2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was anything but mundane, standing out among midsize SUVs with its distinctive design. Its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille made a bold statement, while the character line along its side echoed the sporty profile of the Supra. The rear taillights, reminiscent of a Lexus, added to its upscale appearance. The Highlander XSE trim introduced a sportier front end and suspension tuning, but the Limited trim, with its chrome accents and luxurious interior, truly shone. Inside, the Highlander offered near-flawless fit and finish, with tan leather seats and wood details enhancing its luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a bold front styling with its "Dynamic Shield" grille, yet maintained a balanced and appealing design throughout. Available in multiple trims, the Outlander offered standard all-wheel drive and a range of luxurious features in the GT Premium trim, including premium leather, a head-up display, and a premium sound system. The interior design was minimalist, with authentic aluminum accents and gloss black trim. While some interior plastics hinted at its place in the SUV hierarchy, Mitsubishi avoided using obviously inexpensive materials, creating a refined cabin environment.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. While not a powerhouse, the Highlander provided smooth and reliable performance, comparable to competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, but the Highlander remained a comfortable family vehicle rather than a performance SUV.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. Despite its various driving modes, the Outlander struggled with power delivery, especially at higher speeds or during highway merges. The steering felt vague, and the suspension was firm, leading to a less comfortable ride on imperfect roads. The Outlander returned 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres in testing, slightly missing its official fuel consumption rating.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior space and functionality, with ample legroom for second-row passengers and adjustable seats to optimize space. However, the third row was cramped for adults, and the rear-seat climate control vents were awkwardly positioned. Cargo space was decent, with 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,245 litres with all seats folded.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander offered roomy and comfortable front seats, with a 10-way power adjustment for the driver and heated features. The rear seat provided generous space and comfort, but the third row was cramped and not ideal for adults. Cargo capacity was limited to 331 litres with the third row in use, expanding to 2,217 litres with the panoramic sunroof. The centre console lacked storage space, despite the shift-by-wire transmission design.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch option on the Platinum trim. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, the navigation struggled with points of interest. Standard features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The JBL audio system was available from the Limited grade, though it was not overly impressive.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander stood out with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a large, detailed head-up display on the GT Premium trim. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, affecting its usability.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, featuring automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander included advanced driver-assist systems similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, with features like forward collision mitigation and blind-spot warning. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though early models had poorly rated headlights. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating.