2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander presented a bold and distinctive front styling, characterized by its "Dynamic Shield" grille and lighting concept. This design choice gave the Outlander a unique identity, with a balanced and appealing aesthetic from the front wheels to the rear bumper. 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. The interior design adhered to minimalism, with black accents and gloss black trim, although some plastics reminded occupants of its position in the SUV hierarchy.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX boasted a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille and significant ground clearance. The GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to other blocky Toyota designs, with big, flared fenders adding to its chunky motif. Despite its luxury badge, the interior featured a disappointing amount of plastic, reflecting its low sales volume and the need for cost-effective manufacturing. However, the GX still offered luxury touches such as heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery. The GX's design was engineered for off-road capability, with a short wheelbase and minimal overhangs, making it suitable for tackling various terrains.

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 its Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. Despite the promise of various driving modes, the Outlander struggled to deliver satisfying performance, particularly at higher speeds or when accelerating onto highways. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was firm, leading to a brittle ride on imperfect roads. The Outlander returned a fuel consumption of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly higher than the official rating.

The 2023 Lexus GX, on the other hand, featured a 4.6-litre V8 engine with 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery. The GX's towing capacity was 2,948 kilograms, but its fuel economy was less impressive, with estimates of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city. The GX's weight contributed to its rolling through corners, but its handling remained predictable. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and 4WD system enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it user-friendly in challenging conditions.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, offering roomy and comfortable front seats with intuitive controls and impressive displays. However, the centre console lacked storage space, and the third-row seat was cramped, suitable only for children. The Outlander provided 331 litres of cargo space with the third row in use, expanding to 2,217 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space and retained physical controls, which were appreciated by those averse to touchscreens. The second row was comfortable, but the third row was too tight for regular use. The GX's side-hinged trunk door was cumbersome, and its cargo space was limited, with 328 litres behind the rear seats and 1,832 litres with all seats folded.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured standout technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large HUD, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay. The GT Premium trim also included a 10-speaker Bose audio system. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, but the graphics and responsiveness lagged behind competitors. The GX included a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and off-road-focused technology, such as a real 4WD system and Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS).

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander impressed with its driver-assist system, similar to Nissan's ProPilot Assist, offering smooth and accurate performance. It included common 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 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations, but it included the Lexus Safety System+ with features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, the GX's safety technology was up-to-date, providing a modern safety experience.