2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander presented a bold and distinctive front styling, characterized by the automaker’s “Dynamic Shield” grille and lighting concept. Despite its striking front, the design from the front wheels to the rear bumper was balanced and appealing. In Canada, the Outlander was available in several trims, all featuring standard all-wheel drive and a range of luxurious features, especially in the GT Premium trim. The interior was minimalist, with premium materials like semi-aniline leather and aluminum accents, although some plastics reminded occupants of its compact crossover status.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, marking the beginning of Hyundai's Ioniq sub-brand. Its exterior design was a mix of minimal character lines and intricate Parametric Pixel elements, giving it a concept car feel. The interior, themed as “Living Space,” was mellow and comfortable, featuring sustainable materials and innovative features like a “Relaxation” mode for the driver’s seat. The Ioniq 5’s design was both futuristic and practical, with a focus on passenger comfort and utility.

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. Despite its name, the S-AWC was a brake-induced torque-vectoring system, and the Outlander’s performance was underwhelming, especially at higher speeds or during overtaking. The ride was firm, with the suspension transmitting road imperfections into the cabin, and the steering felt vague and disconnected. Fuel consumption was slightly higher than official ratings, at 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, with the Preferred long-range AWD variant delivering 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. It featured a dual-motor system and a range of 414 kilometres. The Ioniq 5 handled well, with four drive modes including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle’s regenerative braking system was adjustable via paddle shifters, enhancing the driving experience. The Ioniq 5 was quiet and composed, with features to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness, making it a pleasant drive.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats, intuitive controls, and impressive digital displays. However, the centre console lacked storage space, and the third-row seat was cramped and not ideal for adults. Cargo capacity was limited with the third row in use but expanded significantly when folded down.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform, offered a spacious interior with a long wheelbase. It provided a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, prioritizing passenger comfort over cargo space. The interior was comfortable, with a moveable centre console and flat floor, allowing for easy entry and exit. The seats were supportive and comfortable, catering to a range of body types.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large HUD, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay. The GT Premium trim included a 10-speaker Bose audio system, but the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted advanced technology, including a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities and ultra-fast charging. It featured a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system were elegant and anti-glare, ensuring clear visibility.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander included a driver-assist system similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, with features like forward collision mitigation and blind-spot warning. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though early models had poor headlight ratings.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, offering features like lane keeping assist and forward collision avoidance. It included Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. While safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai’s track record suggested high marks were likely.