2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new seven-passenger model, distinct from the existing five-passenger Grand Cherokee. It was an extended-length version of the upcoming 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and increased cargo volume. Despite the potential confusion of its model year designation, the Grand Cherokee L's styling was a strong selling point, resembling a smaller version of the luxurious Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. The SUV's design was unmistakably Jeep, with its signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements. Available in various trims, the Grand Cherokee L's price ranged from $36,995 to $64,235, with a destination charge of $1,695. The Summit trim test vehicle, equipped with numerous premium features, had a total price of $64,770. While some interior materials didn't quite match the high price, the overall design and technology represented a significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured bold front styling with the automaker's "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 came with standard or optional 20-inch wheels, with prices ranging from $25,795 to $35,345 and a destination charge of $1,195. The SEL trim test vehicle, equipped with AWD, White Diamond paint, and the Touring option package, totaled $39,475. The Touring Package added luxurious touches like premium semi-aniline leather, a heated steering wheel, a HUD, a premium sound system, and a power panoramic glass sunroof. The interior design was minimalist, with black and aluminum accents, though some plastics reminded occupants of the Outlander's place in the SUV hierarchy. Despite this, Mitsubishi avoided using obviously inexpensive materials.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive (RWD) or one of three 4WD systems. The V6 engine had a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims and 4WD, generated 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. The V8 upgrade added $3,295 to the price. The test vehicle had the V6 engine and 4WD, offering brisk acceleration but loud when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission was well-behaved but sometimes resisted downshifts to improve fuel economy, averaging 17.8 mpg during testing. The Grand Cherokee L featured various driving modes, including Sport, Snow, Mud/Sand, and Rock, with the Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension providing up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and 24 inches of water fording capability. The SUV's stiffer structure contributed to a smooth ride and capable handling, with the Quadra-Lift suspension controlling excess body motions. The Grand Cherokee L was easy to park, thanks to its surround-view camera system and tight turning circle, and performed well on the highway with secure on-center steering feel and a relatively quiet cabin.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) powering the front wheels or Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) AWD system. The S-AWC system used a brake-induced torque-vectoring system, and paddle shifters offered manual control over the CVT's eight stepped ratios. Drivers could choose from Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud driving modes, with Eco mode making the Outlander feel sluggish and Tarmac mode holding engine revs higher without significantly improving the driving experience. The Outlander felt most responsive in lower-speed urban and suburban environments, but its acceleration was lacking on freeway on-ramps, during passing maneuvers, and when taking advantage of traffic gaps. The steering felt vague and disconnected, with the suspension feeling too firm over minor pavement anomalies. The Outlander returned 24.9 mpg on the testing route, falling short of the EPA's 26 mpg rating for AWD models.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered comfort with its Summit trim, featuring heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system with air vents in all three rows. However, the dashboard vents were too small, making it difficult to cool the cabin quickly. The second-row captain's chairs provided plenty of legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades for added convenience. The third-row seat was comfortable for all but the tallest adults, with large side windows offering a great view. The Grand Cherokee L lacked practical storage space for front-seat occupants, but second-row passengers enjoyed a storage console. Cargo space behind the third-row seat measured 17.2 cubic feet, with a useful storage bin underneath the load floor. Folding the third-row seat down increased cargo capacity to 46.9 cubic feet, with a maximum volume of 84.6 cubic feet behind the front seats.

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 front seats and steering wheel were heated, and the controls were intuitive, with impressive digital instrumentation and a HUD. However, the center console had wasted space, and the shift-by-wire transmission design didn't provide additional storage. The rear seat offered generous room and comfort, with good thigh support and seat heaters. The third-row seat was cramped and unsuitable for adults, with limited head and leg space. The Outlander could hold 11.7 cubic feet of cargo with the third-row seat in use, 33.5 cubic feet with the third-row seat folded down, and a maximum of 79.7 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof (78.3 cubic feet with the sunroof).

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response and an improved user experience. Two touchscreen sizes were available: 8.4-inch and 10.1-inch with navigation. The test vehicle had the larger screen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services, including a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Uconnect 5 system also had a natural voice-recognition system with a programmable wake phrase. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh high-end audio system sounded terrific, though the logo didn't fit the interior's vibe. The Grand Cherokee L also offered a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a thermal-imaging night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. The head-up display remained visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL with the Touring Package featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large HUD, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The infotainment system included stereo volume and tuning knobs, wireless Apple CarPlay (Android Auto required a wire), and a free two-year subscription to Mitsubishi Connect Safeguard and Remote service plans. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, and the test vehicle had a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system. The voice-recognition technology struggled to understand commands while driving, likely due to road noise and tire slap.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance. The system worked well, but the steering assist felt artificial. Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models, detected threats at intersections and applied brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L also offered Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of the review, but the new model was expected to improve upon the old Grand Cherokee's flaws.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured Mi-Pilot Assist, a hands-on Level 2 driver-assist system similar to Nissan's ProPilot Assist. The system worked with commendable refinement, smoothness, and accuracy. The Outlander also included forward collision avoidance, safe reversing, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot warning. Crash-test results were unavailable at the time of the review.