2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 marked a significant step in Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a leader in luxury vehicles. With 40 updates introduced in the 2020 model year, the XT5 showcased a refined exterior with a snub-nosed design and distinct trim level features. The SUV's LED lights and alloy wheels added to its sophisticated appearance, while the interior boasted upscale materials like cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fibre accents. Despite some shortcomings in luxury compared to its competitors, the XT5's interior design was more elegant than other GM vehicles, offering a chic and straightforward cabin layout.

In contrast, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander embraced a bold design with its "Dynamic Shield" grille and balanced aesthetics. Available in multiple trim levels, the Outlander featured 18-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels and a range of luxurious interior options, including premium semi-aniline leather and a head-up display. The interior design focused on minimalism, with black and aluminum accents, though some plastics reminded drivers of its compact crossover status. Despite its quirks, the Outlander offered a comfortable and spacious cabin, especially in the front and second-row seats, though the third row was best suited for children.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which was smooth when upshifting but less refined when downshifting. The XT5's throttle response was immediate with the V6, though it could benefit from more low-end torque. Fuel consumption for the V6 AWD model was 9.4 L/100 km, better than expected, while the base engine used 9.5 L/100 km with FWD and 10.1 with AWD. The XT5 handled well, offering a comfortable ride across various road conditions.

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 CVT and Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control system. Despite its "super" designation, the AWD system relied on brake-induced torque vectoring. The Outlander offered multiple driving modes, but its performance was lacklustre, especially at higher speeds or when accelerating onto highways. The steering felt vague, and the suspension was firm, leading to a less comfortable ride on uneven surfaces. The Outlander returned 9.4 L/100 km during testing, slightly higher than its official rating of 8.9 L/100 km.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 provided ample space for four adults, though the rear seat's headroom was limited for taller passengers. The front seats, while visually appealing, lacked comfort on long trips. The XT5 offered 850 litres of cargo space, with a deep rear area hampered by wheel bump-outs. The SUV featured a cargo-management system and a hands-free power liftgate, but small-item storage was limited, with no convenient place for a smartphone.

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. The third-row seat was cramped and best suited for children, with limited cargo space when in use. Folding the third row increased cargo capacity to 948 litres, and the maximum capacity was 2,256 litres without the panoramic sunroof.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen and a rotary controller. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Bose sound system, and a subscription-based WiFi hotspot. The XT5 also offered a rear camera mirror and a head-up display, enhancing the driving experience. However, the smartphone recharging pocket required the phone to be out of sight, and the digital instrument cluster, while functional, was not particularly impressive.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander stood out with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a large HUD, both offering excellent visibility. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. While the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, the overall technology package was impressive for its class.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a range of safety features, including front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-change alert. The Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime driving, and the Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor driving habits. However, not all features were standard across trim levels.

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