2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2022 Volvo XC90

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 that hinted at its position in the compact crossover SUV segment, the Outlander managed to avoid the use of obviously inexpensive materials, offering a minimalist and upscale interior ambiance.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 showcased a sophisticated and modern design, moving away from the boxy shapes of its predecessors. The XC90's sleek roofline and pronounced wheel arches emphasized its athleticism, while the "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights paid homage to its Swedish heritage. Inside, the XC90 exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," with natural wood and metal trim creating an authentic feel. The interior featured exquisite details like a sliding wood tambour cover and a crystal gear selector handle, reinforcing its luxury status. Volvo's commitment to sustainability was evident in its upholstery options, with a choice between Nappa leather and a tailored wool blend, catering to different preferences.

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) AWD system. Despite offering various driving modes, the Outlander struggled to deliver a satisfying driving experience, particularly at higher speeds or during highway 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 of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly higher than the official rating.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered a choice of three powertrains, including the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version, and the Recharge plug-in hybrid. The T5 delivered 250 horsepower, while the T6 increased output to 316 horsepower. The Recharge model combined gasoline and electric power for a total of 455 horsepower. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The XC90's driving experience was impressive, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, especially in the Recharge model. Fuel efficiency varied across models, with the Recharge offering an EV range of up to 58 kilometres.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats, intuitive controls, and impressive digital displays. However, the centre console lacked storage space, and the third-row seat was cramped, suitable only for children. Cargo capacity was limited with the third row in use, but folding it down provided ample space for luggage.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered flexible seating configurations, with easy access to the third row. While the third row was best suited for children, the XC90 provided generous cargo space, especially with the rear seats folded. The interior was well-designed, with ample storage options and a spacious cabin enhanced by a panoramic moonroof. The climate control system performed admirably, ensuring comfort in various weather conditions.

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, though voice-recognition technology could be improved.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered tablet-like functionality, though it occasionally experienced glitches. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, and an optional head-up display. The Advanced package added a 360-degree camera system and an advanced air cleaner. The XC90 also featured multiple USB ports and a Harman-Kardon audio system on higher trims.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander boasted 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, though early models had poorly rated headlights.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety with features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist. It earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, underscoring its commitment to safety.