2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX carried forward the brand's signature design elements, offering a sharp and sculpted exterior that was reminiscent of its siblings, the smaller UX and larger RX. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models were the focus, with the latter providing a sportier appearance through features like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport models boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and a choice of interior color schemes, including a bold Circuit Red. The interior was well-crafted, with excellent material fit and finish, though the design of the center stack and gauge cluster felt somewhat dated compared to more modern competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander presented a bold and balanced design, highlighted by 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 appealing stance. The SEL trim, equipped with the Touring Package, offered a luxurious interior with premium semi-aniline leather, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof. The minimalist design was complemented by authentic aluminum accents, though some interior plastics reminded occupants of its place in the compact crossover segment. Despite this, Mitsubishi managed to avoid using obviously cheap materials, maintaining a sense of quality throughout the cabin.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. While not designed for sportiness, the NX was capable, with a 0-60 mph time of around seven seconds. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate, though not as smooth as the newer multi-speed options found in competitors. The NX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available, allowing up to 50% of torque to be transferred to the rear axle. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The NX also featured an adaptive-suspension system and three drive modes, enhancing its smooth and comfortable driving experience.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, on the other hand, was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. The continuously variable transmission powered the front wheels, with Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control system available. Despite the "super" designation, the AWD system relied on brake-induced torque vectoring. The Outlander offered multiple driving modes, but its performance was underwhelming, especially at higher speeds or during passing maneuvers. 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 in testing, slightly below its EPA rating.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured a well-styled and comfortable interior, with ample room for front passengers and decent legroom for two adults in the rear. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding design. However, cargo space was limited, with just 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology was available, enhancing convenience.

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 rear seat was spacious and comfortable, with the ability to slide for additional cargo space. A third-row seat was included, though it was only suitable for children due to limited space. Cargo capacity was more generous than the NX, with 11.7 cubic feet behind the third row, 33.5 cubic feet with it folded, and up to 79.7 cubic feet with the second row down, depending on the sunroof option.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to a 10.3-inch display with the Navigation package. This package added features like predictive traffic information and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though the Lexus system was less user-friendly. Other features included keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Enform Remote app allowed remote control of various vehicle functions, and a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system was available.

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, though Android Auto required a cable. Wireless smartphone charging and a 10-speaker Bose audio system were also available. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with accuracy, particularly at higher speeds due to road noise.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included features like lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The NX received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with no recalls reported. Lexus offered a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured Mi-Pilot Assist, a hands-on Level 2 driver-assist system similar to Nissan's ProPilot Assist. It included common driver-assist technologies like forward collision avoidance and lane-keeping assistance. However, the steering assistance could be intrusive, and crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.