2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander presented a bold and distinctive front styling, characterized by the automaker’s “Dynamic Shield” grille and lighting concept. Despite its daring front, the design from the front wheels to the rear bumper was balanced and appealing. In Canada, the Outlander was available in several trims, all equipped with all-wheel drive and ranging in price from $31,998 to $42,178. The GT Premium trim, equivalent to the U.S.-spec test vehicle, featured luxurious touches like premium semi-aniline leather, a head-up display, and a premium sound system, enhancing the interior ambiance with a power panoramic glass sunroof. The interior design adhered to minimalism, with black and aluminum accents, though some plastics reminded of its compact crossover SUV segment status.

The 2023 Genesis GV70, with its styling connections to the G70 compact luxury sedan, showcased a coupe-like SUV design without sacrificing versatility. The interior was a testament to luxury, with top-notch materials and a contemporary yet classic aesthetic. The climate controls were integrated into a curving bezel, and the touchscreen rose organically from the dash. The GV70’s dash featured a full touchscreen backed by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly experience. Available in five trims with two powertrains, the GV70 catered to various preferences, with the Electrified GV70 offering impressive luxury credentials and a high-contrast interior design.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) powering the Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) AWD system. Despite the promise of manual control through paddle shifters, the driving experience was less satisfying. The Outlander offered multiple driving modes, but its performance was most responsive in urban environments. However, the engine struggled on highways and during overtaking, with a vague steering feel and a firm suspension that felt brittle on imperfect roads. The Outlander returned 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly missing the official rating of 8.9 L/100 km.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The GV70 balanced power and comfort, with the turbo-four providing ample power and the V6 appealing to performance enthusiasts. The Electrified GV70 featured a 77.4-kWh battery with dual motors producing 429 horsepower, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower. It offered a range of 383 kilometres and fast charging capabilities, with a well-rounded handling leaning towards comfort.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats, intuitive controls, and impressive displays. However, the centre console had wasted space, limiting storage. The rear seat offered generous room and comfort, with a sliding feature for more space. A third-row seat was available but cramped, suitable only for children. Cargo capacity was limited with the third row in use, but folding it down increased space to 948 litres, with a maximum of 2,256 litres without the panoramic sunroof.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 provided 1,611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 818 litres with them in use, above average for its class. It featured a hands-free power liftgate and decent front-seat adjustability. However, rear legroom was tighter, requiring front-row adjustments for comfort. The rear bench reclined for better seating positions, though the in-door cupholders were limited in size.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander GT and GT Premium stood out with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large and detailed HUD, 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, voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, affecting its performance.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It was user-friendly, with large icons and logical navigation, complemented by a rotary dial and helpful buttons. The GV70 included four USB ports, wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system, with options for ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and an 18-speaker Lexicon audio system.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander offered a driver-assist system similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, with features like forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though early models had poor headlight ratings.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and highway driving assist. Additional features like a blind-spot camera system and reverse automatic emergency braking were available on higher trims. The GV70 also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.