2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to the brand's commitment to high-quality craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into BMW's lineup of true SUVs. Its design, characterized by the iconic kidney grille and familiar body shape, ensured it was unmistakably a BMW. While this consistency was reassuring for brand enthusiasts, it also meant the X5 could blend in with other BMW models in a crowded parking lot. The exterior featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice between matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. The M Sport models added a sporty flair with body-coloured trims and larger wheels, ranging from 20 to 22 inches. Inside, the X5 maintained the brand's signature design, with a mix of leather and soft-touch materials, though the abundance of black plastic was prone to collecting dust. The M Sport interior offered unique styling elements, enhancing the vehicle's sporty appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander embraced a bold design with its "Dynamic Shield" grille and lighting concept, presenting a striking front face. Available in various trims, the Outlander offered 18-inch alloy wheels on lower grades and 20-inch wheels on higher trims. The GT Premium trim, in particular, boasted luxurious features like premium semi-aniline leather, a head-up display, and a premium sound system. The interior design followed a minimalist approach, with black accents and gloss black trim. While some interior plastics hinted at its position in the SUV hierarchy, Mitsubishi avoided using obviously cheap materials. The Outlander provided a comfortable and upscale cabin experience, with a power panoramic sunroof enhancing the ambiance.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model featured a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The M50i variant boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8, producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M reached 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model combined a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with an all-electric range of up to 50 kilometres. Despite its power, the X5's steering dynamics were less engaging than expected, especially at higher speeds. The SUV's suspension absorbed road imperfections well, and the cabin remained quiet. Charging the plug-in hybrid was convenient, with a five-hour charge time on a Level 2 charger and a total driving range of about 600 kilometres.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. The Outlander offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud. While the engine provided adequate power for urban driving, it struggled on highways and during overtaking maneuvers. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was firm, transmitting road imperfections into the cabin. The Outlander returned a fuel consumption rate of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly higher than the official rating of 8.9 L/100 km.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The front seats were comfortable for short trips, though they could feel hard on longer journeys. The rear seats offered ample space for children and two adults, with an optional third row available. The split liftgate was easy to operate, and the air suspension allowed for vehicle height adjustment, facilitating loading. The cargo area was spacious, though slightly reduced in the xDrive45e model. However, the rear doors did not open very wide, making it challenging to move children and cargo in and out.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats and deeply padded armrests. The GT and GT Premium trims featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The controls were intuitive, and the displays, including the digital instrumentation and HUD, were impressive. However, the centre console had wasted space, limiting storage options. The rear seat provided generous head and legroom, with a comfortable seating position and seat heaters. The third-row seat was cramped, suitable only for children, and reduced cargo capacity to 331 litres. Folding it down increased the space to 948 litres, with a maximum capacity of 2,256 litres without the panoramic sunroof.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a robust set of standard features, including a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The infotainment system, while comprehensive, required some acclimatization. Additional features included a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and various connectivity options. Buyers could upgrade to a head-up display, premium audio systems, and a dual-panel panoramic roof. However, the wireless Apple CarPlay had connectivity issues, often taking over music operations unexpectedly.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander stood out with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large and detailed HUD, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system included Bluetooth, 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. The voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, affecting its performance while driving.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, particularly in bright sunlight or light rain. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite being subject to seven recalls.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a driver-assist system similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, offering smooth and accurate performance. It included standard safety features like forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning. The IIHS awarded the Outlander a Top Safety Pick+ rating, though early models had Poor-rated headlights. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating, with four-star ratings for frontal crash and rollover performance.