2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance style with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in five trims in Canada, with AWD as standard and prices ranging from $42,905 to $56,805. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, was priced at $58,806 with a destination charge. While quality materials were evident, the interior design, reminiscent of a minivan, did not favour the Pilot's appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander showcased a bold design with its "Dynamic Shield" grille and balanced aesthetics. Available in multiple trims, the Outlander offered AWD as standard, with prices from $31,998 to $42,178. The GT Premium trim, priced at $44,654, featured premium semi-aniline leather, a head-up display, and a premium sound system. The interior embraced minimalism with authentic aluminum accents, though some plastics reminded of its segment. Despite some interior quirks, the Outlander presented a more cohesive and appealing design.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring AWD system. It offered a smooth and refined driving experience, with Intelligent Traction Management modes and a fuel efficiency of 10.9 L/100 km. The Pilot's suspension provided a comfortable ride and athletic handling, though off-road capability was limited by its ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a CVT and Mitsubishi’s S-AWC AWD system. While responsive in urban settings, the Outlander lacked power for confident highway driving. Its suspension felt firm over minor road imperfections, and the steering was vague and disconnected. The Outlander returned 9.4 L/100 km, slightly above its official rating. Overall, the Outlander's performance was less satisfying, with a need for refinement in ride and handling.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a bench second-row seat. The Black Edition featured comfortable heated and ventilated front seats, with optional second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults, but storage was abundant throughout the cabin. Cargo space was generous, with 524 litres behind the third row and up to 3,092 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats and intuitive controls. However, the centre console lacked storage space. The rear seat provided ample room and comfort, while the third-row seat was cramped and best suited for children. Cargo capacity was limited to 331 litres with the third row in use, expanding to 2,256 litres with seats folded. The Outlander offered a practical interior, though with some limitations in storage and third-row space.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added navigation, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The system was adequate but lacked a tuning knob and had limited voice-recognition capabilities. The Touring trim included a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk feature.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander stood out with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large HUD, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay. The GT Premium trim included a 10-speaker Bose audio system. While the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, the Outlander offered a more advanced and user-friendly tech experience.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. While effective, the system lacked refinement. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and high scores from IIHS.

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