2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

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, with all-wheel drive as standard and prices ranging from $31,998 to $42,178. The GT Premium trim, equivalent to the U.S.-spec test vehicle, offered luxurious features such as premium semi-aniline leather, a head-up display, and a premium sound system, enhancing the overall upscale feel of the vehicle.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia continued its second generation into its 14th year, showcasing a mature design that emphasized timeless elegance. The Sequoia's exterior featured a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight body lines, giving it a substantial presence. Despite its age, the Sequoia maintained high-quality materials and construction, ensuring durability and longevity. The Nightshade Special Edition model, based on the Limited trim, demonstrated Toyota's efforts to keep the Sequoia relevant, although the interior design appeared somewhat dated compared to more modern SUVs.

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) and Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. Despite the availability 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 firm, leading to a less comfortable ride on imperfect roads. The Outlander returned a fuel consumption rate of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly higher than the official rating.

In comparison, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a robust 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, providing a reliable and durable powertrain. The Sequoia boasted impressive towing and payload capacities, thanks to its truck-based construction. Despite its weight, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities. However, its fuel consumption was significantly higher, with ratings of 18.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 13.9 on the highway.

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 and a stylish electronic transmission shifter. However, the centre console lacked storage space, and the third-row seat was cramped, suitable only for children. The Outlander provided 331 litres of cargo space with the third row in use, expanding to 2,256 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows. The SUV featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and heated front seats. The Sequoia's cargo area was generous, with 535 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 3,401 litres with the seats folded flat. The interior offered ample storage options, including a large centre console and door pockets.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander stood out with its advanced technology features, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large head-up display, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay. The GT Premium trim also included a 10-speaker Bose audio system. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with accuracy, particularly at higher speeds.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information screen. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the infotainment system lacked the sophistication of newer models. The Sequoia did include a 14-speaker JBL audio system on higher trims and standard LED lighting.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander received high safety ratings, with a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It featured a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies, including forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning. The driver-assist system, similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, provided smooth and accurate assistance.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, but it was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The Sequoia also featured a full complement of airbags, stability control, and traction control, ensuring a safe driving experience.