2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

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 trim levels, with the GT Premium trim offering luxurious features such as premium semi-aniline leather, a head-up display, and a premium sound system. The interior design adhered to minimalism, with black accents and aluminum touches, although some interior plastics reminded drivers of its compact crossover SUV status.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to shed the traditional minivan aesthetic with a front-end styling reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. The Sienna offered a variety of trim levels, including the new 25th Anniversary Special Edition. Inside, the Sienna impressed with its high-quality brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents. The minivan provided seating for seven or eight passengers, with the option for three-across car seats in the middle row. The Sienna's interior was designed for functionality, with ample storage solutions and a focus on comfort for all passengers.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Its continuously variable transmission (CVT) powered the Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) AWD system. Despite the availability of multiple driving modes, the Outlander struggled with acceleration, especially on highways or when overtaking. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was firm, leading to a less comfortable ride on uneven surfaces. The Outlander returned a fuel consumption of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly higher than the official rating.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motors, delivering a combined 245 horsepower. While the powertrain was not the most powerful, the Sienna's chassis and steering offered a nimble and enjoyable driving experience. The Sienna's light steering made city driving easy, and it handled well on highways. The minivan offered several drive modes, but the normal mode was recommended for the best balance of performance and efficiency.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats, 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 offered 331 litres of cargo space with the third row in use, expanding to 2,217 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, as a minivan, provided exceptional interior space and storage solutions. With a length of 5,175 millimetres and a wheelbase of 3,061 millimetres, the Sienna offered 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,860 litres with the seats folded. The second-row captain's chairs were functional and comfortable, with extending ottomans available on higher trims. The Sienna's interior was designed for practicality, with numerous storage compartments and cupholders.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a 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. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, affecting its usability.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, while lacking the latest technology found in other Toyota models, offered a reliable infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included physical buttons, which were appreciated for their functionality. The 12-speaker JBL audio system provided good sound quality, although the interface felt outdated and required wired connections for smartphone integration.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a comprehensive driver-assist system, similar to Nissan's ProPilot Assist. It included 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.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its standard safety technology, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. While it lacked some of the more gimmicky features found in competitors, the Sienna prioritized essential safety features for family use.