2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant mid-generation refresh, resulting in a more muscular exterior with new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille. This design shift moved away from the elegance of previous models, yet retained a touch of sophistication, especially noticeable along the sides and rear. The rear featured a new all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica stood out from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona by balancing practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim. This top-tier model boasted a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted leather seats, creating a luxurious atmosphere. The Pacifica's doors felt solid, and its sound-deadening technology effectively minimized external noise.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander presented a bold design with its "Dynamic Shield" grille and lighting concept, offering a balanced and appealing look from front to rear. Available in various trims, the Outlander featured standard or optional 20-inch wheels, with prices ranging from $25,795 to $35,345. The SEL trim, equipped with AWD and the Touring Package, showcased premium semi-aniline leather, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior followed a minimalist design with black and aluminum accents, though some plastics reminded of its place in the SUV hierarchy. Despite this, Mitsubishi avoided using obviously cheap materials, maintaining a sense of quality throughout.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a hybrid version with a V6 engine and dual-motor system, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from the motors. The base Touring and Touring L models came with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered AWD or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system, reintroduced after 16 years, activated on-demand based on various conditions, enhancing fuel efficiency by deactivating when not needed. The Pacifica Hybrid boasted an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range exceeding 500 miles, with fuel economy ratings of 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 achieved 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, with AWD models slightly lower at 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud. While the Outlander felt responsive in urban settings, it struggled with acceleration on highways and during overtaking. The steering was vague and disconnected, with the suspension feeling firm over minor road imperfections. Despite these challenges, the Outlander demonstrated composure over speed humps and uneven rural roads. The Outlander returned 24.9 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA's 26 mpg rating for AWD models.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and a sense of togetherness. The front seats featured a padded center console lid, and storage options included an under-stack area for various items. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, power windows, and Stow 'n Go seating. The second-row under-console storage provided additional space for passengers. The Pacifica's cargo area was generous, with best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats, deeply padded armrests, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The rear seat offered ample space and comfort, with the ability to slide forward and back. However, the third-row seat was cramped, suitable only for children. With the third row in use, cargo capacity was limited to 11.7 cubic feet, expanding to 33.5 cubic feet with the seat folded. Maximum cargo capacity reached 79.7 cubic feet, or 78.3 cubic feet with the panoramic sunroof.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured advanced technology, including hands-free sliding doors and the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The system was responsive and customizable, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The second-row entertainment system offered games and various ports for personal entertainment. Audio options included a six-speaker system, a 13-speaker Alpine system, and 19- and 20-speaker Harman Kardon systems. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like rear-facing child seat view and zoom-to-seat functionality.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL with the Touring Package highlighted three standout technologies: a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a detailed HUD visible with polarized sunglasses, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay. The system included a two-year subscription to Mitsubishi Connect services and wireless smartphone charging. The 10-speaker Bose audio system provided excellent sound quality. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, affecting its performance while driving.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came with 97 standard safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic emergency braking. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated it.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured the Mi-Pilot Assist driver-assist system, similar to Nissan's ProPilot Assist. It provided smooth and accurate assistance, though it required hands-on operation. Additional safety technologies included forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot warning. Crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.