Mini Countryman VS Isuzu MU-X
Mini Countryman
Likes
- Cute styling inside and out
- Responsive engine
- Practical
Dislikes
- High urban fuel consumption
- Visibility restricted while driving
- No shifting paddles
Isuzu MU-X
Likes
- Packed with standard features
- Solid touring platform
- 4WD capability
Dislikes
- Firm suspension
- Some may not like the noise
- Need all-terrain tyres
Summary
Mini Countryman
The Countryman is Mini’s SUV and the new-generation model has grown in size making it the biggest Mini ever made. But even then it’s still a small SUV.
We’ve tested the Countryman S All4 in the Favoured grade to find out if it could be the ideal urban little SUV.
In this review we rate the Countryman S All4 Favoured for what it’s like to drive and how fuel efficient it is, how practical and spacious the cabin is for people and their stuff, check out the safety equipment, list its features and weigh up the value-for-money.
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| Safety rating | — |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.0L |
| Fuel Type | Pulp |
| Fuel Efficiency | 7.6L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Isuzu MU-X
It’s an age-old debate: Which is the best vehicle for 4WDing, a wagon or a ute?
In order to draw closer to a definitive answer, we’ve pitted two of Isuzu’s well-equipped and very popular top-shelf 3.0-litre 4WDs – the seven-seat MU-X in LS-T spec and the five-seat D-Max X-Terrain – against each other to find out.
On paper, this seems like it should be a close contest.
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The D-Max has recently been given a mid-life facelift, replete with revised exterior styling as well as useful upgrades to its multimedia system, while the MU-X has received a more modest model-year update.
While the MU-X now has an entry-level 1.9-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine option, this test is focussed on the 3.0-litre version.
They are both well-equipped and have plenty to like, but which is the right one for you?
Read on.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 3.0L turbo |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Fuel Efficiency | 8L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Verdict
Mini Countryman8/10
The Mini Countryman S All4 Favoured is cute, practical, fun to drive, good value and has the latest safety tech. But its urban fuel consumption is high for a small SUV. If you are staying mainly in the city the electric Countryman might make this already excellent SUV just about perfect for you and your urban lifestyle.
Isuzu MU-X/10
The D-Max and the MU-X are two impressive 4WDs and both of them have plenty of appeal as daily drivers and touring platforms, but for slightly different reasons.
Both are evenly matched in terms of 4WD capability and have plenty to like in terms of driver-assist tech, standard features, and all-round driveability, but each has definite advantages and some minor trade-offs.
Which one is best for you? Well, that really depends on your lifestyle and your needs.
I like the seven-seat MU-X. It has plenty of appeal, but, for my money, I’d go for the D-Max. I use my vehicle for carrying loads – kayaks, surfboards, camping gear, and sometimes even building materials, furniture, rocks and rubbish – and a ute gives me extra versatility in terms of carrying onboard loads.
| Isuzu D-Max | Isuzu MU-X | |
| Price and features | 8 | 8 |
| Design | 7 | 7 |
| Practicality | 8 | 7 |
| Under the bonnet | 8 | 8 |
| Driving | 8 | 8 |
| Efficiency | 8 | 8 |
| Safety | 8 | 8 |
| Ownership | 8 | 8 |
| Score | 7.9 | 7.8 |
Design
Mini Countryman
The Mini Countryman S Favoured’s design is so interesting it’s easier to make a list of things about it which aren’t interesting. The list: i) tyres, ii) windscreen wipers, iii) seat belts.
That’s pretty much it. I mean they’re interesting in that we can’t live without them but they're not cute like the headlights, pug-nosed bonnet, tiny windscreen and sad-faced grille.
Nor stunning like the cabin’s large central display. The first-ever circular OLED display in a car, by the way. And certainly not as intriguing as the way the interior door trim changes colour from the back to the front.
The Countryman S is all-wheel drive and Mini has given it a rugged look complete with All4 badging.
The Countryman S All4 comes in nine colours, ours is 'Smokey Green' and you can mix and match the colours with the roof and wing mirrors ('Vibrant Silver' on our car).
The test car's wheels are 20-inch alloy 'Windmill' design and although they aren’t the most intricate looking they're easy to clean.
