2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander presented a bold and distinctive design, characterized by its "Dynamic Shield" grille and lighting concept. This unique styling choice gave the Outlander a striking presence on the road, while maintaining a balanced and appealing design from front to rear. In Canada, the Outlander was available in several trim levels, all equipped with all-wheel drive and a range of features that enhanced its luxurious feel, such as premium semi-aniline leather and a panoramic sunroof. The interior design adhered to a minimalist aesthetic, with high-quality materials and a focus on comfort, although some interior plastics reminded drivers of its position in the compact crossover segment.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave took a more conservative approach to styling, reflecting Buick's traditional focus on comfort and functionality. Over the years, Buick had transitioned to an SUV-heavy lineup, and the Enclave stood as the flagship model. The 2022 refresh brought several exterior enhancements, including a new grille and updated lighting elements. Inside, the Enclave offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, with premium materials and features like heated and cooled seats. The Avenir trim level added exclusive design elements and advanced technology, elevating the Enclave's luxury appeal. Despite its size, the Enclave provided a smooth and quiet ride, thanks to its advanced suspension and noise-cancellation technology.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. While the Outlander offered various driving modes, its performance was best suited for urban and suburban environments, where its power delivery felt most responsive. However, the Outlander struggled with acceleration on highways and during overtaking maneuvers, leaving drivers wishing for more power. The steering and suspension also left room for improvement, with a firm ride that transmitted road imperfections into the cabin.

In comparison, the 2022 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with direct injection, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and responsive performance. The Enclave's ride quality was exceptional, thanks to its premium ride suspension and real-time chassis damping, which absorbed road imperfections with ease. The Enclave's powertrain offered impressive acceleration for a vehicle of its size, and the quiet cabin added to the overall driving experience. While not designed for off-road adventures, the Enclave's all-wheel drive and ground clearance made it capable of handling light trails and winter conditions.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in terms of interior comfort and functionality. The front seats were spacious and comfortable, with power adjustments and heating features. The rear seats offered generous legroom and could slide to adjust cargo space. However, the third-row seat was cramped and best suited for children. Cargo capacity was limited with the third row in use, but folding it down provided ample space for luggage. The interior design was clean and intuitive, although the centre console lacked storage options.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered a spacious and versatile interior, with easy ingress and egress. The cabin provided ample room for passengers in all three rows, with comfortable seating for six adults. The second-row captain's chairs added convenience, and the power-folding third-row seats enhanced cargo accessibility. The Enclave's cargo space was generous, accommodating a variety of storage needs. The centre console featured a push-button transmission, which allowed for easy access to USB ports and wireless charging. Overall, the Enclave's interior was well-designed and functional, with a focus on passenger comfort.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured advanced technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display (HUD) on the GT Premium trim. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a premium Bose audio system. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with accuracy, particularly at higher speeds.

The 2022 Buick Enclave came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless smartphone integration and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave's technology package included advanced safety features, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display. The infotainment system was user-friendly, although some graphics appeared dated. Overall, the Enclave's technology offerings were comprehensive and enhanced the driving experience.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a range of safety features, including forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning. The driver-assist system, similar to Nissan's ProPilot Assist, provided smooth and accurate performance. The Outlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although early models had poor headlight ratings.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package as standard, offering a comprehensive suite of safety technologies. These included automatic emergency braking, lane-change alert, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Premium trim added enhanced emergency braking and a surround-view camera. The Enclave received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.