2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, slotted between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC in Mercedes-Benz's extensive SUV lineup. Measuring 182.4 inches in length with a 111.4-inch wheelbase, the GLB was slightly larger than the GLA but smaller than the GLC. Despite these distinct measurements, the GLB shared a strong family resemblance with its lineup-mates, making it difficult to distinguish without checking the badge. The GLB featured an attractive, athletic stance, partly due to its 7.9 inches of ground clearance, which was more forgiving for soft roads and speed humps compared to the lower-slung GLA and GLC.

Inside, the GLB was a modern stunner with a striking repetition of round shapes across the dash and polished metal details on the HVAC vents, evoking an aerospace vibe. The single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and the infotainment screen added to the cabin's elegance. The fit and finish were excellent, typical of Mercedes-Benz, and the beefy steering wheel with perforated leather grips added to the driving experience.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured bold front styling with the automaker’s “Dynamic Shield” grille and lighting concept, giving it a unique identity. The design from the front wheels to the rear bumper was tasteful and balanced. Mitsubishi offered the Outlander in various trims, all featuring handsome 20-inch wheels as standard or optional equipment. Prices ranged from $25,795 to $35,345, with AWD available for an additional $1,800. The test vehicle, an SEL trim with AWD and the Touring option package, was priced at $39,475, including destination charges.

The Touring Package luxuriously outfitted the Outlander SEL with premium semi-aniline leather, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display (HUD), a premium sound system, and rear-window sunshades. The interior design adhered to minimalism, with black and authentic aluminum accents. While some interior plastics reminded of the Outlander's place in the SUV hierarchy, Mitsubishi avoided using obviously inexpensive materials.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with wheel-mounted shift paddles. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) available for an additional $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for FWD and 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for AWD.

Built on a FWD platform with available 4MATIC AWD, the GLB featured a four-wheel independent suspension with 8.0 x 18-inch wheels. Weighing between 3,638 and 3,891 pounds, the GLB offered a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version provided better handling and agility, especially in foul weather and off-road conditions, thanks to the Off-Road Engineering Package, which included hill-start assist, downhill speed regulation, and an animation program for off-road maneuvers.

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. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) powered the front wheels, with Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) AWD system available. The S-AWC 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. The Outlander felt most responsive in lower-speed urban and suburban environments, but its performance lagged on freeways and during passing maneuvers. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was too 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 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a third-row option, affecting the second row and cargo compartments. The second row's seatback was divided 40:20:40, with each section adjustable for recline and slide. In three-row models, the second row had an “Easy-Entry” function for access to the retractable third row. Cargo space varied from 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row in two-row models to 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row in three-row models. The front seats were highly adjustable and supportive, with available heated and ventilated options. The second row was comfortable for two adults, with modern amenities like door pockets, map pockets, and cupholders.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats featuring eight-way power adjustment and heating. The controls were intuitive, and the displays, including the digital instrumentation and HUD, were impressive. However, the center console had wasted space, and the third-row seat was cramped, suitable only for children. 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 79.7 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was packed with technology, including the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with voice control and keyword activation. Standard features included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, a rearview camera, smartphone integration, keyless start, and a power liftgate. The Premium Package added larger 10.25-inch displays, keyless go, and a Burmester Surround Sound System. The Multimedia Package included navigation with augmented reality (AR) and traffic-sign assist. Other advanced options included adaptive damping, 64-color ambient lighting, wireless charging, parking assistance, and a head-up display (HUD).

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 with wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a two-year subscription to Mitsubishi Connect Safeguard and Remote service plans. Wireless smartphone charging and a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system were also included. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise and tire slap, affecting its performance while driving.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB included standard safety features like active brake assist, adaptive braking technology, crosswind assist, attention assist, and emergency call service. Available features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound. The GLB had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured Mi-Pilot Assist, a hands-on Level 2 driver-assist system similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist. It included forward collision avoidance, safe reversing, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot warning. The steering assistance and lane-departure prevention systems were intrusive but manageable with Mi-Pilot Assist active. Crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.