2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was crafted as a distinct electric vehicle, diverging from the traditional styling of Volkswagen's gasoline models. It showcased a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, moving away from the rugged appearance of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4 was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback. While it shared some design elements with the ID.3, the ID.4 aimed to appeal to North American crossover buyers. Its interior combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic finishes. The base model included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available in higher trims.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, on the other hand, presented a bold front styling with its "Dynamic Shield" grille and lighting concept. It offered a balanced and appealing design from front to rear. In Canada, the Outlander was available in multiple trims, all equipped with all-wheel drive. The GT Premium trim featured premium semi-aniline leather, a head-up display, and a premium sound system. The interior design adhered to minimalism, with black finishes and aluminum accents. While some interior plastics reflected its position in the compact crossover segment, Mitsubishi avoided using obviously inexpensive materials.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two powertrain configurations. The base rear-wheel drive version featured a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. An all-wheel-drive version added a second electric motor, increasing total power output to 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The ID.4 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a smooth ride and balanced handling. Unlike many EVs, it did not offer aggressive regenerative braking, relying on friction brakes for a more familiar driving experience.

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 its performance was underwhelming, especially at higher speeds. The steering felt 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 higher than its official rating.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 provided ample front and rear headroom compared to other EVs, though legroom was average. It offered 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with them folded. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, but its interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility. However, rearward visibility was limited due to thick rear pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector, but the centre console offered limited storage space.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat in higher trims. The rear seat provided generous head and legroom, and a third-row seat was available, though it was cramped for adults. Cargo capacity was limited with the third row in use but expanded significantly when folded. The Outlander offered 948 litres of cargo space behind the second row and up to 2,217 litres with the panoramic sunroof.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced traditional switchgear. While the setup looked modern, it was challenging to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system and ID.Light, a light strip that communicated information to the driver. The touchscreen was well-positioned, with easy-to-navigate menus.

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. The GT Premium trim featured a 10-speaker Bose audio system. While the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, the overall technology package was impressive for the segment.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for RWD versions. It offered a range of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were new features for 2021, enhancing highway driving and safety.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though early models had poor-rated headlights. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. The Outlander featured a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assist technologies, including forward collision mitigation and blind-spot warning. Its driver-assist system, similar to Nissan's ProPilot Assist, worked smoothly and accurately.