2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2021 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh, featuring new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a redesigned grille shared with the Atlas Cross Sport model. These changes added 6 centimetres to its length, giving it a more extroverted appearance compared to the previous model. The R-Line trim package further enhanced its sporty look with unique bumpers and side skirts. Despite these cosmetic updates, the Atlas retained its MQB platform, which was shared with other VW models like the Jetta and Golf. The interior followed a minimalist design, with a standard seven-seat configuration and options for real leather upholstery on higher trims. However, the material quality was criticized for feeling cheap, with simulated wood and metal trim that lacked authenticity.

In contrast, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander showcased a bold front styling with its “Dynamic Shield” grille and lighting concept, offering a balanced and appealing design. Available in multiple trims, the Outlander featured 18-inch alloy wheels on lower grades and 20-inch wheels on higher trims. The GT Premium trim boasted premium semi-aniline leather, a head-up display, and a premium sound system, enhancing the interior ambiance. The design adhered to minimalism, with authentic aluminum accents and gloss black trim. While some interior plastics reminded of its segment, Mitsubishi avoided using obviously inexpensive materials, maintaining a more upscale feel.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre VR6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. The driving experience with the base engine was underwhelming, with adequate acceleration but rough shifts. Handling was truck-like, and the ride quality was poor, with every pavement imperfection felt in the cabin. The Atlas had a towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms with the VR6 engine, but only 900 kilograms with the four-cylinder engine. Fuel efficiency was unimpressive, with the four-cylinder rated at 10.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined and the VR6 at 12.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. The Outlander offered multiple driving modes, but the engine felt underpowered, especially during highway acceleration and passing. 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 on testing, slightly higher than its official rating of 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler, offering average passenger and cargo space for its segment. It provided 2,741 litres of cargo space behind the front seats and 583 litres with all seats up. The third-row legroom was better than most competitors, but second-row legroom was lacking. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable, with thin cushions. The Atlas featured a driver-focused layout with controls within easy reach, up to five USB ports, and a wireless charging pad. It also offered up to 17 cupholders. However, forward visibility was less than optimal, and parking sensors and active park assist were available on higher trims.

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 front seats. The controls were intuitive, and the displays, including the digital instrumentation and HUD, were impressive. However, the centre console had wasted space, offering less storage than competitors. The rear seat provided generous room and comfort, with the ability to slide for more cargo space. The third-row seat was cramped and not suitable for adults, offering only 331 litres of cargo space with it in use. Folding it down increased cargo capacity to 948 litres, with a maximum of 2,256 litres.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with satellite radio. The Digital Cockpit was available on higher trims, replacing analog gauges with a 10.3-inch digital display. The MIBIII infotainment system was set to be introduced later in the model year, offering multi-phone pairing and improved voice recognition. The base audio system was decent, with a 12-speaker Fender audio system available on the Execline trim.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander stood out with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large HUD on the GT Premium trim, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system on LE and higher trims. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. Wireless smartphone charging was standard on all but the base model. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with understanding commands while driving, likely due to road noise.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top “good” ratings in all IIHS crash tests, with a “marginal” rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA had not published ratings for the 2021 model, but the 2020 model received a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist available on higher trims. The Atlas was set to receive more advanced driver aids later in the model year.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a driver-assist system similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, offering smooth and accurate performance. It included forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ rating, though headlights on units built before July 2021 received a Poor rating. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal crash and rollover performance.