2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander presented a bold and distinctive front styling, characterized by its "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 equipped with all-wheel drive and ranging in price from $31,998 to $42,178, with a destination charge of $1,900. The GT Premium trim, equivalent to the U.S. test vehicle, featured luxurious semi-aniline leather, a head-up display, and a premium sound system, enhancing the interior's upscale ambiance. The interior design adhered to minimalism, with authentic aluminum accents and gloss black trim, though some plastics reminded of its compact crossover SUV segment status.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler required buyers to choose between a two-door or four-door body style and a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or a plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler came in four core trims, with numerous special editions offering various roof and top options. Prices ranged from under $40,000 to over $100,000, excluding the destination charge. The High Tide model, based on the Sport S trim, featured LED lighting, a body-colour hardtop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield. Despite its high price, the Wrangler's interior was basic, with a focus on durability and practicality, including floor drain plugs for easy cleaning. The Wrangler's unique character and capabilities offered an immersive driving experience, though it required compromises in comfort and refinement.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Its continuously variable transmission powered the Super All-Wheel Control system, though the brake-induced torque-vectoring system left some questioning its "super" designation. The Outlander offered various driving modes, but its performance was underwhelming, especially in higher-speed scenarios. 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, slightly missing the official rating of 8.9 L/100 km.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD, the Wrangler was designed for challenging conditions. However, it averaged 14.0 L/100 km, higher than the expected 11.2 L/100 km. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with loud cabin noise, vague steering, and a rough ride, but it offered an immersive and adventurous experience. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities and open-air driving were highlights, though it required frequent fuel stops and adjustments to its quirks.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats, intuitive controls, and impressive displays. The rear seat offered generous space and comfort, while the third-row seat was cramped and best suited for children. Cargo capacity was limited with the third row in use but expanded significantly when folded. However, the centre console lacked storage space, a missed opportunity given the shift-by-wire transmission design.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler posed challenges for entry and exit, especially with a raised suspension. The seats were comfortable, and the interior materials were durable, though visibility was mixed. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Storage options were limited, with netting and small compartments. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 898 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded. The tailgate design required caution when opening on hills or in tight spaces.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander GT and GT Premium stood out with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large and detailed HUD, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay. The GT Premium also featured a 10-speaker Bose audio system. However, voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, affecting its effectiveness.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler Sport S trim offered basic infotainment with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system provided upgrades like satellite radio and a premium audio system. The Wrangler included remote engine starting, satellite radio, and a passive keyless entry system. The Cold Weather Group added heated seats and a steering wheel, extending the open-air driving season.

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, and blind-spot warning. The Outlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though early models had Poor-rated headlights.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were mediocre, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. Safety features were optional, and the Wrangler required careful driving.