2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2023 Jeep Wrangler

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander presented a bold and distinctive front styling, characterized by its "Dynamic Shield" grille and lighting concept. Despite its striking 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 semi-aniline leather, a head-up display, and a premium sound system, enhancing the interior's upscale ambiance. The interior design adhered to minimalism, with black accents and aluminum touches, though some plastics reminded occupants of its compact crossover status.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler exuded a rugged, no-nonsense design with its boxy shape and iconic seven-slot grille. Available in two-door and four-door configurations, the Wrangler allowed for a customizable open-air experience with removable doors and a fold-down windshield. The Wrangler's design was simple and functional, with wide fenders and round headlights. The introduction of new paint colours like "Reign" and "Earl" added a touch of flair to its otherwise utilitarian appearance. Inside, the Wrangler prioritized practicality with easy-to-clean materials and a straightforward layout, though storage space was limited.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was powered by 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 the promise of various driving modes, the Outlander struggled to deliver a satisfying driving experience, particularly at higher speeds or during acceleration. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was firm, leading to a less comfortable ride on imperfect roads. Fuel consumption was slightly higher than expected, with the Outlander returning 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of engine options, including a standard Pentastar V6 with 285 horsepower, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower, and a 3.0-litre Ecodiesel V6 with 260 horsepower. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 featured a powerful 6.4-litre V8 engine with 470 horsepower, providing exhilarating performance both on and off-road. The Wrangler excelled in off-road capabilities, with solid axles, differential lockers, and various transfer cases. However, the 392 model's brakes and steering were less refined, requiring caution during aggressive driving. The Wrangler's fuel efficiency varied depending on the engine choice, with the plug-in hybrid 4xe offering an all-electric range of 35 kilometres.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, offering roomy and comfortable front seats with heated options and a 10-way power adjustment for the driver. The interior design was clean and intuitive, with impressive digital displays and a stylish electronic transmission shifter. However, the centre console lacked storage space. The rear seats provided ample room for adults, while the third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space. Cargo capacity was limited with the third row in use but expanded significantly when folded down.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's front seats were comfortable, though heated options were limited to specific trims or packages. The rear seat was tight, especially in the two-door models, and accessing the rear was challenging due to small doors. Storage for small items was minimal, with limited cubby space and small glove and centre consoles. The Wrangler's cargo space was also limited, though the removable top options provided versatility for open-air driving. The Wrangler offered ample charging points, with multiple USB ports and a 115-volt outlet.

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, delivering impressive sound quality. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, affecting its performance.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch screen in our tester. The system initially appeared complex but was intuitive once familiar. The Wrangler included off-road pages with detailed information and connectivity options like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While not overly tech-heavy, the Wrangler offered practical features like a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander impressed with its driver-assist system, similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, providing smooth and accurate assistance. It included standard safety features like forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning. The Outlander 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 Jeep Wrangler's standard safety features were limited to a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were standard only on top trims or available as options. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from the IIHS, with some trims having poor headlight ratings. The NHTSA awarded the Wrangler four stars for frontal crash tests and three stars for rollover ratings.