2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged exterior, reminiscent of a traditional SUV, with its boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end. This aggressive styling set it apart from previous RAV4 generations and most compact crossovers, enhancing its appeal as more than just an ordinary vehicle. However, beneath this bold exterior, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models like the Camry, which meant its mechanical underpinnings were more conventional than its styling suggested.

In contrast, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander showcased a unique identity with its bold front styling, featuring the "Dynamic Shield" grille and lighting concept. The design was balanced and appealing from front to rear, with trim levels offering 18-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels. The Outlander GT Premium trim, in particular, boasted luxurious touches like premium semi-aniline leather, a head-up display, and a premium sound system, creating an upscale interior ambiance. Despite some interior plastics reminding occupants of its compact crossover status, Mitsubishi avoided using obviously inexpensive materials.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level typically found in racing engines, and delivered impressive output for a naturally aspirated four-cylinder. However, the transmission struggled to keep up, and the steering lacked feel, resulting in a less dynamic driving experience. The RAV4's off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Trail and TRD Off-Road models, featuring torque-vectoring all-wheel drive and a 3,500-pound towing capacity.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander came with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine generating 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. Despite offering various driving modes, the Outlander felt underpowered, especially during highway acceleration and passing manoeuvres. The steering was vague and disconnected, and the suspension was firm, leading to a brittle ride on imperfect roads. The Outlander returned 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres in testing, slightly above its official rating.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof providing ample headroom and good visibility, though legroom was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions. Cargo space was above average, with 1,059 litres behind the rear seats and 1,977 litres with them folded. The interior featured oversized knobs and controls, but storage space was limited.

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 features. The rear seat offered generous space and comfort, with the ability to slide for more cargo room. A third-row seat was included, but it was cramped and not ideal for adults. Cargo capacity was 331 litres with the third row in use, expanding to 2,256 litres with seats folded, slightly reduced with the panoramic sunroof.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with most trims getting a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered larger screens. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not particularly advanced, lacking a head-up display in gasoline models. The RAV4 provided up to five USB ports and an optional JBL premium audio system.

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 with wireless Apple CarPlay. Wireless smartphone charging was standard on higher trims, and the GT Premium featured a 10-speaker Bose audio system. However, voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. It missed the highest rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and more.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with a note on headlight ratings for early models. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating. The Outlander featured a driver-assist system similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, along with standard safety features like forward collision mitigation and blind-spot warning.