2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Singleframe grille, emphasizing width. The body had crisp character lines, and the rear showcased bold taillights, contributing to its classy and modern appearance. Inside, the Q5 was equally sophisticated, with a clean and uncluttered design. High-quality materials like real wood and metal were used, and the 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed for optimal driver visibility. The second row was well-appointed with standard leather upholstery, offering a luxurious feel throughout.

In contrast, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander presented a bold front styling with its “Dynamic Shield” grille and lighting concept. Despite its daring front, the design from the front wheels to the rear bumper was balanced and appealing. The Outlander was available in various trims, with 18-inch alloy wheels on lower grades and 20-inch wheels on higher trims. The GT Premium trim featured premium semi-aniline leather, a head-up display, and a premium sound system, enhancing its luxurious appeal. The interior design adhered to minimalism, with black accents and gloss black trim, though some plastics reminded of its segment positioning. Despite this, Mitsubishi avoided using obviously inexpensive materials.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced its already enjoyable driving experience by adding 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque with a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup allowed the Q5 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds and achieve impressive fuel efficiency of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 km combined. The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with Quattro AWD and offered various driving modes, including a battery-only mode for up to 31 km. The handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. It used a CVT to power the Super All-Wheel Control AWD system. The Outlander offered multiple driving modes, but its performance was less impressive, especially at higher speeds or during acceleration. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was firm, leading to a less comfortable ride on imperfect roads. The Outlander returned 9.4 litres per 100 km in testing, slightly higher than its official rating of 8.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2021 Audi Q5 offered a well-balanced interior space, with 710 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,503 litres with the seats folded. The second row provided ample legroom, headroom, and shoulder room, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and optional ventilation. The interior design was smartly laid out, with convenient storage options and an uncluttered appearance.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat in higher trims. The rear seat offered generous space and comfort, with the ability to slide for more cargo room. However, the third-row seat was cramped and not suitable for adults. With the third row in use, cargo space was limited to 331 litres, expanding to 948 litres with it folded, and a maximum of 2,217 litres with the second row down. The centre console had wasted space, lacking the storage benefits of a shift-by-wire design.

The 2021 Audi Q5 featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus, offering customizable views. The cabin was enhanced with LED ambient lighting and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto were included, providing seamless connectivity.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander stood out with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a large HUD on the GT Premium trim. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. Wireless smartphone charging was standard on higher trims, and the GT Premium featured a 10-speaker Bose audio system. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, affecting its effectiveness.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top ratings except for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, electronic stability control, and various driver-assistance systems like Audi Pre Sense front and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a driver-assist system similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, offering smooth and accurate performance. It included common safety features like forward collision mitigation and blind-spot warning. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ rating, though early models had poor headlight ratings. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating.