2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a continuation of the third generation introduced in 2020, evolved from the GL-Class, which debuted in 2006. Initially intended to replace the G-Class, the GLS instead found its niche among affluent families seeking a luxurious, three-row SUV. The GLS's design softened its angles and lines, making it appear less bulky than its predecessors. Inside, the GLS boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen that spanned nearly two-thirds of the dashboard, emphasizing its tech-centric controls.

The GLS lineup included the GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63. Standard features on the GLS 450 included remote keyless entry, nine USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a power liftgate. The GLS 580 added a V8 engine, heated-and-cooled front seats, massaging front seats, and more. The AMG GLS 63, with its aggressive bodywork and performance-inspired interior, stood out with a hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured bold front styling with the "Dynamic Shield" grille and lighting concept, presenting a balanced and appealing design. Available in ES, SE, SE Launch Edition, SEL, and SEL Launch Edition trims, the Outlander came standard with 20-inch wheels. 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 Package, totaled $39,475.

The Touring Package added premium semi-aniline leather, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display (HUD), a premium sound system, and a power panoramic glass sunroof. The interior design adhered to minimalism, with black and aluminum accents. While some interior plastics reminded occupants of the Outlander's place in the SUV hierarchy, Mitsubishi avoided using obviously inexpensive materials.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 upgraded to a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The AMG GLS 63, with a hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivered 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed AMG twin-clutch automatic transmission.

The AMG GLS 63 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, reaching a top speed of 174 mph. The adaptive air suspension system adjusted ground clearance between 7.9 and 8.5 inches, enhancing cornering and obstacle clearance. The GLS 63 also featured double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, providing precise cornering. Multiple drive-mode settings, including Individual, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, allowed drivers to customize throttle response, transmission mapping, suspension stiffness, steering feel, and exhaust mode.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Outlander offered Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud driving modes. While the Outlander felt responsive in lower-speed urban environments, it struggled with acceleration on freeways and passing on two-lane roads.

The Outlander's steering felt vague and disconnected, with the suspension feeling too firm over minor pavement anomalies. The Mi-Pilot Assist driver-assist system worked well, but the steering assistance and lane-departure prevention systems added to the Outlander's steering issues. The Outlander returned 24.9 mpg on the testing route, falling short of the EPA's 26 mpg rating for AWD models.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. Seven-passenger seating was standard, with optional second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to six. The third row, while not as spacious, could accommodate full-size adults. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

The GLS featured numerous storage compartments, including spacious in-door bins, a combination cup-holder/wireless-charging pad, and a center console with butterfly doors. However, the center console was too small for larger items like purses.

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 provided generous space for taller adults and could slide forward and back to adjust cargo space. The third-row seat, however, was cramped and unsuitable for adults, offering only 11.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in use. Folding the third row expanded cargo capacity to 33.5 cubic feet, and the maximum cargo capacity was 79.7 cubic feet (78.3 cubic feet with the panoramic sunroof).

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system with a massive touch screen and a trackpad controller. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it required a USB-C cable. The MBUX voice-control system responded to commands like "Find me a gas station" or "find me a seafood restaurant." The digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL with the Touring Package stood out with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large HUD, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay, a free two-year subscription to Mitsubishi Connect Safeguard and Remote service plans, and a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled to understand commands while driving.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with numerous driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera system, a driver-drowsiness monitor, and crosswind assist. Available safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and stop-and-go cruise control. The GLS also featured a full array of front-and-side-impact airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander included Mi-Pilot Assist, a hands-on Level 2 driver-assist system, along with forward collision avoidance, safe reversing, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot warning. The Mi-Pilot Assist system worked well, but the steering assistance and lane-departure prevention systems added to the Outlander's steering issues. Crash-test results for the Outlander were unavailable at the time of review.