2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE, despite its lineage, did not quite capture the visual allure expected from a luxury SUV. Its exterior design, while promising with an aggressive front, seemed to lose its momentum past the A-pillar, resulting in a silhouette that was reminiscent of its predecessors. The flat taillights and contoured rear attempted to add some flair, but the overall aesthetic fell short when compared to its competitors like the BMW X5 or the Volvo XC90. The AMG trim added a sporty touch, yet it struggled to match the striking presence of rivals such as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo or the Audi RS Q8. However, the interior of the GLE was a different story, showcasing a masterful blend of quality materials and innovative design. The red and black interior was both bold and luxurious, with features like twin arching grab handles and LED lighting enhancing the opulent feel. Despite some minor issues with the gear selector and turn signal stalks, the GLE's interior exuded a sense of luxury and comfort, albeit at a price point that required significant options to truly feel affluent.

In contrast, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander presented a bold and balanced exterior design, characterized by its "Dynamic Shield" grille and lighting concept. The Outlander was available in various trims, with the higher ones featuring 20-inch wheels that added to its appealing stance. The interior of the Outlander, especially in the GT Premium trim, was well-appointed with premium semi-aniline leather and a minimalist design that incorporated authentic aluminum accents. The spacious cabin offered generous rear seat room, although the third-row seating was best suited for children due to limited space. The Outlander also provided a decent cargo capacity, though the panoramic sunroof slightly reduced the maximum available space. Overall, the Outlander managed to deliver a comfortable and functional interior, albeit with some areas for improvement in terms of storage utilization.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance with its advanced air suspension and turbocharged engines. The GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine, while the GLE 450 offered a turbo 3.0-litre inline-6 with 362 hp. The AMG GLE 53 took it further with 429 hp, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE's hybrid system, EQ Boost, provided additional power and improved the seamlessness of the auto stop-start system. Despite its hybrid setup, the GLE's fuel efficiency was average, with the AMG GLE 53 Coupe averaging 14.7 L/100 km. The GLE's driving experience was exceptional, with its ability to tow up to 3,500 kg and its agile handling, making it feel like a smaller sedan. The ride quality and steering were top-notch, providing a comfortable and controlled driving experience.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 hp, was equipped with a CVT and Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) AWD system. While the Outlander offered various driving modes, its performance was underwhelming, especially at higher speeds or during acceleration. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was firm, leading to a less comfortable ride on uneven surfaces. The Outlander returned a fuel consumption of 9.4 L/100 km, slightly missing the official rating of 8.9 L/100 km. Overall, the Outlander's performance was adequate for urban environments but lacked the power and refinement needed for more demanding driving conditions.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior with the option for a third row, accommodating up to seven passengers. The second-row seats featured power controls for added comfort, and the cargo capacity was generous, with 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe variant, however, was limited to five passengers and had a reduced cargo capacity due to its sloping roofline. The GLE's usability was enhanced by the MBUX infotainment system, which simplified controls and improved the overall user experience.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats and a well-designed interior. The rear seat offered ample space for adults, and the third-row seat, while cramped, provided additional seating for children. The Outlander’s 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 without the panoramic sunroof. However, the centre console lacked storage space, and the third-row seating was not ideal for adults. Despite these limitations, the Outlander provided a functional and comfortable interior for most passengers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen display featuring Interior Assistant, which responded to hand gestures. The system was user-friendly, with search bars and larger type for easy navigation. The GLE also offered advanced features like the Track Pace app, Seat Kinetics, and a customizable head-up display. The ambient lighting and navigation system added to the high-tech feel, while the voice assistant provided a personalized experience. The GLE's technology was comprehensive, offering more features than most users would fully utilize.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a large HUD, both of which were impressive for its class. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and a premium audio system, enhancing the overall experience. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with accuracy, particularly at higher speeds. Despite this, the Outlander's technology offerings were commendable, providing a good balance of features and usability.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received top safety ratings, including the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It offered a range of safety and driver assistance features, such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. The GLE also included unique features like Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side for enhanced protection.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander also earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It featured a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, including forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning. The driver-assist system, similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, provided a refined and accurate experience, although the steering assistance could be intrusive in certain situations.