Another interesting Countryman attribute is its size. This is the biggest Mini ever made at 4.44m long, 1.84m wide and 1.66m tall.
So, if you do decide to buy one be prepared for “not very mini, is it?” jokes delivered by unfunny people haunting petrol stations and shopping centre car parks.
Isuzu MU-X
The D-Max and MU-X have never been particularly boring or indeed exciting in the looks department, which is a bonus in an age where inoffensive is sales gold.
But after its latest refresh treatment, the D-Max now has a bigger grille, new headlights, three-tier LED tail-lights, and redesigned wheels over the previous version.
Distinctive ‘X’ branding is included here and there – inside and out – and that adds a low-key class to the X-Terrain.
The MU-X is, well, the MU-X. Which is to say it doesn’t drum up any strong feelings – love or hate – either way.
For specs nerds, of which I’m one, the D-Max X-Terrain is 5310mm long (with a 3125mm wheelbase), 1880mm wide, 1810mm high and has a listed kerb weight of 2170kg. It has a wheel track of 1570mm and a 12.5m turning circle.
The MU-X LS-T is 4850mm long (with a 2855mm wheelbase), 1880mm wide, 1825mm high and has a listed kerb weight of 2180kg. It has a wheel track of 1570mm and an 11.4m turning circle.
| Isuzu D-Max | Isuzu MU-X | |
| Score | 7 | 7 |
Practicality
Mini Countryman
The Countryman is Mini’s SUV and the brand has clearly attempted to make the interior feel rugged and practical with touches like hard wearing materials and grippy surfaces, plus clever storage.
There are big door pockets with moulded compartments, shelves under the dashboard, a covered area between the driver and front passenger and four cupholders.
There are plenty of power outlets, too, with four type-C USB ports, two 12V outlets and a wireless phone charger.
If you were wondering how roomy the Countryman is, don’t fear, there’s plenty of space up front even for me at 189cm with wide seats and good elbow room. Space in the back is excellent with plenty of legroom and headroom. All up there are five seats on board.
If you’re going to be using the rear doors for passengers a lot, take a look at the size of the opening. It’s small and getting in and out might be a problem for older and less flexible people.
As for cargo space the Countryman has a 505L boot with all seats upright.
The Countryman’s BMW X1 twin offers better practicality and space, but lacks the cute, quirky looks. Having lived with both cars it’s clear the X1 makes a better family car.
Something to keep in mind if you’re looking for better practicality for about the same price, size and performance.
Isuzu MU-X
Not a lot separates these two vehicles in terms of functionality or comfort because they share essentially the same interior with only a few differences.
The X-Terrain does, however, pip the LS-T overall with a slightly more premium look and feel to the cabin. Subtle touches such as red stitching in the cabin trim enhance the interior’s quiet charm.
Both cabins have a pleasant, familiar feel about them and are easy spaces in which to swiftly get comfortable and to quickly figure out where all controls are. And it’s easy to use those controls.
The X-Terrain has a black leather-accented trim, but there are plenty of durable plastic surfaces to cope with the messiness of real life.
The MU-X also has a leather-accented trim, but the same, practical plastic surfaces are present.
Charging options are numerous throughout the cabins of both vehicles – a mix of USB-A, USB-C and 12V up front, and USB-A for the second row.
Storage places (in both vehicles) include recesses for your everyday carry gear, a suitably deep centre console , as well as dual cupholders up front, cupholders in the rear fold-down centre armrest and bottle holders in the doors.
There are also cupholders either side of the third row in the MU-X for passengers riding back there.
There’s one seemingly minor but noticeable difference between the operation of the 9.0-inch multimedia touchscreen systems.
The MU-X has physical button options to activate some functions (including to switch on the audio system, to adjust volume, access sat nav etc), while those functions and others are activated/adjusted via on-screen buttons in the D-Max. No big deal, but you may prefer one of those approaches.
The load spaces on offer are obviously also a big point of difference in these vehicles.
The D-Max has a tub and it is shielded by a manually-operated roller-shutter cover that can be partially or fully opened or closed.
The tub is 1495mm long, 1530mm wide (1122mm between the wheel arches) and 490mm deep.
