2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence from its past struggles, particularly during the Malaise Era. It emerged as a large, impressive SUV that echoed the brand's former glory while catering to modern consumer preferences for SUVs. The Enclave was the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, offering a luxurious and spacious interior, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured unique styling elements and upscale materials. Despite its size, the Enclave maintained a sense of simplicity and elegance, though its electronic transmission shifter required some acclimatization.

In contrast, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander presented a bold and distinctive design, characterized by its "Dynamic Shield" grille and balanced aesthetics. The Outlander was available in multiple trims, with the GT Premium offering a luxurious interior with premium leather and advanced features like a head-up display and a premium sound system. The interior design adhered to minimalism, with authentic aluminum accents and a clean layout. However, some interior plastics reminded occupants of its position in the compact crossover segment. Despite this, the Outlander managed to offer a comfortable and functional cabin, though its third-row seating was best suited for children.

Under the hood, the 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard on the Essence trim, while all-wheel drive was available on higher trims. The Enclave's V6 engine provided strong acceleration, and its suspension system, especially with the Avenir Technology Package, delivered a smooth and composed ride across various driving conditions. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 L/100 km in combined driving, with a range of over 900 kilometres on a single tank.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, on the other hand, was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine generating 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. While the Outlander offered multiple driving modes, its performance was less inspiring, particularly at higher speeds or during overtaking maneuvers. The steering felt vague, and the suspension was firm, leading to a less comfortable ride on imperfect roads. The Outlander achieved a fuel consumption rating of 9.4 L/100 km, slightly above its official rating.

The 2021 Buick Enclave stood out for its spacious and comfortable interior, accommodating up to seven passengers with ease. The Avenir trim offered luxurious features like power-adjustable, massaging front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seating was genuinely useful, and its cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 2,764 litres available with the second-row seats folded down.

In comparison, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in front and rear seat comfort, with generous head and legroom. The GT and GT Premium trims featured power-adjustable, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. However, the third-row seat was cramped and best suited for children. Cargo capacity was limited to 331 litres with the third row in use, expanding to 2,256 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, its 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system fell short compared to competitors. The Enclave also featured a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of the rear.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander impressed with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large and detailed head-up display, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and a 10-speaker Bose audio system were available, though voice recognition technology could be improved. The Outlander offered wireless smartphone charging on higher trims.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were restricted to higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assist technologies, including forward collision mitigation and blind-spot warning. Its driver-assist system, similar to Nissan's ProPilot Assist, worked smoothly and accurately. The Outlander earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.