2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2022 Volvo XC60

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, 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 interior design.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, including a new front fascia with "air blades" and a reworked grille that housed sensors for driver-assist systems. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, ensuring a consistent design language. The interior remained largely unchanged, featuring a clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and a new digital instrument cluster. While the XC60's interior was somewhat subdued compared to other Volvo models, it offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel in the Inscription trim, adding a touch of luxury to the overall experience.

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 manual control through paddle shifters, the driving experience was less satisfying than expected. The Outlander offered various driving modes, but its performance was most responsive in lower-speed urban environments. However, the vehicle struggled with acceleration on highways and during overtaking, leaving drivers wishing for more power. 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 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 options. The B5 produced 258 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 offered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Both powertrains featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD in Canada. The XC60 B6 R-Design impressed with its smooth power delivery and calm driving experience, emphasizing luxury over performance. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge offered even more power, with 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 horsepower and 494 pound-feet. The XC60's standout features included a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by an optional air suspension.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, offering roomy and comfortable front seats with deeply padded armrests. The GT and GT Premium trims featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. 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 in use, cargo capacity was limited to 331 litres, expanding to 948 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 2,256 litres without the panoramic sunroof.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Cargo capacity for mild-hybrid models was 611 litres with the rear seats up and 1,410 litres with them folded, while plug-in hybrid models offered slightly less space. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, despite its somewhat pinched roofline. Large exterior mirrors aided in driving without relying heavily on driver aids.

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. Wireless smartphone charging and a 10-speaker Bose audio system were also available. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, affecting its performance while driving.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The system integrated Google Assistant for voice control and Google Maps for navigation, with over-the-air updates enhancing functionality. While the system was compatible with iPhones, Android users benefited from additional features. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander boasted a driver-assist system similar to Nissan's ProPilot Assist, providing a hands-on Level 2 experience. It included forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning, among other features. 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 Volvo XC60's safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. While the 2022 model hadn't been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, the 2021 model received top ratings. Volvo's driver assistance system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring, offering a reliable but no longer unique feature.