2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander presented a bold and distinctive design, characterized by its "Dynamic Shield" grille and lighting concept. This unique styling choice gave the Outlander a striking front appearance, while maintaining a balanced and appealing design from the front wheels to the rear bumper. In Canada, the Outlander was available in several trims, all equipped with all-wheel drive and featuring either 18-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels. The GT Premium trim, in particular, offered a luxurious interior with premium semi-aniline leather, a head-up display, and a premium sound system, enhancing the overall ambiance with a power panoramic glass sunroof.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue maintained a more conservative design approach, focusing on proper proportions and rugged SUV detailing. The Rogue's lineup included several trims, with the Platinum trim offering a range of upscale features such as two-tone paint, diamond-pattern leather seats, and a comprehensive suite of interior lighting and protection features. Despite its appealing design, the Rogue's Platinum trim approached the price range of the Infiniti QX50, Nissan's luxury brand, while still offering a comfortable and practical interior for families.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. Despite the availability of multiple driving modes, the Outlander struggled with power delivery, especially at higher speeds or when attempting to overtake. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was firm, leading to a less comfortable 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 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with variable compression technology, delivering 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a more responsive driving experience in urban settings, although it lacked passing power on highways. The Rogue's CVT was generally unobtrusive, but its simulated gear changes could feel dramatic. The Rogue's ride quality was enhanced by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, though it exhibited more body motion on uneven roads. The Rogue achieved a fuel consumption of 8.1 L/100 km, slightly missing the expected rating.

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

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family vehicle, accommodating four adults comfortably and a fifth person if needed. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a triple-zone climate control system. The Rogue's rear doors opened wide for easy access, and the cargo area offered flexible storage options with the Divide-N-Hide feature. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, and the key fob design was inconvenient in low-light conditions.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander stood out with its 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, though the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle included a 12.3-inch digital display and a head-up display, but the voice recognition was limited in functionality. The Rogue's infotainment system was due for an update to match newer models like the Altima.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a comprehensive driver-assist system similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, offering smooth and accurate performance. It included standard 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 Nissan Rogue offered a robust suite of safety features, including Safety Shield 360 and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. The Rogue's safety systems worked well, though the ProPilot Assist's braking could be abrupt. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, despite some lower scores in specific crash tests, and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.