2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2023 Ford Bronco

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 wheel sizes. The GT Premium trim, in particular, offered a luxurious interior with premium leather, a head-up display, and a premium sound system, enhancing the overall ambiance of the vehicle. Despite some use of less expensive materials, the Outlander managed to maintain a sophisticated interior design.

The 2023 Ford Bronco, on the other hand, was offered in nine distinct trim levels, each showcasing a blend of retro-cool styling and modern engineering. Its blocky shape, wide grille, and round headlights were unmistakable, even from a distance. The Bronco's interior continued the rugged theme, with durable materials designed for off-road adventures. Features like sealed switches, drain plugs, and marine-grade vinyl upholstery made it easy to clean after a day of off-roading. The Bronco also offered unique storage solutions and customizable options, making it a practical choice for adventure enthusiasts.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) 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 pass on highways. 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 contrast, the 2023 Ford Bronco offered a choice of three engines, starting with a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. The Bronco's performance was further enhanced by a twin-turbo 2.7-litre V6 and a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 in the Raptor model, delivering up to 418 horsepower. All Broncos came with a four-wheel drive system, making them well-suited for off-road adventures. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than a typical SUV, but it maintained good on-road manners and was quieter than its main competitor, the Jeep Wrangler. Despite its off-road focus, the Bronco managed to provide a confident driving experience on various terrains.

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. The Outlander offered a maximum cargo capacity of 2,256 litres, though this was slightly reduced with the panoramic sunroof.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, especially in the four-door model. The two-door version required some effort to access the rear seats, but the four-door offered easy entry. The Bronco featured practical storage solutions, including netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for personal items. Cargo space varied between the two-door and four-door models, with the latter offering up to 2,197 litres. The Bronco's design allowed for easy removal of fenders and doors, catering to off-road enthusiasts.

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 Apple CarPlay and a premium Bose audio system were also available. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, affecting its usability.

The 2023 Ford Bronco incorporated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, featuring G.O.A.T. drive modes and numerous camera views for navigating challenging terrains. The Trail Turn Assist feature allowed for sharp turns, and the infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Bronco offered an optional 12-inch display for improved usability.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a driver-assist system similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, providing smooth and accurate assistance. It included standard safety features like forward collision mitigation 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 2023 Ford Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with the four-door model earning four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings in most crashworthiness tests. The Bronco came with standard safety features like forward collision warning and hill-descent control, with additional options available in higher packages.