2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its rugged origins, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. With a starting price of $92,000, it offered a wide range of powertrains and personalization options, allowing for a highly customized experience. The test model, priced at $106,715, featured the HSE Westminster special-edition trim, showcasing a timeless design with hallmark cues like blacked-out windshield pillars and clean styling. Inside, the Range Rover exuded luxury with its Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance, although its infotainment system, InControl Touch Pro Duo, was not as advanced as newer models.

In contrast, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander presented a bold and balanced design with its "Dynamic Shield" grille and lighting concept. Available in various trims, the Outlander offered a range of prices from $25,795 to $35,345, with AWD as an optional upgrade. The test vehicle, equipped with the SEL trim and Touring Package, boasted premium semi-aniline leather, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior design adhered to minimalism, with authentic aluminum accents and gloss black trim, although some interior plastics reminded occupants of its position in the SUV hierarchy.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrain options, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It featured a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, ensuring its legendary off-road capabilities. The adaptive air suspension provided a classic wafting sensation, while the SUV's steering was relatively slow and syrupy. The Range Rover achieved an average fuel economy of 18.5 mpg, slightly below the EPA's combined rating of 20 mpg.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Outlander offered various driving modes, but its performance was most responsive in urban environments. The SUV's steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was firm over minor pavement anomalies. The Outlander returned 24.9 mpg on the testing route, slightly below the EPA's rating of 26 mpg for AWD models.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers found entry challenging. The front seats were decadently comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability. Storage space was limited, with a maximum cargo capacity of 59.8 cubic feet. The clamshell-style tailgate and suspension kneel function aided loading, but luggage volume was restricted.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats and intuitive controls. The rear seat offered generous space and comfort, with the ability to slide for more room. A third-row seat was available, but it was cramped for adults. Cargo capacity was limited to 11.7 cubic feet with the third row in use, expanding to 79.7 cubic feet with it folded down.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured fully digital instrumentation and infotainment with three displays, though the InControl Touch Pro Duo system was not entirely intuitive. The SUV included a comprehensive head-up display and a waterproof Activity Key wristband. The iGuide smartphone app served as a digital owner's manual, aiding in navigating the system's complexities.

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. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, a two-year subscription to Mitsubishi Connect, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover came equipped with essential safety features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and semi-autonomous parking capabilities. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured the Mi-Pilot Assist driver-assist system, offering smooth and accurate performance. It included common driver-assist technologies like forward collision avoidance and blind-spot warning. However, the steering assistance and lane-departure prevention systems were intrusive, requiring deactivation through the touchscreen.