2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander presented a bold and distinctive design, characterized by its "Dynamic Shield" grille and lighting concept. This 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 interior options, such as premium semi-aniline leather and a head-up display. Despite some interior plastics reminding drivers of its compact crossover SUV status, the Outlander managed to avoid using obviously inexpensive materials, offering a minimalist and upscale interior ambiance.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV styling cues. The Sienna's design included a macho front end and cleverly engineered sliding doors that concealed the slider channel, giving it a more assertive profile. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and flexible interior, with ample storage and seating options, including available second-row captain’s chairs with ottomans. The third-row bench could easily be stored away, providing generous cargo space. The Sienna's interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering a comfortable and practical environment for families.

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 the 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 when attempting to accelerate quickly. 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 Sienna, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, delivering a combined 243 horsepower. The Sienna offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter adding an additional electric motor for the rear wheels. The electronically controlled CVT provided smooth power delivery, and the Sienna's handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system. The Sienna excelled in fuel efficiency, with official ratings of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres for FWD models and slightly higher for AWD models.

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. With the third-row seat in use, the Outlander offered 331 litres of cargo space, expanding to 948 litres with the seat folded down, and a maximum of 2,256 litres without the panoramic sunroof.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed as a family workhorse, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for cargo loading, with measurements of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna also boasted a 1,585-kilogram towing capacity. The interior featured ample storage and cupholders, with power-operated sliding doors and liftgate for added convenience.

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, but the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna offered a comprehensive suite of technology features, with a standard 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB ports. While wireless smartphone integration was absent, the Sienna included telematics services, Bluetooth, and optional Qi wireless charging. Higher trims offered a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a driver-assist system similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, offering smooth and accurate performance. It included standard safety features such as 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.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system, enhancing its family-friendly safety credentials.