2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was a testament to Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture platform, the XC60 shared its elegant, tailored design with other Volvo models, featuring short overhangs and an agile form. The iconic upright grille and Thor's hammer-shaped LED headlights added a distinct Swedish touch. Inside, the XC60's cabin was a serene blend of clean lines and authentic materials, with a 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen that had become more user-friendly over time. The attention to detail, from the HVAC vents to the harmonious textures and colours, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

In contrast, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander showcased a bold front styling with its "Dynamic Shield" grille and lighting concept. Available in various trims, the Outlander offered a tasteful and balanced design from front to rear. The GT Premium trim featured premium semi-aniline leather, a head-up display, and a premium sound system, enhancing the interior ambiance. The minimalist interior design, with authentic aluminum accents and gloss black trim, was complemented by a power panoramic glass sunroof. However, some interior plastics reminded occupants of the Outlander's position in the SUV hierarchy, though Mitsubishi avoided using obviously inexpensive materials.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 model delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 models, including the Polestar Engineered variant, combined a gasoline engine with an electric motor, achieving up to 415 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The XC60's plug-in hybrid capability allowed for limited electric-only driving, and its AWD system and torque vectoring ensured agile handling. Fuel consumption ranged from 11.1 L/100 km city to 9.3 L/100 km combined for the T8 PHEV.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine generating 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission and Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control system. Despite offering various driving modes, the Outlander struggled with power delivery, especially at higher speeds or during overtaking. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was firm, leading to a less comfortable 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 Volvo XC60 excelled in comfort and practicality, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system well-suited for winter conditions. The cabin offered smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, while the cargo space ranged from 613 litres behind the rear seats to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. The XC60 was also capable of towing up to 1,587 kilograms.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander provided roomy and comfortable front seats with a 10-way power adjustment for the driver. The rear seat offered generous space and could slide to adjust cargo room. However, the third-row seat was cramped and not ideal for adults. Cargo capacity varied from 331 litres with the third row in use to 2,217 litres with the second row folded, depending on the presence of a panoramic sunroof.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which used a tablet-style touchpad interface. While it required a learning curve, it offered intuitive controls and smartphone integration, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system provided exceptional audio quality.

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 included a 10-speaker Bose audio system, though voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's commitment to safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision mitigation, lane-keeping aid, and Volvo's semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system. The XC60's top speed was limited to 180 km/h for safety reasons.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It featured a driver-assist system similar to Nissan's ProPilot Assist, along with standard safety features like forward collision mitigation and blind-spot warning. However, the steering assistance could be intrusive, and turning it off required navigating the touchscreen menu.