It is a double-walled tub, with an under-rail tub liner, two cargo tie-down points and it has tailgate assist.
The roller cover offers at least some degree of security from thieves, and protection from the elements (rain, mud, snow etc), but the drum (in which the cover is stored when it is rolled open) does impact the packability of the load space.
Another option for D-Max owners is to get an Isuzu or aftermarket canopy, although that impacts the versatility of the load space because once it’s an enclosed area it makes it a bit more difficult to carry long and/or large loads in the tub.
The MU-X has the advantage here in terms of security and protection from the elements because its load space is fully enclosed from the factory.
The MU-X’s cargo area is 311 litres with all three rows in use; 1119 litres with the third row flat; and it’s 2138 litres with the second and third rows folded.
The rear cargo area has a cargo cover (so any potential crooks who look through your windows are unable to see your valuables), tie-down points and a 12V power outlet. There is a storage space under the rear cargo area floor and a tool storage space inside the driver’s side rear cargo wall.
| Isuzu D-Max | Isuzu MU-X | |
| Score | 8 | 8 |
Price and features
Mini Countryman
We have tested the Mini Countryman S All4 Favoured. In Mini-speak that means it sits in the middle of the Countryman line-up and it’s all-wheel drive. The list price is $61,990.
Coming standard are LED headlights, black roof rails, 20-inch alloy wheels, proximity unlocking, John Cooper Works seats, dual-zone climate control, heated power front seats, a heated sports steering wheel, a round OLED media display, a head-up display, sat nav, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and wireless phone charging. And by the way the interior colour which transitions from brown to blue is also standard on the Favoured.
The value is pretty good for what really is a prestige car and that means you’re comparing it to things like a Volvo XC40 and it’s not-so identical twin the BMW X1.
Isuzu MU-X
Both of these vehicles – the 2024 D-Max X-Terrain dual-cab 4x4 and the 2024 MU-X LS-T 4x4 – have a drive-away price of $67,990, excluding on-road costs. However, each has an extensive list of accessories fitted.
This X-Terrain has an electronic brake controller ($896.05), premium paint ($695), a 12-pin plug ($393.25), rubber mats ($215.56) and a tow bar tongue ($215.05).
Accessories fitted at time of sale attract an accessory stamp duty of $86. With those extras onboard this D-Max has a price as tested of $70,490.91.
This MU-X has a tow bar kit ($1182.25), electronic brake controller ($896.05), premium paint ($695), a 12-pin plug ($393.25) and rubber mats ($249.65). With those accessories onboard and accessory stamp duty of $136.06 this MU-X has a price as tested of $71,542.26.
Standard features onboard both vehicles include a 9.0-inch multimedia touchscreen system with sat-nav, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, an eight-speaker sound system, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, remote engine start, smart entry and start and 20-inch machined-alloy wheels on 265/60R20 Bridgestone 684II HT tyres. This D-Max has 18-inch tyres.
Exterior paint choices on the X-Terrain include 'Basalt Black Mica', 'Mercury Silver Metallic', 'Mineral White', 'Neptune Blue', 'Obsidian Grey Mica', 'Magnetic Red Mica', 'Granite Grey Mica', 'Moonstone White Pearl' and 'Sunstone Orange Mica'.
Exterior paint jobs on the MU-X LS-T include 'Galaxy Blue Mica', 'Cobalt Blue Mica', 'Magnetic Red Mica', Basalt Black Mica, Obsidian Grey Mica, Mercury Silver Metallic, Moonstone White Pearl and Mineral White.
| Isuzu D-Max | Isuzu MU-X | |
| Score | 8 | 7 |
Under the bonnet
Mini Countryman
The Mini Countryman S has a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine making 150kW and 300Nm - the same one powering the BMW X1.
This is a more powerful engine than the three-cylinder found in entry-grade Countryman C, but doesn’t have the grunt of the more hardcore Countryman JCW that sits above it in the range.
A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic flips through gears quickly and smoothly. If only there were shifting paddles on the Countryman S so the driver could be a bit more involved.
As mentioned earlier the Countryman S is all-wheel drive which is great for extra traction but doesn’t make this little SUV a capable off-roader, so keep your adventures no wilder than dirt or gravel roads that aren’t too challenging.
