2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

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 trim levels, all featuring standard all-wheel drive and a range of wheel sizes, with the higher trims boasting luxurious touches like premium leather interiors 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 crossover segment.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, adventure-ready design, staying true to its roots with a construction closely related to the Toyota Tacoma pickup. This SUV's high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper emphasized its off-road capabilities. Inside, the 4Runner's design was functional, though it showed its age with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s. The 4Runner was available in various trims, each offering unique features tailored to different driving needs, from off-road prowess to more road-oriented touches. Despite its dated design, the 4Runner's interior provided ample space and practicality, with a focus on durability 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. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that powered Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) AWD system. While the Outlander offered various driving modes, its performance was often described as underwhelming, 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 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, featured a 4.0-litre V6 engine delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, providing power to a standard 4WD system with a low range. While the 4Runner's engine was reliable, it felt dated and underwhelming in most driving situations. The ride was rough and cumbersome on paved roads, with noticeable body roll. However, off-road, the 4Runner excelled, with its suspension absorbing terrain effortlessly. The 4Runner also offered a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms, surpassing most car-based crossovers.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, offering roomy and comfortable front seats with deeply padded armrests. The driver's seat featured a 10-way power adjustment, and heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard on most trims. 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 ample space for luggage.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum cargo capacity of 2,540 litres in the two-row version, with slightly less space in the three-row model. The third-row seat, available only on the Limited package, increased seating capacity to seven but reduced cargo space. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-operated rear window for easy access. While the cabin design was not the most efficient, it provided sufficient space for passengers and gear, with a focus on practicality and durability.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander stood out with its 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 trim included a 10-speaker Bose audio system, delivering impressive sound quality. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, affecting its performance.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. While the system was straightforward and relied on tactile controls, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display. The optional 15-speaker JBL audio system provided enhanced sound quality, but the overall technology offering was basic compared to more modern systems.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a driver-assist system similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, offering smooth and accurate performance. It included standard safety features like 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 poorly rated headlights.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. It earned four stars in frontal and side-impact testing from the NHTSA, with a three-star rating for rollover testing. The 4Runner was backed by a five-year/100,000-kilometre powertrain warranty.