2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2021 Land Rover Defender

The 2021 Land Rover Defender carried forward the legacy of its predecessors, maintaining a distinctive look that had evolved since the original Land Rover Series I in 1948. The new Defender echoed the rugged charm of its ancestors with modern touches, such as half-round LED headlights and a structural grille design. Its exterior was a blend of nostalgia and contemporary style, with features like flat-topped fenders and a floating roof. Inside, the Defender showcased an exposed structure theme, with a robust dashboard and high-quality materials, offering a blend of toughness and luxury.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, on the other hand, presented a bold and balanced design with its "Dynamic Shield" grille and tasteful styling from front to rear. Available in multiple trims, the Outlander featured standard or optional 20-inch wheels, adding to its appeal. The interior was minimalist yet upscale, with premium materials and a focus on comfort. The Outlander offered a spacious cabin with a sliding second-row seat and a third-row option, though the latter was more suitable for children due to limited space.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered a range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful 3.0-liter inline-six mild-hybrid engine delivered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Defender's off-road capabilities were impressive, with features like full-time 4WD, Terrain Response systems, and significant ground clearance. On-road, it provided a comfortable and stable ride, with the 3.0-liter engine accelerating from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The Defender also boasted a towing capacity of 8,200 pounds.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. While it offered various driving modes, the Outlander struggled with power delivery, especially at higher speeds or during overtaking. The steering felt vague, and the suspension was firm, leading to a less comfortable ride on uneven surfaces. The Outlander returned 24.9 mpg in testing, slightly below its EPA rating.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender utilized a unibody platform with independent multi-link air suspension, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road prowess. The interior was versatile, with options for additional seating and ample cargo space. The Defender 110 offered up to 78.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity, making it practical for various needs.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in interior comfort, with roomy front seats and a sliding second-row seat for added flexibility. However, the third-row seat was cramped and best suited for children. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, but folding it down increased capacity to 33.5 cubic feet, with a maximum of 79.7 cubic feet available.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender featured Land Rover's Pivi Pro infotainment system with a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. It offered extensive connectivity options, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a range of audio system upgrades. The Defender also boasted advanced camera views for off-roading and a ClearSight rear-view mirror.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander impressed with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a large HUD, both offering clear visibility even with polarized sunglasses. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and a premium Bose audio system. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with accuracy, especially at higher speeds.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, and a 360-degree parking aid. Although crash-test ratings were unavailable, the Defender underwent rigorous durability testing.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured Mi-Pilot Assist, a hands-on Level 2 driver-assist system, along with other common safety technologies. While crash-test results were not available, the Outlander's safety systems generally performed as expected.