2021 Lexus RX vs 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased a modern design aesthetic that was quintessentially Lexus, featuring a large grille, angular headlamps, and a shapely body with a floating roof. The interior was luxurious, with sumptuous seating and perforated leather upholstery, although the center console design was considered bland and dated. Lexus offered the RX in five variants, including the performance-focused RX F Sport and the extended-body RXL models with a third row of seating. The exterior boasted standard 18-inch aluminum wheels and LED lighting, with available upgrades like 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights. Inside, the RX provided a well-appointed cabin with standard features like NuLuxe-trimmed seats and power-adjustable front seats, while offering optional upgrades such as semi-aniline leather upholstery and heated seats.

In contrast, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander presented a bold front styling with its "Dynamic Shield" grille and lighting concept, yet maintained a balanced and appealing design from front to rear. Mitsubishi offered the Outlander in several trims, all featuring handsome 20-inch wheels as standard or optional equipment. The SEL trim, with the Touring Package, provided a luxurious interior with premium semi-aniline leather, a heated steering wheel, and a head-up display. The interior design adhered to minimalism, with black and aluminum accents, though some interior plastics reminded of its place in the SUV hierarchy. Despite some quirks in ride and handling, the Outlander offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, especially in the front and second rows.

The 2021 Lexus RX was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid models combined a V6 with three electric motors, producing 308 horsepower. The RX offered a comfortable ride with tuning adjustments for improved dynamics, though it exhibited some body roll at higher speeds. The F Sport Handling package added adaptive suspension and sportier features. The RX achieved 20-27 mpg depending on the drivetrain, with the hybrid models offering better fuel efficiency. It accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, with a top speed limited to 124 mph.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The Outlander offered various driving modes, but its performance was underwhelming, especially at higher speeds or during acceleration. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was firm over minor road imperfections. The Outlander returned 24.9 mpg in testing, slightly below the EPA rating of 26 mpg for AWD models. Despite its power deficit, the Outlander demonstrated composure over certain road conditions but required improvement in ride and handling.

The 2021 Lexus RX was a functional SUV with seating for five in the two-row models and six or seven in the three-row RXL versions. The front and second-row seats offered ample space, while the third row was tight. Cargo space was limited, with 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with seats folded in the two-row models. The three-row versions offered even less cargo space. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

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 spacious and comfortable, with sliding functionality for more cargo space. The third-row seat was cramped and not ideal for adults. Cargo capacity was limited to 11.7 cubic feet with the third row in use, expanding to 33.5 cubic feet with it folded, and a maximum of 78.3 cubic feet with the panoramic sunroof.

The 2021 Lexus RX came with standard technology features like dual-zone climate control, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, and smartphone integration. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The infotainment system was functional but dated, with a touchpad controller that took up console space. The RX lacked wireless smartphone integration.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander stood out with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large HUD, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay. The Touring Package added wireless charging and a Bose audio system. The voice-recognition technology needed improvement, especially at higher speeds with road noise.

The 2021 Lexus RX received a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS, with Good marks on crashworthiness tests. NHTSA rated it four out of five stars overall. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a suite of driver-assist technologies. The RX lacked advanced hands-off piloting features found in some competitors.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured Mi-Pilot Assist, a hands-on Level 2 driver-assist system, along with common safety technologies like forward collision avoidance and lane-keeping assistance. The steering assistance was intrusive without Mi-Pilot Assist active. Crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.