2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its decade-old body shell, with minor updates over the years, including the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. Despite its age, the GX's styling remained coherent and distinctive, appealing to SUV enthusiasts with its aggressive look. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury standards, with wood trim resembling plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. Standard semi-aniline leather was a redeeming feature, but overall, the interior felt outdated.

In contrast, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander showcased a bold and balanced design with its "Dynamic Shield" grille and lighting concept. Available in various trims, the Outlander offered standard all-wheel drive and a range of wheel sizes. The GT Premium trim featured luxurious touches like premium leather, a head-up display, and a premium sound system. The interior design adhered to minimalism, with authentic aluminum accents and gloss black trim, though some plastics reminded occupants of its compact crossover status.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's weight of 2,349 kilograms made higher-speed maneuvers challenging. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen centre differential, a 4WD system with a low range, and various off-road modes. It offered a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, produced 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Its continuously variable transmission powered the Super All-Wheel Control system. Despite various driving modes, the Outlander felt underpowered, especially at higher speeds. The steering was vague, and the suspension was firm, resulting in a less comfortable ride on imperfect roads. The Outlander returned a fuel consumption of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly higher than the official rating.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position. The dashboard design provided excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small cupholders and a cramped centre-console bin. The GX offered three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children, and accessing it was challenging. Cargo space was limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, offering roomy and comfortable front seats with power adjustments and heated features. The interior design was clean and intuitive, though the centre console lacked storage space. The rear seat provided ample room for adults, with adjustable seating for added flexibility. The third-row seat was cramped and best suited for children, with limited cargo space of 331 litres when in use. Folding the third row increased cargo capacity to 948 litres, with a maximum of 2,256 litres available.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system was outdated, with basic graphics and limited functionality. However, analog controls were a welcome feature for those who preferred physical buttons over touchscreens.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander stood out with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large and detailed head-up display, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay. The GT Premium trim included a 10-speaker Bose audio system, providing excellent sound quality. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, affecting its performance.

The 2021 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models. The GX had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

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