2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2023 Kia Telluride

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander presented a bold and distinctive design, characterized by its "Dynamic Shield" grille and lighting concept. Despite its striking front styling, the Outlander maintained a balanced and appealing design from the front wheels to the rear bumper. In Canada, the Outlander was available in several trim levels, with 18-inch alloy wheels on the lower trims and 20-inch wheels standard on the higher trims. The interior of the GT Premium trim was luxuriously appointed with premium semi-aniline leather, a head-up display, and a premium sound system, creating an upscale ambiance. The interior design adhered to minimalism, with black and aluminum accents, though some plastics reminded occupants of its compact crossover status.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride featured refreshed front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models showcased a raised suspension and unique design elements, enhancing their off-road appeal. Inside, the Telluride boasted a modern interior with a digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The interior updates included new colours, minor trim changes, and a more functional centre console. The Telluride offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, with premium Nappa leather upholstery and power-adjustable seats, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of style and comfort.

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) AWD system. Despite the availability of multiple driving modes, the Outlander struggled to deliver a satisfying driving experience, particularly at higher speeds or when accelerating onto highways. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was firm, leading to a less comfortable ride on imperfect roads. The Outlander returned 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, slightly higher than the official rating.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride offered a range of driving modes, including a low-speed Lock setting for the AWD system. The V6 engine provided ample power, and the Telluride achieved 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the X-Line model during testing. The X-Pro model, designed for off-road adventures, returned 11.5 L/100 km. The Telluride's suspension enhancements improved its off-road capabilities, while its smooth ride quality and responsive handling made it a pleasure to drive on highways.

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 increased the available space significantly.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a spacious interior with seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration. The test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats. The second row was comfortable, with convenient features like USB ports and climate controls. The third-row seat was more accommodating than many competitors, and the Telluride provided ample storage space, with a smart power tailgate for easy access. Cargo capacity was generous, with 601 litres behind the third row and up to 2,455 litres with both rear rows folded.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander stood out with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large and detailed HUD, 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 2023 Kia Telluride featured a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia Connect services. The system performed well in voice recognition tests, though it did not control climate settings. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. New digital-key technology and a Full Display rear-view mirror were also available. The Telluride's HUD offered a larger viewing area with additional information, and the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a driver-assist system similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist. It included 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.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came with an extensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. New features for 2023 included a junction turning system and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist. The Telluride's Highway Drive Assist 1.5 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance, and additional collision avoidance features were available on higher trims. The Telluride received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.