2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2023 Volvo XC90

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 the rest of the vehicle maintained a balanced and appealing design. 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, creating an upscale ambiance. Despite some interior plastics that hinted at its position in the SUV hierarchy, the Outlander managed to avoid using obviously inexpensive materials.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a more refined and purposeful design. Its front end was solid and assertive without being overly flashy, and the recognizable "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch. The XC90's dimensions leaned towards a rectilinear shape, but it was far from the boxy designs of older Volvos. The Ultimate trim featured 21-inch wheels and a sophisticated paint finish, adding a touch of drama to its otherwise stoic appearance. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with its two-tone leather steering wheel, luxurious Nappa leather upholstery, and tasteful wood deco inlays. The minimalist design was complemented by a few physical controls, creating a clean and beautiful interior.

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 powered the Super All-Wheel Control system, although the brake-induced torque-vectoring system left some questioning its "super" designation. The Outlander offered various driving modes, but its performance was most responsive in urban settings. However, it struggled with acceleration on highways and passing maneuvers, leaving drivers wishing for more power. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was firm, leading to a less-than-smooth ride on imperfect roads. The Outlander returned 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly missing its official fuel consumption rating.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine with mild-hybrid technology, offering 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provided a smoother operation and slightly improved fuel efficiency compared to its predecessors. The XC90's eight-speed automatic transmission performed well, and the vehicle handled corners with minimal roll despite its size. Road and wind noise were well-insulated, and the brakes inspired confidence. While the XC90 lacked extensive off-road features, its simplicity in driving dynamics appealed to those seeking a straightforward experience. The mild-hybrid system's fuel-saving auto stop-start technology was nearly imperceptible, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, offering roomy and comfortable front seats with deeply padded armrests. The GT and GT Premium trims featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The interior design was clean and intuitive, with impressive digital displays. However, the centre console lacked storage space, and the third-row seat was cramped, suitable only for children. With the third row in use, cargo space was limited to 331 litres, expanding to 948 litres with the seats folded and a maximum of 2,217 litres with the panoramic sunroof.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was elegant but had limited storage space for smaller items. The second row was comfortable, but accessing the third row was challenging. The XC90 offered a standard second-row bench seat for seven-passenger seating, with an option for captain's chairs. Cargo space was 356 litres with the third row in use, expanding to 1,183 litres with the seats folded and a maximum of 1,856 litres. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a smaller car, offering a more agile experience than typical three-row SUVs.

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 Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay. Wireless smartphone charging was standard on higher trims, and the GT Premium trim boasted a 10-speaker Bose audio system. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, affecting its performance while driving.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's tech offering included a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, with built-in Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. The system's natural-language recognition was a highlight, allowing for seamless interaction. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for key functions could be frustrating, and more physical controls would have been appreciated. Keyless entry was standard, and a head-up display was optional.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a driver-assist system similar to Nissan's ProPilot Assist, offering smooth and accurate performance. It included common safety features such as 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, although early models had poor headlight ratings.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist technology provided additional support, maintaining distance from other vehicles and assisting with lane-keeping.