2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was a departure from the trend of sharply creased designs, opting instead for a sleek and smooth aesthetic that exuded a sense of motion even when stationary. While it didn't boast the aggressive styling of some competitors, it took Mazda's signature design language in a more refined direction. The base model, CX-5 GX, featured practical elements like automatic LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers, while higher trims like the GS and GT added luxury touches such as leatherette seats, a Bose audio system, and advanced lighting systems. The top-tier Signature model elevated the CX-5 to a premium level with Nappa leather and genuine wood trim, rivaling luxury brands in terms of interior quality and design.

In contrast, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander embraced a bold and distinctive front styling with its "Dynamic Shield" grille, making a strong visual statement. The Outlander was available in multiple trims, with the GT Premium trim offering luxurious touches like semi-aniline leather and a panoramic sunroof. The interior design was minimalist yet upscale, featuring black with aluminum accents and gloss black trim. While some interior plastics reminded occupants of its compact SUV status, Mitsubishi avoided using obviously cheap materials, maintaining a sense of quality throughout the cabin.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options, both paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The base 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, available in both FWD and AWD configurations. The turbocharged variant, available on higher trims, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, providing a more spirited driving experience. The CX-5's fuel efficiency varied, with the FWD non-turbo model achieving 9.7 L/100 km in the city and 7.8 on the highway. The turbocharged AWD model was slightly less efficient, but still competitive within its class. The CX-5 was known for its engaging driving dynamics, though its stiff suspension could be a drawback on rough roads.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine generating 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT and Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control system. While the Outlander offered multiple driving modes, its performance was less impressive, particularly at higher speeds or during overtaking maneuvers. The CVT and engine combination was most responsive in urban settings, but the lack of a turbocharger was noticeable on highways. The Outlander's ride was firm, and its steering felt vague, especially at higher speeds. Fuel consumption was rated at 9.4 L/100 km, slightly higher than official estimates.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 provided a comfortable and stylish interior, though rear legroom was limited for taller passengers. The SUV featured two full LATCH connections for child seats, and its climate controls were straightforward and user-friendly. However, the CX-5's cargo space was below average for its class, offering 875 litres behind the second row and 1,687 litres with the seats folded. The power liftgate was a convenient feature, but the overall storage capacity lagged behind competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in terms of interior space and comfort. The front seats were roomy, with a 10-way power adjustment for the driver's seat and heated features on most trims. The rear seats offered generous legroom and could slide to adjust cargo space. The Outlander included a third-row seat, though it was best suited for children due to limited space. Cargo capacity was 331 litres with the third row in use, expanding to 948 litres with it folded, and a maximum of 2,256 litres with the second row down. The panoramic sunroof slightly reduced cargo space.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, though its operating system was not as user-friendly as some competitors. The lack of tuning knobs and the screen's positioning made it less intuitive, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing a workaround for entertainment needs.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured advanced technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a large HUD on the GT Premium trim. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system included volume and tuning knobs, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The GT Premium also boasted a 10-speaker Bose audio system. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, impacting its effectiveness.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Additional features like a HUD and surround-view camera system were available on higher trims.

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