical driving range of over 1000km.

In the real world, my average came in at 5.5L/100km across a mix of urban and open-road driving, which is an impressive result. The only caveat is Toyota’s recommendation for 95 RON premium fuel, which may add slightly to running costs over time.

Even if you don’t love the design, the power and performance of the turbo-petrol engine will win you over. It’s just pure unadulterated fun on the open road and in the city. You get a total hot-hatch experience, despite the Countryman being an SUV. 

The adaptive suspension feels a little stiff when you’re going over uneven road surfaces at higher speeds and road noise also creeps in, but around town this is a comfortable ride. 

Visibility is great, even in heavy rain with a child's car seat installed in the rear (we had a mix of weather on test). Thanks in no small part to the all-wheel drive system it felt sure-footed in the wet and I felt confident this car would do everything I asked of it.

The firm steering makes for a nimble on-road experience no matter the situation and you have gear-shifting paddles on the steering wheel.

There’s also a 'Boost' mode that wrangles the top performance out of the suspension, steering and engine for when you want more control.

You can park the Countryman just about anywhere and the 360-degree camera view system is excellent quality. It’s easy to park, even in small, tight car parks.

On the road, the RAV4 Hybrid 2WD performs confidently across most situations. It can sound a little strained when pushed hard, but there’s enough power on tap to keep up with traffic without issue.

The ride leans towards slightly firm, paired with responsive steering that gives it a more controlled feel through corners than you might expect. It remains stable at speed and around town feels punchy and easy to drive.

For those who prefer a stronger regenerative braking effect, switching to 'B' mode adds a noticeable increase, which works well in urban traffic. Refinement is another highlight. It’s impressively quiet on the move, even at highway speeds and feels well suited to longer trips.

One of the standout improvements is the 360-degree camera system. Where the previous version fell short, this one is clear and easy to use, making parking straightforward.

Due to myriad delays, Toyota wasn’t able to submit the new RAV4 for testing with ANCAP before the new and more stringent 2026 protocols kicked in, and thus it’s unrated for now, with a yet-to-be-detailed upgrade to come later to meet the stricter standard.

For now, it has a strong suite of safety equipment included, like eight-airbags, side exit assist, front and rear cross-traffic alert and emergency phone call capability. The adaptive cruise control is one of the better systems I’ve used in a long time and only the driver monitoring is annoyingly intrusive, otherwise the safety stuff seems well-calibrated for everyday use.

Other safety equipment includes lane departure warning, lane keeping aid, active steering assist, traffic sign recognition, and forward collision warning. There is also autonomous emergency braking (AEB), car, pedestrian and cyclist detection and junction turning assist.

For families there are two ISOFIX child seat mounts and three top-tether anchor points.

The Countryman is offered with a five-year/unlimited km warranty which is pretty standard fare for a Euro model. You can pre-purchase a five year or up to 80,000km servicing plan for $2250, which is very competitive for the class.

Servicing intervals are condition based, so your Mini will tell you when it needs to visit the workshop.

The RAV4 is backed by Toyota’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which now sits slightly behind some rivals offering longer coverage (upwards of seven-years on some).

Servicing is more competitive. A five-year capped price program comes in at $1625, averaging $325 per visit, with intervals set at 12 months or 15,000km. That’s well priced for the segment.

You also get complimentary roadside assistance, which is service-activated, along with a one-year subscription to the 'myToyota Connect' app. This allows remote access to functions like climate control and locking or unlocking the vehicle, adding a layer of convenience.