2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

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 maintaining a balanced and appealing design from the front wheels to the rear bumper. In Canada, the Outlander was available in several trim levels, all featuring standard all-wheel drive and a range of luxurious features, especially in the GT Premium trim. The interior of the Outlander adhered to a minimalist design philosophy, with premium materials like semi-aniline leather and authentic aluminum accents, although some interior plastics reminded occupants of its compact crossover SUV status.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a more subtle and refined exterior design, especially in its base GLS 450 form. The AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions provided options for those seeking more visual drama, with features like flared wheel arches and chrome accents. Inside, the GLS boasted a luxurious interior with options for added comforts such as reclining rear seats and a performance-oriented interior in the AMG version. The GLS's interior was equipped with a digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen, providing a high-quality feel without being overly flashy.

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) AWD system. Despite the availability of various driving modes, the Outlander struggled to deliver a satisfying driving experience, particularly at higher speeds or when attempting to overtake. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was firm, leading to a less comfortable ride on imperfect roads. The Outlander returned a fuel consumption of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly higher than the official rating.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an additional boost from the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup provided ample power for the large SUV, with smooth integration of the electric assist. However, the GLS's air suspension, while capable of adjusting ride height, exhibited poor body control, leading to excessive motion over bumps and in corners. The GLS 450 had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, which was competitive but not class-leading.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, offering roomy and comfortable front seats with a 10-way power adjustment for the driver. The interior design was clean and intuitive, with impressive digital displays. 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 in use, but folding it down provided a more generous 948 litres of space.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a spacious interior with a standard seven-seat configuration, and an optional six-seat version with captain’s chairs. The second-row seats could slide and fold for easy access to the third row, providing excellent legroom. Cargo space was competitive, with 355 litres available with all seats in place, expanding to 2,400 litres with the second and third rows folded. The GLS featured convenient power-folding seats and a power tailgate, although some ergonomic issues were noted, such as the touchscreen being difficult to reach.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander GT and GT Premium stood out with 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 also featured a 10-speaker Bose audio system. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with accuracy while driving, likely due to road noise.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and natural-language voice recognition. The system offered multiple control options, with voice recognition being the most effective. The GLS also included an augmented-reality navigation feature, although the navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes. The optional Burmester audio system and head-up display added to the technological appeal.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a driver-assist system similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist. The system provided smooth and accurate assistance, although the steering assistance could be intrusive. The Outlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a wide range of standard safety features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional advanced driver-assistance features were available as options. However, crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.