2021 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular and athletic styling, reminiscent of its Charger and Challenger siblings. Despite its third-generation design dating back to 2011, the Durango's exterior received updates for 2021, particularly evident in the SRT Hellcat model with its cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, and LED headlamps. The SUV offered a variety of wheel options and a choice of 11 exterior colours, while the interior featured a modernized dashboard with either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen running the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The cabin's materials ranged from cloth to premium leather, with options for contrast stitching and unique seat belt colours, providing a blend of functionality and style.

In contrast, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander showcased a bold design with its "Dynamic Shield" grille and balanced aesthetics from front to rear. Available in multiple trims, the Outlander featured 18-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels and standard all-wheel drive. The GT Premium trim boasted luxurious touches like semi-aniline leather, a head-up display, and a premium sound system. The interior design emphasized minimalism with black and aluminum accents, though some plastics reminded of its compact crossover status. Despite its stylish appearance, the Outlander's ride quality was firm, and its steering felt vague, particularly at higher speeds.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines, from a 3.6-litre V6 to a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8, delivering up to 710 horsepower in the SRT Hellcat model. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, and all-wheel drive was standard in Canada. The Durango's performance was impressive, with smooth acceleration and responsive steering, though its chassis showed its age, particularly on rough roads. The SUV's towing capacity reached 8,700 pounds with the Tow N Go Package, and the SRT models featured Performance Pages for track enthusiasts.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control system. While the Outlander offered various driving modes, its performance was underwhelming, especially at higher speeds or during overtaking. The steering felt disconnected, and the suspension was firm, transmitting road imperfections into the cabin. The Outlander returned a fuel consumption of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above its official rating.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler with seating for up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats were spacious, while the third row offered more room than many competitors. The cargo space was average for its class, and the Durango's fit and finish had improved significantly over the years, contributing to its appeal as a versatile and athletic family SUV.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander prioritized form and function with roomy and comfortable front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and heated features. The rear seat provided ample space and comfort, while the third row was cramped and best suited for children. The Outlander offered 331 litres of cargo space with the third row in use, expanding to 2,256 litres with seats folded, though the panoramic sunroof reduced this capacity slightly. Despite its stylish design, the Outlander lacked storage space due to underutilized centre console real estate.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, with the larger screen running the new Uconnect 5 system. This system was faster and more customizable, offering connected services, navigation, and wireless smartphone integration. The Durango also offered a rear-seat entertainment system and unique SRT model features, though the analog speedometer was difficult to read. The TomTom navigation system was a highlight, providing clear and responsive guidance.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander stood out with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large and detailed head-up display, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay. The GT Premium trim included a 10-speaker Bose audio system, though the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise. Wireless smartphone charging was standard on higher trims, enhancing the Outlander's tech appeal.

The 2021 Dodge Durango lagged behind competitors in safety, offering only a back-up camera as standard. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Durango received mixed safety ratings, with a Marginal score from the IIHS for driver-side frontal impact and a four-star rating from the NHTSA for front crash and rollover.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander impressed with its driver-assist system, akin to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, providing smooth and accurate assistance. It included standard safety features like forward collision mitigation and blind-spot warning. The Outlander earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though early models had Poor-rated headlights. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating.