2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a testament to timeless design, maintaining its appeal over a decade after its debut. It combined rugged utility with upscale sophistication, featuring big wheels and flared fenders that defined the SUV aesthetic. The Grand Cherokee's design contributed significantly to its success, offering a blend of mainstream, luxury, and performance SUV characteristics. The model lineup ranged from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the upscale Overland and Summit, with high-performance SRT and Trackhawk models. The Summit trim, with its 5.7-litre V8 engine and premium interior, exemplified luxury, though the interior design showed signs of aging with outdated switchgear and component fits.

In contrast, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander embraced a bold design with its "Dynamic Shield" grille and balanced styling. Available in various trims, the Outlander offered standard all-wheel drive and a range of features, with prices from $31,998 to $42,178. The GT Premium trim featured premium leather, a head-up display, and a premium sound system, enhancing the interior ambiance. The minimalist interior design included authentic aluminum accents, though some plastics reminded of its compact crossover segment. Despite some interior quirks, the Outlander provided a comfortable and upscale experience.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a standard 3.6-litre V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, capable of towing up to 2,818 kilograms. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 delivered 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,300 kilograms. The V8's cylinder deactivation technology improved efficiency, though fuel consumption remained high. The Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension enhanced off-road capabilities, while the Grand Cherokee's tight turning radius and effective brakes made it versatile for various driving conditions.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and Super All-Wheel Control system. While the Outlander offered multiple driving modes, its performance was less impressive, particularly at higher speeds or during acceleration. The steering felt vague, and the suspension was firm, leading to a less comfortable ride on uneven surfaces. The Outlander achieved 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres in testing, slightly below its official rating.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit provided a luxurious interior with quilted leather seats and a leather-wrapped interior. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though the rear seat had limited legroom. The optional rear-seat entertainment system reduced storage space, but the Grand Cherokee offered 1,028 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,934 litres with the rear seats folded.

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 interior design was clean and intuitive, though storage space was limited. The rear seat provided ample room and comfort, while the third-row seat was suitable only for children. Cargo capacity ranged from 331 litres with the third row in use to 2,217 litres with seats folded.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system, offering navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition worked well, and the Summit trim included a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. While the Grand Cherokee offered essential tech features, it lacked advanced digital capabilities.

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, though voice recognition technology needed improvement. Overall, the Outlander offered a more advanced tech experience.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but its performance in IIHS tests was less impressive, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in certain crash tests. The Summit trim included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It featured advanced driver-assist systems, including forward collision mitigation and lane-keeping assist. The Outlander's safety technology was effective, though the steering assistance could be intrusive.