2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2021 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Kia Sorento represented a significant design evolution from its predecessor. It shed the previous model's rounded, jelly-bean-inspired look for a more athletic and muscular silhouette. The SX Prestige trim with the X-Line package featured roof rails, a shark fin antenna, and a rear roof spoiler, enhancing its rugged appeal. The front showcased an expansive tiger-nose grille with a noticeable curve, flanked by squinting but appropriately sized headlights. A silver accent between the front fender and the door added a touch of sophistication. The rear design included beautiful vertical taillights, and despite the large D-pillar potentially creating a blind spot, the overall style was modern and cohesive.

Inside, the Sorento was packed with high-value features. Heated outside mirrors, second-row air vents, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and keyless entry were standard across the lineup. The base LX trim offered six-way driver seat adjustment, while higher trims provided 10-way adjustment with power lumbar support. The front passenger seat had varying levels of adjustment depending on the trim. Heated seats were available on all but the LX trim, and the SX Prestige with the X-Line package included ventilated seats. The panoramic sunroof provided ample light, though it could let in too much heat during sunny days. The interior materials, especially the perforated leather in the SX Prestige, exceeded expectations in comfort and quality.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander aimed for a unique identity with its bold "Dynamic Shield" grille and lighting concept. The design from the front wheels to the rear bumper was balanced and appealing. The Outlander came in various trims, all featuring handsome 20-inch wheels. The test vehicle, an SEL trim with AWD and the Touring package, was luxuriously outfitted with premium semi-aniline leather, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display (HUD), a premium sound system, and rear-window sunshades. The power panoramic glass sunroof added to the upscale ambiance.

The interior design adhered to minimalism, with black and authentic aluminum accents. Despite some interior plastics reminding of its segment, Mitsubishi avoided using obviously inexpensive materials. The front seats were roomy and comfortable, with deeply padded armrests. The driver's seat featured eight-way power adjustment, and both front seats and the steering wheel were heated. The rear seat was generous in space and comfort, with the ability to slide forward and back. However, the third-row seat was cramped and best suited for children. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use but expanded significantly when folded down.

The 2021 Kia Sorento offered a range of powertrains. The base engine was a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, the test vehicle featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with a wet clutch. This setup provided ample power for merging, cruising, and passing. The Sorento also had a hybrid version with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and an electric motor, available only with FWD.

The AWD system in the Sorento included torque vectoring and a center-locking differential for better traction. The X-Line package added 1.3 inches of ride height, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a roof rack. The suspension, consisting of McPherson struts up front and a multi-link setup in the rear, offered a smooth and comfortable ride. The various drive modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport, made a noticeable difference in performance. Despite its 4,000-pound weight, the Sorento handled well, with minimal body lean in corners.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The standard drivetrain was FWD, with Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) AWD system available. The S-AWC used a brake-induced torque-vectoring system, and paddle shifters offered manual control over the CVT's eight stepped ratios.

Drivers could choose from Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud driving modes. The Outlander felt most responsive in lower-speed urban environments, but its performance lagged on highways and during passing maneuvers. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was too firm, transmitting road imperfections into the cabin. The Outlander returned 24.9 mpg on the testing route, slightly below the EPA's rating of 26 mpg for AWD models.

The 2021 Kia Sorento was practical but best suited as a four-seater in its top trims. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, but the third row was too tight for adults. Cargo space behind the third row was limited to 12.6 cubic feet, but folding the seats expanded the capacity to 75.5 cubic feet. The front seats offered 41.4 inches of legroom, while the rear seats provided 41.7 inches. The Sorento had ample storage options, including a spot for a phone, cupholders, and a center console bucket.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function. The front seats were roomy and comfortable, with deeply padded armrests. The driver's seat featured eight-way power adjustment, and both front seats and the steering wheel were heated. The rear seat was spacious and comfortable, with the ability to slide forward and back. The third-row seat was cramped and best suited for children. Cargo space was limited to 11.7 cubic feet with the third row in use but expanded to 33.5 cubic feet when folded down. Maximum cargo capacity was 79.7 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 78.3 cubic feet with it.

The 2021 Kia Sorento featured an 8-inch touchscreen display on the LX, S, and EX trims, with hard buttons, volume and tuning knobs, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SX and SX Prestige trims had a 10.25-inch screen with haptic touch buttons and knobs but required a wired connection for smartphone projection. The Sorento had plenty of USB ports but no USB-C ports. The optional Bose stereo was decent but not exceptional. The navigation system needed improvement, particularly in voice search and Point-of-Interest functions.

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. The infotainment system included stereo volume and tuning knobs, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a two-year subscription to Mitsubishi Connect Safeguard and Remote service plans. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, and the 10-speaker Bose premium audio system delivered good sound quality. The voice-recognition technology needed improvement, especially while driving.

The 2021 Kia Sorento came with a comprehensive array of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, driver-attention warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, lane-following assist, and auto high beams. The test car also had a surround-view camera and adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA awarded the Sorento four out of five stars overall, while the IIHS gave it a Top Safety Pick designation.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured the Mi-Pilot Assist driver-assist system, similar to Nissan's ProPilot Assist. It included forward collision avoidance, safe reversing, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot warning. The steering assistance and lane-departure prevention systems were intrusive but manageable with Mi-Pilot Assist active. Crash-test results were unavailable at the time of the review.