2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm that appealed to those seeking a durable and reliable SUV. Its design, unchanged for over a decade, still resonated with buyers who appreciated its two-box body, flared fenders, and trapezoidal wheel arches. While not conventionally attractive, the 4Runner's utilitarian aesthetic and robust build made it a favourite among those who valued function over form. The interior, though filled with hard plastics, was easy to clean and featured a straightforward dashboard with large knobs and buttons, emphasizing its practical nature.

In contrast, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander presented a bold and modern design, characterized by its "Dynamic Shield" grille and balanced proportions. The Outlander offered a more contemporary and appealing look, with 18-inch alloy wheels on lower trims and 20-inch wheels on higher ones. Inside, the Outlander boasted a minimalist design with premium materials, especially in the GT Premium trim, which featured semi-aniline leather and a head-up display. The interior was both stylish and functional, though some areas lacked storage space due to the shift-by-wire transmission design.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It excelled off-road, thanks to features like A-Trac, a locking rear differential, and Multi-Terrain Select, making it a formidable choice for adventurous drivers. However, on paved roads, the 4Runner felt slow and cumbersome, with heavy steering and brakes. Its fuel consumption was high, averaging 14.0 L/100 km during testing, which limited its range to about 620 kilometres on a full tank.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, offered a more urban-friendly driving experience. Its continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system provided adequate performance in city environments, though it struggled on highways and during overtaking. The Outlander's ride was firm, and its steering felt vague, but it returned a more efficient 9.4 L/100 km during testing, making it a more economical choice for daily driving.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample legroom in the rear seats and a generous cargo capacity of up to 2,540 litres with the rear seats folded. Its high ground clearance could pose a challenge for shorter passengers, but once inside, the 4Runner provided a comfortable ride with supportive seats and good visibility. The optional third-row seat was not present in the test vehicle, but the 4Runner's overall practicality made it a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in interior comfort, with roomy front seats and a sliding rear seat that offered flexibility in passenger and cargo space. The third-row seat was cramped and best suited for children, but the Outlander still provided a maximum cargo capacity of 2,217 litres with the panoramic sunroof. The interior design was clean and intuitive, though the centre console lacked storage space. Overall, the Outlander offered a comfortable and functional cabin, suitable for families seeking a modern SUV.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's technology was basic, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. While the system was user-friendly, it lacked the sophistication of more modern setups. The Trail grade's technology was limited, but higher trims offered upgrades like a dynamic navigation system and premium audio.

In contrast, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured advanced technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large 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, highlighting an area for improvement.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane departure warning. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which were notable omissions. The 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Marginal" rating for driver protection in small overlap frontal impacts from the IIHS.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander offered 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 assistance. 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.