2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis's first SUV, was a fresh design that managed to balance innovation with the brand's emerging signature style. It featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh and the Genesis flying "G" badge. The SUV's design was further enhanced by the "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array and large aluminum-alloy wheels, which varied in size depending on the trim level. The interior was a testament to luxury, with a sleek dashboard, minimalistic controls, and high-quality materials like real wood, metal, and leather. The GV80's cabin was both spacious and technologically advanced, offering a 14.5-inch high-definition display and a sophisticated centre console.

In contrast, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander presented a bold front styling with its "Dynamic Shield" grille and lighting concept. The Outlander was available in multiple trim levels, each offering different wheel sizes and features. The GT Premium trim, for instance, boasted premium semi-aniline leather, a head-up display, and a premium sound system. The interior design was minimalist, with black accents and aluminum touches, though some plastics reminded occupants of its place in the compact crossover segment. Despite this, the Outlander offered a comfortable and spacious cabin, with a power panoramic sunroof enhancing the ambiance.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The GV80's suspension system, especially in the 3.5T models, featured electronically controlled suspension with road preview, enhancing ride comfort. The 2.5T engine was lively but could feel strained under pressure, while the 3.5T was smoother and more powerful, aided by active noise cancellation. Fuel consumption for the 2.5T was rated at 11.3 L/100 km city and 9.5 highway, while the 3.5T was slightly higher at 12.9 city and 10.4 highway.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 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, but its performance was less impressive, especially at higher speeds or during rapid acceleration. The steering felt vague, and the suspension was firm, leading to a less comfortable ride on uneven surfaces. The Outlander returned a fuel consumption of 9.4 L/100 km, slightly missing the official rating of 8.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was a sophisticated vehicle with a centre console and stack that combined technology, design, and ergonomics. It featured a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with dual control capabilities. The second row was spacious, with power-adjustable seats and climate control, while the third row, available only on 3.5T models, offered power-folding seats. The GV80's interior was luxurious, with features like power rear-door closure and a standard sunroof.

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 the GT and GT Premium trims. The interior design was clean and intuitive, though the centre console lacked storage space. The rear seats were generous in space, with the ability to slide for more cargo room. The third-row seat was cramped, suitable only for children, and limited cargo capacity to 331 litres when in use. Folding it down increased capacity to 948 litres, with a maximum of 2,256 litres available without the panoramic sunroof.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sixth-generation Genesis UX infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered cloud connectivity, over-the-air updates, and a digital key function for Android users. The GV80 came with Genesis Connected Services, providing various remote and safety features. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, along with a Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander stood out with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a large, detailed head-up display in the GT Premium trim. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, affecting its performance.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with 10 airbags, advanced driver assistance features, and adaptive cruise control with machine learning. The GV80 also offered Highway-driving assist and Remote Smart Parking Assist for added convenience.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though early models had poorly rated headlights. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. The Outlander featured a driver-assist system similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, along with standard safety features like forward collision mitigation and lane-keeping assist.