2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

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 panoramic sunroof. 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 Toyota RAV4, a mature crossover SUV, had evolved significantly since its introduction in 1996. The latest iteration, part of a 2019 redesign, featured a design that blended in with current crossover trends, yet upon closer inspection, revealed angular flourishes and expressive headlights that gave it a playful yet aggressive look. The RAV4's interior boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and colours, anchored by a straightforward centre stack. The design included a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern that tied various cabin elements together, enhancing the overall aesthetic and quality feel of the vehicle.

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 various driving modes, the Outlander struggled to deliver a satisfying driving experience, particularly at higher speeds or during acceleration. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was too firm, leading to a brittle ride on anything but smooth pavement. The Outlander returned a fuel consumption of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly higher than the official rating.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a choice of three powertrains, with the gasoline-only model featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. The RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime models offered additional power and efficiency, with the Prime capable of running on electricity alone for up to 68 kilometres. The RAV4's handling was car-like, with a true four-wheel independent suspension and dynamic torque vectoring for improved cornering. Fuel economy varied by model, with the gasoline version achieving up to 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving.

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 rear seat provided generous space for adults, and the third-row seat, though cramped, was suitable for children. However, the third row's proximity to the tailgate raised safety concerns. Cargo capacity was limited to 331 litres with the third row in use, expanding to 2,256 litres with the seats folded down. Despite its spaciousness, the Outlander lacked storage options due to underutilized centre console space.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, while still classified as a small SUV, offered impressive cargo capacity, with up to 1,977 litres available with the second row folded flat. The RAV4's towing capacity varied by model, with the Trail and TRD Off-Road models capable of towing up to 1,588 kilograms. Inside, the RAV4 provided ample space for four adults, with comfortable front seats and a well-designed cabin featuring numerous storage options. The middle seat in the second row was less desirable, but the overall interior layout was practical and user-friendly.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured standout technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a large, detailed head-up display (HUD) that remained visible with polarized sunglasses. The available 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, impacting its effectiveness.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 9-inch version available on higher trims. The RAV4 Prime showcased advanced technology, including multiple USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, and a 10-inch colour head-up display. The RAV4's infotainment system included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, with navigation becoming less essential due to smartphone integration.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a driver-assist system similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, offering smooth and accurate performance. However, the steering assistance and lane-departure prevention systems could be intrusive. The Outlander included standard safety features such as forward collision mitigation and blind-spot warning. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota’s Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-departure alert. The RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The RAV4 Prime earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating, thanks to improved side-impact crash test results.