2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy. Known for its conservative styling, Volvo managed to infuse the XC90 with more character while retaining its recognizable features. The XC90's design included a boxy profile and a blunt front end with a rectangular grille, but with softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights featuring "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the flashiest, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more basic looks, respectively. The XC90 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, ensuring a cohesive design language across the brand.

Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism" with thoughtfully arranged, high-quality materials. The matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery provided a natural and unique touch. The Orrefors crystal shifter added a high-end feel, though it seemed slightly out of place in the otherwise restrained interior. The XC90's interior design focused on simplicity and elegance, avoiding the overwhelming flashiness seen in some other luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, on the other hand, featured bold front styling with the automaker’s “Dynamic Shield” grille and lighting concept. The design was balanced and appealing from front to rear. The Outlander was available in ES, SE, SE Launch Edition, SEL, and SEL Launch Edition trims, all featuring handsome 20-inch wheels as standard or optional equipment. Prices ranged from $25,795 to $35,345, with an additional $1,800 for AWD and a $1,195 destination charge. The test vehicle, an SEL trim with AWD, White Diamond paint, and the Touring option package, totaled $39,475.

The Touring Package added premium semi-aniline leather with quilting and contrast stitching, a heated steering wheel, a HUD, a premium sound system, and rear-window sunshades. The interior design adhered to minimalism, with black and authentic aluminum accents. However, some interior plastics reminded occupants of the Outlander’s position in the SUV hierarchy. Despite this, Mitsubishi avoided using obviously inexpensive materials, maintaining a generally upscale feel.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 engine added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. The T5 came standard with FWD, while AWD was optional on the T5 and standard on the T6 and T8.

Despite the impressive 400 hp, the XC90's small engine struggled to provide flexible power, especially at low speeds. The plug-in hybrid's Pure mode was only practical at low speeds with gentle acceleration, as the gasoline engine often had to assist. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and maintained a quiet cabin. Most models had a 5,000-pound towing capacity, except the base FWD T5, which was rated at 4,000 pounds.

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 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 environments, but struggled with acceleration on freeways and during passing maneuvers. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was firm, transmitting road imperfections into the cabin. The Outlander returned 24.9 mpg on the testing route, slightly below the EPA’s 26 mpg rating for AWD models.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Headroom and legroom were average, with the third row being tight for adults. The seats in the second and third rows lacked support. An optional power moonroof extended across the first two rows, enhancing the spacious feel. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but lacked a power-adjustable steering wheel. Storage space was limited, with a shallow center console and few storage options.

Cargo space in the T8 Recharge model was 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, placing it near the bottom of the segment. A hands-free power tailgate was available.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats and deeply padded armrests. The driver’s seat featured eight-way power adjustment, and both front seats and the steering wheel were heated. Controls were intuitive, and the displays, including the digital instrumentation and HUD, were impressive. However, the center console had wasted space, resulting in less storage than competitors.

The rear seat offered generous room and comfort, with good thigh support and seat heaters. The third-row seat was cramped and unsuitable for adults, and its proximity to the tailgate made it less safe for children. Cargo space was 11.7 cubic feet with the third row in use, 33.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 79.7 cubic feet with the second row folded (78.3 cubic feet with the panoramic sunroof).

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which was user-friendly and efficient. It included a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Two front USB-A ports and two rear USB-C ports were standard. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and HUD were available. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was easy to use, but the text and typeface made reading menus difficult while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the front USB ports were outdated.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL with the Touring Package featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large and detailed HUD, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay (Android Auto required a wire). A two-year subscription to Mitsubishi Connect Safeguard and Remote service plans was included. Wireless smartphone charging and a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system were also standard. The voice-recognition technology struggled to understand commands while driving, likely due to road noise.

The 2021 XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top “Good” scores in all crash tests and a “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle testing. The NHTSA awarded all XC90 models a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered numerous standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering.

The 2022 Outlander featured Mi-Pilot Assist, similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, providing smooth and accurate Level 2 driver assistance. The Outlander also included common driver-assist tech for collision avoidance, safe reversing, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot warning. Crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.