2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2021 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Subaru Outback retained a familiar and comfortable design, reminiscent of older models, yet with a fresher interior than its smaller sibling, the Crosstrek. The Outback's interior, especially in trims above the base, featured a bright and sharp 11.6-inch portrait display surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim, offering a more modern feel. The quality of materials was evident, with substantial window switches and dash padding. The Outdoor XT trim added a unique touch with water-resistant synthetic upholstery and lime green stitching, giving it a rugged yet stylish appearance. Externally, the Outback maintained its smooth and plain styling, with high gray cladding for protection and a few chrome accents, emphasizing its identity as a lifted wagon.

In contrast, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander showcased a bold and unique front styling with its "Dynamic Shield" grille, offering a balanced and appealing design from front to rear. Available in various trims, the Outlander featured 18-inch alloy wheels on lower grades and 20-inch wheels on higher trims. The GT Premium trim boasted luxurious semi-aniline leather upholstery, a head-up display, and a premium sound system, enhancing the interior ambiance. The design adhered to minimalism, with black and aluminum accents, though some interior plastics reminded of its segment. Despite this, Mitsubishi avoided using obviously inexpensive materials, maintaining a refined look.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's performance was defined by its two engine options. The base 2.5-litre flat-four engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, which struggled to move the vehicle efficiently, especially when loaded. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) further hampered performance, making the Outback feel slow and noisy. However, the XT trims offered a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving performance and refinement. The Outback excelled in ride comfort and off-road capability, thanks to its high ground clearance and advanced AWD system, making it a reliable choice for rough terrains.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The CVT and Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system provided adequate performance in urban settings but lacked the power for confident highway driving. The Outlander's steering felt vague and disconnected, and its suspension was firm, leading to a less comfortable ride on imperfect roads. Despite these drawbacks, the Outlander offered various driving modes, including Eco, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud, to adapt to different conditions. However, its fuel efficiency fell short of expectations, returning 9.4 L/100 km in testing.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive interior space, with 2,144 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded and 920 litres with them raised. The cabin provided ample headroom and legroom, with comfortable and supportive seats. Visibility was excellent, aided by thin pillars and large windows. The Outback featured practical storage solutions, including large map pockets and bottle holders. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were not standard on lower trims. The standout feature was the integrated roof rails and crossbars, offering convenience and cost savings.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat in higher trims. The rear seat offered generous space and comfort, with the ability to slide for additional cargo room. However, the third-row seat was cramped and not suitable for adults. The Outlander provided 331 litres of cargo space with the third row in use, expanding to 948 litres with it folded, and a maximum of 2,256 litres. Despite its spaciousness, the centre console lacked storage, and the third-row seat compromised safety for children.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system appeared dated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. However, it offered modern features like adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The EyeSight system provided advanced driver assistance, though it relied solely on cameras, limiting its effectiveness in certain conditions. The large touchscreen complicated climate controls, but it was generally responsive and easy to use.

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 system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and a premium Bose audio system. However, voice recognition struggled with road noise, and the lack of a dedicated button for driver assistance settings was inconvenient. Despite these issues, the Outlander's technology offerings were impressive for its class.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a strong and stiff chassis, with standard driver and passenger airbags. It offered advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking on higher trims. The Outback earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, demonstrating its commitment to safety.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander included a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning. Its driver-assist system, similar to Nissan's ProPilot Assist, provided smooth and accurate control. The Outlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though early models had poor headlight ratings.