2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

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 trims, all equipped with all-wheel drive and a range of features that enhanced its luxurious feel, such as premium leather upholstery 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 SUV segment.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 maintained a more subtle evolution in its design, with new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, and a refreshed grille. The top Signature trim featured body-colour lower exterior trim, emphasizing Mazda's premium aspirations. Inside, the CX-5's interior remained largely unchanged, with the Signature trim offering luxurious Nappa leather upholstery and real wood trim. The new seats provided improved comfort and support, addressing previous criticisms. The CX-5's interior exuded a sense of luxury, with features like dual-zone climate control and a heated steering wheel, although the control layout and infotainment system were less intuitive compared to competitors.

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. Despite the promise of various driving modes, the Outlander's performance was underwhelming, particularly in highway scenarios where a turbocharger would have been beneficial. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was firm, leading to a less comfortable ride on imperfect roads. Fuel consumption was slightly higher than expected, at 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered a more engaging driving experience, with a base 2.5-litre engine delivering 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive contributed to a responsive performance. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged engine option provided up to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The CX-5's driving dynamics were significantly improved, with enhanced structural rigidity and suspension tuning, resulting in a quieter and smoother ride. Fuel consumption for the turbocharged engine was higher than official ratings, at 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with spacious 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 folding it down provided ample space for luggage.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and seating comfort with new furnishings that offered better support and a sportier driving position. The back seat remained snug, but features like heated cushions and air conditioning vents improved passenger comfort. The control layout was less intuitive, and storage space was limited. Cargo capacity was adequate, with 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured standout technology, including a 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, although voice recognition technology could be improved.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, but it lacked touch capability and natural voice recognition. Users had to rely on centre console controls, which required acclimation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and higher trims included a 10-speaker Bose sound system, which performed adequately.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a driver-assist system similar to Nissan's ProPilot Assist. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although early models had poorly rated headlights.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with the i-Activsense package, offering a wide range of safety features. Higher trims added advanced features like adaptive headlights and a surround-view camera system. The CX-5 also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, making it a strong contender in terms of safety.