2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, was a fresh addition to the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup, fitting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC. Despite its unique dimensions, the GLB shared a strong family resemblance with its siblings, making it difficult to distinguish without checking the badge. Its design was characterized by an athletic stance and a generous 20 centimetres of ground clearance, offering a more forgiving ride over uneven surfaces. Inside, the GLB impressed with its modern and stylish cabin, featuring round shapes across the dash, polished metal details, and a single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The interior boasted Mercedes-Benz's renowned fit and finish, with a comfortable, perforated leather steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander showcased a bold and distinctive front styling with its "Dynamic Shield" grille and lighting concept. The design was balanced and appealing, with various trim levels offering different wheel sizes and features. The Outlander GT Premium trim, in particular, offered luxurious touches like premium semi-aniline leather, a head-up display, and a premium sound system. The interior design followed a minimalist approach, with black and aluminum accents, though some interior plastics reminded occupants of its place in the SUV hierarchy. Despite this, Mitsubishi avoided using obviously cheap materials, maintaining a sense of quality throughout the cabin.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-4 engine, producing 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system was standard in Canada, providing better handling in various conditions. The GLB's fuel consumption was estimated at 11.1 L/100 km in the city and 8.9 L/100 km on the highway. With a curb weight of 1,765 kilograms, the GLB accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 210 km/h. The 4MATIC system offered features like hill-start assist and downhill speed regulation, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. The Outlander offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud, though its performance was less impressive, especially at higher speeds. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was firm, leading to a less comfortable ride on imperfect roads. The Outlander returned 9.4 L/100 km during testing, slightly higher than the official rating of 8.9 L/100 km.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered the option of a third-row seat, affecting the second row and cargo space. The second row featured a 40:20:40 split seatback and a 40:60 split seat bottom, with adjustable recline and sliding functions. Cargo space varied depending on the seating configuration, with up to 1,755 litres available in the two-row model. The third row was suitable for children or short trips for smaller adults. The front seats were comfortable and highly adjustable, with available heated and ventilated options.

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 front seats. The rear seat offered generous head and legroom, with a sliding function for added flexibility. The third-row seat was cramped, suitable only for children, and limited cargo space to 331 litres when in use. Folding it down increased capacity to 948 litres, with a maximum of 2,256 litres available without the panoramic sunroof.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was equipped with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring voice control and keyword activation. Standard technology included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and touchscreen, with options to upgrade to 10.25-inch displays. The GLB offered smartphone integration, a power liftgate, and optional features like a Burmester Surround Sound System, augmented reality navigation, and adaptive suspension damping.

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. Wireless Apple CarPlay and smartphone charging were available, along with a 10-speaker Bose audio system. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, affecting its performance.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured standard safety technology like active brake assist, adaptive braking, and crosswind assist. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and the Advanced Driver Assistance Package, which added various active safety systems. The GLB had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander offered a driver-assist system similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, providing smooth and accurate performance. It included common safety features like forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, 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 poorly rated headlights.