2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V was often noted for its conventional appearance, blending seamlessly with the myriad of compact crossovers on the market. Its design was characterized by a few distinguishing features, such as the grille opening and some chromed plastic accents, but overall, it did not stand out in terms of exterior aesthetics. The CR-V was available in eight colors, though many were variations of gray, black, and white, with more vibrant options like Aegean Blue Metallic and Radiant Red Metallic being limited to higher trims. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and options for black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, depending on the trim level. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson were often seen as having more distinctive styling, especially in mid-tier trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander embraced a bold design with its "Dynamic Shield" grille and lighting concept, presenting a striking front appearance. The Outlander was available in several trims, all featuring handsome 20-inch wheels. The SEL trim, in particular, offered a luxurious interior with premium semi-aniline leather, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior design was minimalist, with black and aluminum accents, though some interior plastics reminded occupants of its place in the SUV hierarchy. Despite some quirks, the Outlander aimed to provide a balanced and appealing design both inside and out.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, excluding the hybrid versions. It delivered smooth and steady acceleration, reaching 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds. The CR-V featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which maintained constant engine revs as the vehicle gained speed. While this setup provided a predictable driving experience, it lacked the engagement offered by competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, which had conventional eight-speed automatic transmissions. The CR-V came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option. Its suspension system, consisting of a MacPherson strut setup in the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear, contributed to decent handling and ride quality.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, on the other hand, was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. It also featured a CVT, with Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system available for those seeking all-wheel drive. The Outlander offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud, though its performance was often described as lacking, especially at higher speeds. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was firm, leading to a less comfortable ride on imperfect roads. The Outlander returned 24.9 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA's rating for AWD models.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was designed with practicality in mind, offering 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo space with the rear seats folded. Access to the cargo area varied by trim, with options for a manual tailgate, power tailgate, or hands-free power tailgate. Roof rails were standard only on the top-tier Touring trim. The CR-V's interior was spacious and functional, accommodating five passengers comfortably.

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 generous in space and comfort, with the ability to slide for additional cargo room. However, the third-row seat was cramped and best suited for children. With the third row in use, cargo space was limited to 11.7 cubic feet, expanding to 33.5 cubic feet with it folded. Maximum cargo capacity was 79.7 cubic feet, slightly reduced with the panoramic sunroof.

The 2021 Honda CR-V offered a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration on all trims except the base LX, which had a 5-inch screen. Higher trims featured enhanced audio systems, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB ports and a wireless phone charger available on higher trims.

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. The Touring Package included a 10-speaker Bose audio system, delivering impressive sound quality. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with accuracy, particularly at higher speeds.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, which included a suite of advanced safety features standard across all trims, except for blind spot monitoring, which was available from the EX trim upwards.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander included the Mi-Pilot Assist driver-assist system, similar to Nissan's ProPilot Assist. It offered a range of driver-assist technologies, including forward collision avoidance and lane-keeping assistance. However, crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.