2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic with its SUV-like styling. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays gave it a modern look, while the redesigned sliding side doors added an assertive stance. The Sienna's exterior was marked by Toyota's renowned fit and finish, with alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches, depending on the trim. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The centre console was thoughtfully designed, providing ample storage and convenience features, while the second and third-row seats offered flexibility and comfort for passengers.

In contrast, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander showcased a bold design with its "Dynamic Shield" grille and balanced styling. Available in various trims, the Outlander featured 18-inch alloy wheels on lower grades and 20-inch wheels on higher trims. The interior boasted premium materials, especially in the GT Premium trim, with semi-aniline leather and a head-up display. The minimalist design included authentic aluminum accents, though some interior plastics reminded drivers of its place in the SUV hierarchy. Despite this, Mitsubishi avoided using obviously inexpensive materials, maintaining an upscale feel.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid was Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter using a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna's electronically controlled CVT aimed to maximize fuel efficiency, though it sometimes dulled throttle response. With improved handling and minimal body roll, the Sienna Hybrid delivered a comfortable ride. Its fuel efficiency was impressive, with FWD models rated at 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 on the highway, while AWD models achieved 6.8 city and 6.6 highway.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Its CVT powered the Super All-Wheel Control system, though the brake-induced torque-vectoring system left some drivers wanting more. The Outlander offered multiple driving modes, but its performance was best suited for urban environments. On highways, the Outlander struggled with acceleration, and its steering felt vague and disconnected. The suspension was firm, leading to a brittle ride on imperfect roads. The Outlander returned 9.4 L/100 km in testing, slightly above its official rating of 8.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row seat and a second row that slid up to 63.5 cm for easy access. The cabin featured ample storage, including 16 cupholders, and could accommodate a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood. Cargo capacity was flexible, with 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second, and 2,860 litres behind the first. The Sienna's hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate added to its family-friendly appeal.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander offered roomy and comfortable front seats, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat in higher trims. The interior design was clean and intuitive, though the centre console lacked storage space. The rear seat provided generous head and legroom, with a sliding mechanism for added flexibility. However, the third-row seat was cramped and best suited for children. Cargo capacity was limited to 331 litres with the third row in use, expanding to 948 litres with it folded down. Maximum cargo space was 2,256 litres, slightly reduced with the panoramic sunroof.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was packed with technology, featuring a standard nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims offered a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system. The driver enjoyed a multi-information display, with a digital rearview mirror available on select models. Remote keyless entry and push-button start were standard, with the Smart Key System on higher trims.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander stood out with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a large HUD on the GT Premium trim. The available 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. Wireless smartphone charging was standard on most trims. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, affecting its performance.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. It also included the Star Safety System and blind spot monitoring. The Sienna had 10 airbags and LATCH connectors for child seats. It received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a driver-assist system similar to Nissan's ProPilot Assist, offering smooth and accurate performance. It included safety features like forward collision mitigation and blind-spot warning. The Outlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though early models had Poor-rated headlights. NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating.