2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave represented a significant comeback for the Buick brand, which had struggled through the Malaise Era of automotive design and marketing. The Enclave, a large, American-made SUV, helped Buick regain its footing by appealing to consumer preferences for SUVs. It was the largest of Buick's four SUV offerings, with a design that exuded a premium feel, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist yet luxurious interior with soft leather and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine.

In contrast, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander aimed to establish a unique identity with its bold "Dynamic Shield" grille and balanced design. Available in multiple trims, the Outlander featured standard or optional 20-inch wheels and a price range from $25,795 to $35,345. The SEL trim, equipped with AWD and the Touring Package, offered a luxurious interior with premium semi-aniline leather, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, and a premium sound system. The interior design was minimalist, with authentic aluminum accents and gloss black trim, although some interior plastics reminded drivers of the Outlander's place in the compact crossover segment.

Under the hood, the 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Enclave offered a choice between FWD and AWD. The V6's low torque peak contributed to strong acceleration, and the Enclave's ride and handling were praised for their comfort and versatility. The Avenir Technology Package, which included a premium-tuned suspension and highway-speed automatic emergency braking, further enhanced the driving experience. The Enclave achieved an average fuel economy of 21.2 mpg on a 140-mile test loop, with a maximum range of approximately 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, on the other hand, was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm. The engine was paired with a CVT, and drivers could choose between FWD and Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) AWD system. The Outlander offered multiple driving modes, but its performance was less impressive, particularly at higher speeds or during acceleration. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was firm and unyielding over minor pavement anomalies. The Outlander returned 24.9 mpg on a test route, falling short of the EPA's 26 mpg rating for AWD models.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six or seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massaging functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was spacious and accessible, and the cargo area provided 23.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 58 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats and steering wheel. The rear seat was spacious and comfortable, with the ability to slide forward and back. However, the third-row seat was cramped and best suited for children. The Outlander offered 11.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in use, 33.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 79.7 cubic feet (78.3 cubic feet with the panoramic sunroof).

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with quick response times, voice recognition, and a user-friendly interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, connected services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and USB charging ports in all three rows. However, the 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and the Enclave lacked integration with smart home digital assistants and high-end audio components. The Avenir trim offered a rear camera mirror, which provided a live video view of what was behind the vehicle.

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 and a two-year subscription to Mitsubishi Connect Safeguard and Remote service plans. The Outlander also featured wireless smartphone charging and a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled to understand commands while driving, likely due to road noise and tire slap.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems were effective but limited to higher trim levels. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting from the Essence trim, while the Driver Confidence Plus Package, which included forward-collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more, was standard on Premium and Avenir trims. Adaptive cruise control with enhanced automatic emergency braking was only available with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection rated four stars. The IIHS gave it high marks, but a Marginal headlight performance rating prevented it from earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured the Mi-Pilot Assist driver-assist system, similar to Nissan's ProPilot Assist, which provided hands-on Level 2 driving assistance. The Outlander also included common driver-assist technologies such as forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot warning. However, the steering assistance and lane-departure prevention systems could be intrusive. Crash-test results for the Outlander were not available at the time of the review.