2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2022 Toyota Venza

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 head-up display. 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.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, reintroduced on the TGNA-K platform, boasted a modern exterior design with excellent proportions, reminiscent of a Lexus. Its most notable design feature was the deeply scalloped body side, which emphasized power and elegance. The Venza's interior was equally impressive, offering a Lexus-like ambiance with high-quality materials and an elegant layout. The cabin was spacious, with supportive front seats and ample room for rear passengers. The Venza's design was more suited for urban environments, with a focus on comfort and style rather than off-road capability.

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 promise of various driving modes, the Outlander's performance was underwhelming, particularly at higher speeds or when attempting to overtake. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was too firm, leading to a less-than-smooth ride on imperfect roads. The Outlander's fuel consumption was slightly higher than expected, returning 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, delivering a combined 219 horsepower. The Venza's hybrid system provided a seamless balance between electric and gasoline power, optimizing efficiency and performance. With a range of driving modes and regenerative braking, the Venza offered a smooth and agile driving experience. Its handling was more akin to a sedan, thanks to its shared wheelbase with the Camry, making it maneuverable and comfortable for everyday driving.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats, intuitive controls, and impressive displays. However, the centre console lacked storage space, and the third-row seat was cramped and not ideal for adults. The Outlander offered 331 litres of cargo space with the third row in use, expanding to 948 litres with it folded down, and a maximum of 2,256 litres without the panoramic sunroof.

The 2022 Toyota Venza provided a spacious and comfortable cabin for five passengers, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The interior featured numerous convenience features, such as an electric parking brake and sliding sun visors. The Venza's cargo capacity was 816 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,560 litres with the seats folded flat. Toyota focused on creating a quiet and serene cabin environment, using sound-blocking materials throughout the vehicle.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander stood out with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large and detailed head-up display, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Wireless smartphone charging and a 10-speaker Bose audio system were also available. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, affecting its usability.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no special attention, making it ideal for those without access to charging infrastructure. The Venza's infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen, with higher trims offering a 12.3-inch display and a nine-speaker JBL audio system. The Venza also boasted advanced features like a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and Toyota Connected Services, providing a comprehensive and user-friendly technology experience.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a driver-assist system similar to Nissan's ProPilot Assist. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, the steering assistance and lane-departure systems could be intrusive, requiring manual deactivation through the touchscreen.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came equipped with the Toyota Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a wide range of safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Venza also included eight airbags and a blind-spot monitor. It received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, ensuring a high level of safety for its occupants.