2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was subtly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs debuted for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. Buyers could choose from five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the $1,120 destination charge. The Elite trim added perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured bold front styling with the automaker’s “Dynamic Shield” grille and lighting concept, presenting a balanced and appealing design from front to rear. Mitsubishi offered the Outlander in ES, SE, SE Launch Edition, SEL, and SEL Launch Edition trim levels, all with handsome 20-inch wheels as standard or optional equipment. Prices ranged from $25,795 to $35,345, with AWD available for an additional $1,800. The test vehicle, an SEL trim with AWD, White Diamond paint, and the Touring option package, was priced at $39,475, including the $1,195 destination charge. The Touring Package added premium semi-aniline leather, a heated steering wheel, a HUD, a premium sound system, and rear-window sunshades. The interior design adhered to minimalism, with black and authentic aluminum accents and gloss black trim, though some interior plastics reminded of its place in the SUV pecking order.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels, producing 280 horsepower. The transmission included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, as well as paddle shifters. The V6 and automatic transmission combination provided smooth, effortless power, with variable cylinder management for fuel conservation. The EPA rated the Odyssey at 22 mpg in combined driving, and it averaged 21.8 mpg on the testing loop. AWD was unavailable, putting the Odyssey at a disadvantage in snowy regions. Honda added a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response, supporting the adaptive cruise control’s stop-and-go capability. The Odyssey’s ride and handling qualities contributed to a pleasurable driving experience, with perfectly weighted steering and firm but comfortable ride. However, the brakes did not withstand much abuse, heating up and fading during a heatwave test.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The Outlander offered Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud driving modes. The engine and CVT combination felt most responsive in lower-speed urban environments, but the Outlander lacked confidence during freeway acceleration and passing maneuvers. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was too firm over minor pavement anomalies. The Outlander returned 24.9 mpg on the testing route, short of the EPA’s 26 mpg rating for AWD models.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat was standard in all but the base LX trim, with the Elite trim adding a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided versatile seating configurations, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 88.8 cubic feet with the third-row seat tumbled, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and heated front seats and steering wheel. The rear seat offered generous room and comfort, with the ability to slide forward and back. The third-row seat was cramped and not suitable for adults, with limited cargo space of 11.7 cubic feet when in use. Folding the third-row seat increased cargo capacity to 33.5 cubic feet, and the maximum cargo capacity was 79.7 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey’s EX trim and above featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. Touring and Elite trims also included a rear-seat entertainment system with a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, and streaming apps.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL with the Touring Package featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large HUD, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a free two-year subscription to Mitsubishi Connect Safeguard and Remote service plans. Wireless smartphone charging and a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system were also standard. The voice-recognition technology had room for improvement, struggling to understand commands while driving.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey’s Honda Sensing ADAS was standard on all trims, with expanded capabilities for 2021, including low-speed follow for adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the exception of a four-star rating for rollover resistance. The ADAS worked accurately but could be smoother in operation.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander included Mi-Pilot Assist, a hands-on Level 2 driver-assist system, along with common driver-assist technologies for collision avoidance, lane-keeping, and blind-spot warning. Mi-Pilot Assist worked smoothly and accurately, but the steering assistance and lane-departure prevention systems were intrusive. Crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.