2021 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2021 Dodge Durango retained much of its exterior styling since its third generation debuted in 2011. Built alongside the Jeep Grand Cherokee in Detroit, the Durango maintained a distinct look with a muscular stance and athletic styling, especially evident in the 2021 SRT Hellcat model. This model featured a cold-air scoop, throaty twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, rear spoiler, and a unique front end. The Durango offered six different 20-inch wheel varieties and one 18-inch version, with 11 exterior colors and six interior color schemes. Inside, the 2021 updates included a new instrument panel and either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The interior ranged from cloth upholstery in lower trims to leather and suede options in higher trims, with contrast stitching and Demonic Red-colored seat belts adding a funky flavor.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander showcased a bold front styling with the “Dynamic Shield” grille and lighting concept, presenting a balanced and appealing design from front to rear. Available in ES, SE, SE Launch Edition, SEL, and SEL Launch Edition trims, the Outlander featured standard or optional 20-inch wheels. Prices ranged from $25,795 to $35,345, with AWD adding $1,800. The test vehicle, an SEL trim with AWD, White Diamond paint, and the Touring package, totaled $39,475. The Touring Package added premium semi-aniline leather, a heated steering wheel, HUD, premium sound system, and rear-window sunshades. The interior design adhered to minimalism with black and aluminum accents, though some plastics reminded of its compact crossover segment. The Outlander’s ride and handling were less impressive, with a firm suspension and vague steering feel.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four engine options: a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, a 392 HEMI V8, and a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, with RWD standard and AWD optional. The V6 produced 293-295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the 5.7-liter V8 delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft. The 392 HEMI V8 in the SRT 392 model offered 475 hp and 470 lb-ft, and the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat boasted 710 hp and 645 lb-ft. The Durango’s steering was precise, but the chassis showed its age, with a reactionary suspension on rural roads and tech fighting the vehicle’s architecture on the track. The Hellcat’s Brembo brakes provided ample stopping power, and the R/T’s Tow N Go Package allowed for stable towing up to 8,700 pounds.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. The Outlander’s S-AWC AWD system used a brake-induced torque-vectoring system. Drivers could choose from Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud driving modes, though Eco felt sluggish and Tarmac held engine revs higher without added reward. The Outlander was responsive in lower-speed environments but lacked power for confident freeway merging or passing. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was firm over minor pavement anomalies. The Outlander returned 24.9 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 26 mpg for AWD models.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler with comfortable seating, ample storage, and family entertainment options. It offered seating for five in two rows, expandable to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats were spacious, and the third row was more accommodating than many competitors. The Durango provided 21 seat options and average cargo space for its class. Dodge’s improved fit and finish were evident, standing out from earlier models like the Journey and Grand Caravan.

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 controls were intuitive, and the displays, including the digital instrumentation and HUD, were impressive. However, the center console had wasted space, limiting storage. The rear seat was generous and comfortable, with sliding capability for more cargo room. The third-row seat was cramped and best suited for children, with limited cargo space when in use. Folding the third row increased cargo capacity to 33.5 cubic feet, and maximum capacity was 79.7 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims, with the larger screen running the new Uconnect 5 system. Uconnect 5 was five times faster than its predecessor, offering user profiles, connected services, dual Bluetooth connections, Amazon Alexa, TomTom navigation, SiriusXM with 360L, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and OTA updates. The system was easy to navigate with clear graphics. A family entertainment system with a Blu-ray and DVD player and two 9-inch screens was available on higher trims. The gauge cluster’s small size and half-circle shape made it difficult to read the exact speed, but the TomTom navigation system was a standout feature.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander’s standout technologies included a 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. Wireless smartphone charging and a 10-speaker Bose audio system were also standard. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, affecting its performance while driving.

The 2021 Dodge Durango’s safety features were limited, with a rearview camera as the only standard active safety feature. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, rear-cross traffic alert, parking sensors, and forward-collision warning. The NHTSA gave the Durango a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating, but IIHS ratings were unavailable.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured Mi-Pilot Assist, a hands-on Level 2 driver-assist system similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist. It included forward collision avoidance, safe reversing, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot warning. The steering assistance and lane-departure prevention systems were intrusive but manageable with Mi-Pilot Assist active. Crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.