2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander showcased a bold design with its “Dynamic Shield” grille and lighting concept, creating a striking front appearance. Despite its daring front styling, the Outlander maintained a balanced and appealing design from the front wheels to the rear bumper. In Canada, it was available in several trims, all featuring standard all-wheel drive and a range of luxurious features, especially in the GT Premium trim. The interior boasted premium semi-aniline leather, a head-up display, and a premium sound system, with a minimalist design accented by authentic aluminum and gloss black trim.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, presenting a stately midsize SUV just shy of 5 metres long. The Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels and a matte Brunswick Green paint job, adding to its elegance. Inside, the GV80 continued the dark green theme with quilted leather seats, a split dash with horizontal air vents, and a centre console with three large dials. The interior was spacious and luxurious, though the infotainment screen placement was slightly awkward.

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) and Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. Despite offering various driving modes, the Outlander struggled with power delivery, especially at higher speeds or during overtaking. The steering felt vague, and the suspension was firm, leading to a less comfortable ride on imperfect roads. Fuel consumption was slightly higher than expected, at 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6, with our tester featuring the latter, delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. While not the quickest in its class, the GV80 excelled in highway driving with smooth power delivery and an electronically controlled suspension that adjusted to road conditions. Active noise cancellation enhanced the quiet and comfortable ride, though its handling was less precise compared to German rivals.

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 expanded significantly when folded down.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered luxurious features such as heated and ventilated seats, a tri-zone climate control system, and a 21-speaker Lexicon sound system. While a third row was available, it was best suited for children due to limited legroom. The GV80 boasted one of the largest cargo spaces in its class, with easy seat-folding mechanisms and a substantial towing capacity of 2,720 kilograms.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large 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 struggled with road noise.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment system had a learning curve, it offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, albeit not wirelessly. The GV80 also featured remote smart parking assist, allowing the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander included advanced safety features such as forward collision mitigation and lane-keeping assist. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though earlier models had poor headlight ratings.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with comprehensive safety aids, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Drive Assist. It received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though its headlights and LATCH system were rated as Acceptable.