2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V, while functional, did not stand out in terms of exterior design. Its styling was similar to many other compact crossovers, with few distinguishing features apart from the grille and some chromed plastic elements. The colour options were limited, with a predominance of neutral shades, making it challenging to find more vibrant colours like Radiant Red. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and upscale touches like wood panels and chrome, but it still faced stiff competition from more distinctively styled rivals like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

In contrast, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander presented a bold and unique exterior design, particularly with its "Dynamic Shield" grille and lighting concept. The Outlander was available in several trims, each offering different wheel sizes and features, with all-wheel drive as standard. The interior was luxurious, especially in the GT Premium trim, featuring premium leather, a head-up display, and a premium sound system. The design was minimalist, with high-quality materials, although some interior plastics reminded drivers of its place in the SUV hierarchy.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower. It offered smooth and steady acceleration, taking about 8 seconds to reach 100 km/h. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) maintained constant engine revs, which some drivers found less engaging compared to competitors with conventional transmissions. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The CR-V's suspension provided decent handling and ride quality, typical for its class.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Its CVT powered the Super All-Wheel Control system, offering various driving modes like Eco, Normal, and Tarmac. However, the Outlander's performance was underwhelming, especially on highways or during overtaking. 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 in testing, slightly above its official rating.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering ample interior space with over 100 litres more volume than the Toyota RAV4. It provided 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Depending on the trim, the CR-V featured manual, power, or hands-free tailgate options. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its practicality for carrying additional gear.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated features. The rear seat offered generous space and could slide to adjust cargo room. A third-row seat was available but cramped for adults. With the third row folded, the Outlander provided 948 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,217 litres with the second row down, unless equipped with a panoramic sunroof.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered enhanced audio systems, satellite navigation, and additional charging ports. The Touring trim included a wireless phone charger.

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 with wireless Apple CarPlay. Wireless smartphone charging was standard on higher trims, and the GT Premium featured a 10-speaker Bose audio system. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, offering advanced safety features as standard across all trims, except for blind spot monitoring on the base LX trim.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander included a driver-assist system similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, offering smooth and accurate performance. It received an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and a five-star NHTSA rating. However, the steering assistance could be intrusive, and turning it off required navigating the touchscreen menu.