2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander showcased a unique identity with its bold front styling, featuring the automaker’s “Dynamic Shield” grille and lighting concept. Despite its striking front, the design from the front wheels to the rear bumper remained tasteful and balanced. The Outlander was available in ES, SE, SE Launch Edition, SEL, and SEL Launch Edition trims, all featuring handsome 20-inch wheels. Prices ranged from $25,795 to $35,345, with an additional $1,800 for all-wheel drive (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.

Inside, the Touring Package added premium semi-aniline leather in black and Saddle Tan with quilting and contrast stitching, along with matching simulated leather door panel inserts. The interior also featured a heated steering wheel, a head-up display (HUD), a premium sound system, and rear-window sunshades. A power panoramic glass sunroof enhanced the ambiance. The minimalist interior design included authentic aluminum accents and gloss black trim, though some plastics reminded occupants of the Outlander’s compact crossover SUV segment. Despite this, Mitsubishi avoided using obviously inexpensive materials.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, while not a looker even with the S Appearance Package, offered a unique plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system. This setup provided a total system output of 260 horsepower, with immediate torque from the electric drive system. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The base Touring L started at $49,095, with the Limited trim at $54,095, and the Pinnacle version at $57,645. The test vehicle, a Limited trim with extra-cost paint, the S Appearance Package, and a Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system, totaled $57,680.

The interior featured black Nappa premium leather, but the rounded, flowing styling appeared soft and dated compared to more modern designs. Despite this, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a comfortable and efficient way to transport up to seven people, with a 16-kWh battery pack under the second-row seating area. This setup meant the Pacifica Hybrid did not have the same Stow n’ Go collapsing seats as the standard Pacifica, but it provided a smooth and nearly imperceptible transition between electric and gasoline power.

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 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 power deficit was evident during highway acceleration and passing maneuvers. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was firm and unyielding over minor pavement anomalies. The Outlander returned 24.9 mpg on the testing route, falling short of the EPA’s 26 mpg rating for AWD models.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and a dual-motor electric drive system, providing a total system output of 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, with the gas engine assisting when needed. The regenerative braking system captured energy to recharge the battery, resulting in an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg on the Los Angeles driving loop. The Pacifica Hybrid’s powertrain was smooth and efficient, with a nearly imperceptible transition between electric and gasoline power. However, the driving experience was dull, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and a low-mounted weight that produced an unnatural ride quality.

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 offered generous room and comfort, with a sliding mechanism to adjust legroom. However, the third-row seat was cramped and best suited for children. The Outlander provided 11.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the third-row seat in use, 33.5 cubic feet with it folded down, and a maximum of 79.7 cubic feet (78.3 cubic feet with the panoramic sunroof).

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The front seats featured quality leather upholstery, heating, and ventilation, with triple-zone automatic climate control and a new clean air filtration system. Storage options included extra shelves, a large floor tray, and a long storage bin behind the center console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica’s Stow n’ Go chairs, but they did not collapse into the floor. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, with cupholders, USB ports, and side window shades. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

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, wired Android Auto, and a two-year subscription to Mitsubishi Connect Safeguard and Remote service plans. The test vehicle also had a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled to understand commands while driving, likely due to road noise and tire slap.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, appealing graphics, a simple user interface, and speedy response to inputs. Uconnect 5 included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to check on rear-seat passengers. The test vehicle had a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, which required adjustments to achieve satisfactory sound quality. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was available but not used by the test vehicle’s teenage passengers.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured the Mi-Pilot Assist driver-assist system, similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist. This hands-on Level 2 system worked with commendable refinement, smoothness, and accuracy. The Outlander also included common driver-assist technologies such as forward collision avoidance, safe reversing, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot warning. However, the steering assistance and lane-departure prevention systems could be intrusive and aggravating. Crash-test results were unavailable at the time of the review.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid claimed to offer more standard safety and security features than any other vehicle in the industry. It included a rear-seat reminder system and a complete package of standard driver-assist and collision-avoidance features. However, adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist was not available. The adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist needed refinement, as it was slow to recognize lane departures and too abrupt when moderating speed. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.