Isuzu MU-X
Both of these vehicles have a 3.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel engine, producing 140kW at 3600rpm and 450Nm from 1600 to 2600rpm, matched to a six-speed auto.
This engine and auto combination forms part of a proven powertrain and while these two vehicles may be a bit sluggish in acceleration terms and may not be the most dynamic vehicles to drive, the D-Max and the MU-X have a real tractability about them that negates any other flaws.
They both have part-time 4WD, with high- and low-range. Driver-assist tech such as 'Rough Terrain' mode has been tweaked with the aim of making Isuzu 4WDs perform off-road even better than before.
| Isuzu D-Max | Isuzu MU-X | |
| Score | 8 | 8 |
Efficiency
Mini Countryman
Mini says the Countryman S should use 7.6L/100km of premium unleaded petrol after a combination of open and urban roads, but also says if you’re driving is restricted to just the city consumption will jump to 9.9L/100km. Our own testing was mainly urban and we measured 11.2L/100km at the fuel pump.
Thanks to a 45-litre tank, driving range between fills is around 450km using the official consumption figure and just over 400km using our real-world average.
The relatively heavy fuel consumption is a weakness in the Countryman S’s urban suitability. The three-cylinder Countryman C is more fuel efficient but the electric Countryman E is a much better alternative and only costs about $5000 more than our test car.
Isuzu MU-X
Official fuel consumption for this D-Max is 8.0L/100km on a combined cycle which rises to 8.3L/100km for this MU-X is.
Actual fuel consumption on this test, from pump to pump, was 9.8L/100km for the D-Max and 10.2L/100km for the MU-X.
The D-Max has a 76-litre fuel tank. So, going by those fuel consumption figures, you should be able to get a driving range of about 775km from a full tank.
The MU-X has an 80-litre fuel tank and using our real-world consumption figure you should be able to get a driving range of about 784km.
| Isuzu D-Max | Isuzu MU-X | |
| Score | 8 | 8 |
Driving
Mini Countryman
The Mini Countryman S is a fun and comfortable car to drive with sporty handling. That 2.0-litre engine has plenty of oomph, the all-wheel drive offers flawless traction in rain and the transmission shifts decisively.
The drive mode list lets you flip through 'Experiences' using a switch under the media display. The Experiences range from 'Efficiency' for better fuel economy to 'Go Kart' which is a sport mode that shifts gears quicker or holds them to keep the engine in the most responsive rev range.
It would have been good if Mini gave the Countryman S Favourerd shifting paddles. I’m a fan of these, but they’re only available on the grade above.
If there is a downside it’s that visibility from the driver’s seat isn’t great and this comes down to the design of the vehicle which is undoubtedly cute but has small windows and blind spots caused by thick pillars. Even the All4 badge on the side of the car obstructs visibility through the window it’s fixed to.
The Countryman S isn’t tiny, either, at 4.44m long and 1.84m wide, and the visibility actually makes this small SUV feel larger than it is. You’ll get used to this as well. If you are concerned about the size, there are smaller Minis like the three-door which feels a lot more… mini.
Isuzu MU-X
These two are evenly matched in terms of drivability and off-road capability.
We spent the lion’s share of our test time off-road but these two vehicles are fine on sealed surfaces; easy to drive (albeit a bit sluggish) and suitably refined (albeit a bit noisy).
Both can feel a tad agricultural to steer about at times but, as I said before, that’s okay and part of the Isuzu charm.
But beyond satisfying any daily-driving requirements these vehicles are impressive 4WDs.
From the engine-and-auto pairing, through to driver-assist tech, physical dimensions and simply general all-round suitability, these two are naturals in most off-road environments.
The D-Max and MU-X have plenty of low- and mid-range torque but both also have quite firm suspension over gravel and dirt tracks at speed, and are rather noisy. Although, if you’ve spent any time in a diesel 4WD the tractable engine’s subdued clatter won’t bother you at all.
But there are some differences between the two in terms of their overall performance off-road.
The D-Max has had, through recent development phases, a recalibrated off-road traction control system that's been improved to be more precise and effective through challenging terrain.
