2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe defied expectations with its pricing. Typically, new vehicles seem overpriced, but the Santa Fe made you question why it didn't cost more. The five-passenger midsize SUV offered a choice between two new gasoline engines and a new gas-electric hybrid powertrain. Trim levels included SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy for gas models, and Blue, SEL Premium, and Limited for hybrids. Pricing ranged from $26,850 to $39,950 MSRP, with AWD costing an additional $1,700 for gas models but standard for hybrids. The Santa Fe featured a redesigned front end, new running lights, a reworked grille, and a new bumper. Inside, new colors, patterns, and textures elevated the interior, complemented by a new bridge-style center console and a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander aimed for a unique identity with its bold "Dynamic Shield" grille and lighting concept. Available in ES, SE, SE Launch Edition, SEL, and SEL Launch Edition trims, the Outlander featured standard or optional 20-inch wheels. Prices ranged from $25,795 to $35,345, with AWD costing an extra $1,800. The test vehicle, an SEL trim with AWD, White Diamond paint, and the Touring option package, totaled $39,475. The Touring Package added premium semi-aniline leather, a heated steering wheel, a HUD, a premium sound system, and a power panoramic glass sunroof. The interior design was minimalist, with black and aluminum accents, though some interior plastics reminded you of its place in the SUV hierarchy.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered three new powertrains. SE and SEL trims came with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid model combined a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric drive motor, producing a total of 226 hp. The Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed wet-plate dual-clutch transmission. The Santa Fe offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with the turbocharged engine providing a fuel economy of 24 mpg in combined driving. The SUV was quick, solid, and exhibited impressive body control, a pleasant ride, and athletic handling.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 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 SUV felt most responsive in lower-speed urban environments but lacked power for confident freeway merging or passing. 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, slightly below the EPA's rating of 26 mpg for AWD models.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in comfort and interior space. All trims included dual-zone automatic climate control, with stain-resistant fabric for cloth seats and leather available for higher trims. The Calligraphy trim featured a suede-like headliner and premium Nappa leather. The SUV offered heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat was spacious and comfortable, with air-conditioning vents, quick-charge USB ports, and a power outlet. The Santa Fe provided 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander also excelled in form and function. The front seats were roomy and comfortable, with an eight-way power adjustment for the driver's seat and heated front seats and steering wheel. The rear seat offered generous space and comfort, with the ability to slide forward and back. The Outlander included a third-row seat, though it was cramped and best suited for children. With the third-row seat in use, the Outlander offered 11.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 33.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 78.3 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was loaded with technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a surround-view camera system, and an 8.5-inch color HUD. The basic 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 10.25-inch system offered wired versions, upgraded voice-recognition technology, and enhanced Blue Link connected services. Blue Link provided a range of features, including remote engine start and climate control adjustment. The Santa Fe also offered Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

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 and wired Android Auto. The Outlander included a two-year subscription to Mitsubishi Connect Safeguard and Remote service plans, wireless smartphone charging, and a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled to understand commands while driving.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered an impressive list of safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning assistance, Safe Exit Assist, and a rear-occupant alert system. The Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist added to the SUV's safety credentials. The Santa Fe earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS when equipped with LED projector headlights.

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