2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander presented a bold and distinctive design, characterized by its "Dynamic Shield" grille and lighting concept. This unique styling choice gave the Outlander a striking presence on the road, while maintaining a balanced and appealing design from front to rear. The Outlander was available in several trim levels, all featuring handsome 20-inch wheels, and offered a range of prices from $25,795 to $35,345, with an additional cost for all-wheel drive. The SEL trim, equipped with the Touring Package, provided a luxurious interior with premium leather, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing the overall ambiance. Despite some use of hard plastics, the interior design adhered to minimalism, with authentic aluminum accents and gloss black trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a practical choice for those seeking a family-friendly SUV with a touch of style. The Traverse underwent a light restyle for 2022, featuring new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with updated color choices. The RS trim, with its blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, added a sporty flair to the vehicle. The Traverse's design was praised for its crisp lines and tasteful details, making it one of the more appealing options in its segment. Inside, the Traverse RS offered a comfortable cabin with black leather upholstery, red and light gray contrast stitching, and a logical layout of controls. However, the use of hard plastics on upper door panels was noted as a drawback.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the Outlander offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud, its performance was often described as lacking, particularly in situations requiring quick acceleration or passing. The steering was criticized for being vague and disconnected, and the suspension was noted for its firm and unyielding nature over rough surfaces. The Outlander returned 24.9 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA's rating of 26 mpg for AWD models.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, featured a robust 3.6-liter V6 engine delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse's performance was well-suited to its size, offering a tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The V6 engine provided ample power for everyday driving, and the Traverse returned 20.9 mpg during testing, slightly above the EPA's combined rating of 20 mpg for AWD models. The Traverse's ride quality was generally pleasant, though it required careful speed management over larger road anomalies. On the highway, the Traverse excelled, though road and wind noise were more pronounced than desired.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats, intuitive controls, and impressive digital displays. However, the center console lacked storage space, and the third-row seat was cramped, suitable only for children. Cargo capacity was limited with the third row in use, but folding it down provided 33.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 78.3 cubic feet with the panoramic sunroof.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a spacious interior with seating for up to seven passengers in RS trim, thanks to second-row captain's chairs. The Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated easy access to the third row. While the second-row seats were comfortable, they lacked leg support for adults. The Traverse boasted ample storage space, including a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. Cargo capacity was generous, with 23 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 98.2 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL with the Touring Package featured standout technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large and detailed HUD, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay. The Bose premium audio system delivered impressive sound quality, though the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, depending on the trim level, with Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The RS trim included a Bose premium sound system, though it was not particularly impressive. The Traverse's voice recognition system performed well, and the available digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured the Mi-Pilot Assist driver-assist system, similar to Nissan's ProPilot Assist, offering smooth and accurate performance. The Outlander included standard driver-assist technologies such as forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot warning. However, crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received top "Good" ratings in most IIHS collision tests, though it rated "Acceptable" in a new side-impact test. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of review.