2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

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 front appearance, while the rest of the vehicle maintained a balanced and appealing design. In Canada, the Outlander was available in several trim levels, all featuring standard all-wheel drive and a range of luxurious interior options, such as premium semi-aniline leather and a head-up display. Despite some interior plastics reminding drivers of its compact crossover status, the Outlander managed to avoid using obviously inexpensive materials, offering a minimalist yet upscale cabin experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. The front end received a restyling that some found less elegant than previous models. However, the Navigator continued to impress with its high-quality materials and mid-century modern design inside. The introduction of Lincoln's Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a touch of sophistication, while the new Sync 4 infotainment system with a larger touchscreen display kept the Navigator competitive in the luxury SUV market. The Navigator's interior remained spacious and comfortable, with heated, ventilated, and massaging seats available for both front and second-row passengers.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with 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) that powered Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) AWD system. Despite the promise of manual control through paddle shifters, the driving experience was less satisfying than expected. The Outlander offered various driving modes, but its performance was most responsive in lower-speed urban environments. However, the SUV struggled with acceleration on highways and passing on two-lane roads, leaving drivers wishing for more power. The Outlander's ride and handling were also criticized for being too firm and unyielding over imperfect pavement, and its fuel consumption fell short of official ratings.

In comparison, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This powerful engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged between 3,674 and 3,765 kilograms, depending on configuration, and its adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology ensured a smooth ride over various road conditions. The Navigator's electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, while its performance in snow and mud was impressive, thanks to its ground clearance and traction settings. The Navigator's fuel consumption was slightly better than official ratings during testing.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, offering roomy and comfortable front seats with 10-way power adjustment and heated features. The interior design was clean and intuitive, with impressive digital instrumentation and a head-up display. However, the centre console lacked storage space, and the third-row seat was cramped, suitable only for children. Cargo capacity was limited with the third-row seat in use but expanded significantly when folded down.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to provide exceptional comfort with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats and available massaging, heated, and ventilated second-row captain's chairs. The third-row seat offered ample space and comfort, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. Storage and cargo space were generous, with the long-wheelbase Navigator L providing even more room for larger families and loads. The Navigator's cargo capacity was impressive, accommodating significant amounts of luggage with the rear seats folded down.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander stood out with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, large head-up display, and 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, affecting its performance.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator received a significant technology upgrade with the new Sync 4 infotainment system and a 13.2-inch touchscreen display. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, and offered a user-friendly interface with customizable settings. The Navigator's voice recognition system improved over the previous model, though it still had some limitations. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV provided access to popular streaming services, while the optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a driver-assist system similar to Nissan's ProPilot Assist, offering smooth and accurate performance. The SUV included standard safety features such as forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning. The Outlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though early models had poor headlight ratings. The NHTSA awarded the Outlander a five-star overall rating, with four-star ratings for frontal crash and rollover performance.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system became standard, enhancing safety. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology, performed well on approved highways, though drivers were required to remain attentive. The Navigator's safety features represented a step towards fully autonomous driving, but drivers still needed to be vigilant.