But the D-Max now benefits from the introduction of what Isuzu calls Rough Terrain mode, which operates like a boosted off-road traction control, claimed to kick into action at a point of less wheel-spin than a standard off-road traction control system, transferring torque to the wheels that have the most traction, sooner rather than later. Rough Terrain mode debuted in the MU-X in 2021.
This is not a magic pill by itself, but it’s another handy addition to the D-Max’s already-substantial off-road toolbox that also includes a rear diff-lock.
The D-Max has a greater listed ground clearance (240mm) than the MU-X (235mm) but both vehicles have the same wading depth (800mm).
The D-Max is somewhat hamstrung by its longer wheelbase (3125mm compared to the MU-X’s 2855mm wheelbase) and it has shallower approach and departure angles (27.3 and 19.0, respectively) than the MU-X (29.2 and 26.4), but its ramp-over angle is greater (not by much) at 23.8 degrees vs 23.1.
The MU-X is more nimble than the D-Max on technically challenging 4WD tracks, with its shorter wheelbase and shorter overall body length (4850mm vs the D-Max’s 5310mm). Its turning circle is 11.4m compared to the D-Max’s 12.5m.
Those factors don’t take anything away from the D-Max’s efficacy off-road, it simply means this ute needs to be driven with more careful consideration than the wagon.
Often, the size and type of standard tyres on a top-shelf 4WD straight out of a showroom are not ideal for 4WDing and should be replaced if off-roading is on the new owner’s agenda anytime soon.
However, the tyres on this D-Max and MU-X – 265/60R18 Bridgestone Dueler 684II HT (Highway-Terrain) tyres on the D-Max and 265/50R20 Bridgestone Dueler HTs on the MU-X – are okay, but not really up to scratch if tough 4WDing is what you’ll be doing.
The D-Max’s 18-inch wheel-and-tyre package is at least a more 4WDing-friendly sizing than the MU-X’s 20-inch combo.
Replace the HT tyres with a decent set of all-terrain tyres and maybe consider getting rid of the standard suspension while you’re at it and switch in an aftermarket lift kit, just for the hell of it.
Both vehicles have full-sized spares and in terms of packability, the D-Max has a listed payload of 930kg, while payload in the MU-X is 620kg.
Both vehicles can legally tow 750kg (unbraked trailer) and 3500kg (braked).
| Isuzu D-Max | Isuzu MU-X | |
| Score | 8 | 8 |
Safety
Mini Countryman
The Mini Countryman S has yet to be assessed by ANCAP, but its BMW X1 twin scored the maximum five-star score in 2022 and we’d have no reason to suspect the Mini won’t achieve a high mark.
Coming standard is AEB, blind-spot warning, lane keeping assistance and rear cross-traffic alert with braking.
There are front airbags, curtain airbags covering both rows and a centre airbag between the driver and front passenger.
For child seats you’ll find two ISOFIX points and three top tether anchor mounts across the second row.
The lack of a spare tyre is disappointing but there is a puncture repair kit that’s easy to use.
Isuzu MU-X
The D-Max and the MU-X both have the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating.
As standard they have AEB, eight airbags - dual front, curtain, side, driver's knee and far side (front centre) - and a comprehensive suite of driver-assist tech including 'Forward Collision Warning', 'Adaptive Cruise Control', 'Lane Departure Warning', a tyre-pressure monitoring system and a raft of other driver-assist tech.
| Isuzu D-Max | Isuzu MU-X | |
| Score | 8 | 8 |
Ownership
Mini Countryman
The Countryman is covered by Mini’s five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty. When it comes to servicing the car will let you know when it’s needed and although there’s no capped pricing servicing costs Mini does have a five-year/80,000km plan for $2275.
Isuzu MU-X
The D-Max and the MU-X have a six-year/150,000km warranty and seven years of roadside assistance. That warranty is okay in terms of years, but unlimited km would be a welcome sweetener.
Service intervals are scheduled for every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever occurs soonest.
Capped price servicing covers the first five scheduled services for 24MY and later models (up to five years/75,000km - whichever occurs first) at a flat price of $449 for each service.
| Isuzu D-Max | Isuzu MU-X | |
| Score | 8 | 8 |