2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander presented a bold and distinctive front styling, characterized by the automaker’s “Dynamic Shield” grille and lighting concept. Despite its striking front, the design from the front wheels to the rear bumper was balanced and appealing. The Outlander was available in several trims, including ES, SE, SE Launch Edition, SEL, and SEL Launch Edition, all featuring handsome 20-inch wheels. The test vehicle, an SEL trim with AWD, showcased a luxurious interior with premium semi-aniline leather, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic glass sunroof. The interior design adhered to minimalism, with black and aluminum accents, though some plastics reminded occupants of its compact crossover SUV status.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, with a polished exterior and minimal character lines. Its design, referred to as Parametric Pixel, utilized pixelated lighting elements throughout, giving it a concept car feel. The Ioniq 5’s interior was low-key and comfortable, with a “Living Space” theme that included a “Relaxation” mode for the driver’s seat. The cabin used sustainable materials, with recycled fibers and bio-materials incorporated into various components. The Ioniq 5’s design was both futuristic and functional, offering a quiet and serene driving experience.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with front-wheel drive as standard, while the Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) AWD system was optional. Despite the availability of multiple driving modes, the Outlander’s performance was underwhelming, especially at higher speeds or during acceleration. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was firm, leading to a less comfortable ride on uneven surfaces. The Outlander returned 24.9 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA’s rating of 26 mpg for AWD models.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations, three trims, and three powertrains. The base SE Standard Range model featured a single 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor with 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range. The extended-range variants, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, had a larger 168-kW rear motor producing 225 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a 303-mile range. The AWD version boasted 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 handled well, with four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle’s quiet cabin and advanced regenerative braking system enhanced the driving experience.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and heated front seats and steering wheel. The rear seat offered generous space and comfort, with the ability to slide for additional cargo room. However, the third-row seat was cramped and best suited for children. The Outlander’s cargo capacity was limited to 11.7 cubic feet with the third row in use, expanding to 33.5 cubic feet with it folded down, and a maximum of 78.3 cubic feet with the panoramic sunroof.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offered a spacious interior with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade. It provided 133.7 cubic feet of total interior volume, with a passenger volume of 106.5 cubic feet. The Ioniq 5’s interior was comfortable, with a moveable center console and leatherette seats. The design allowed for easy entry and exit, and the cabin was equipped with soft touchpoints and ample storage space.

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. The vehicle also included wireless smartphone charging and a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, affecting its performance.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes, and offered two years of free fast-charging sessions with Electrify America. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, and over-the-air updates. Its 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and anti-glare, providing clear visibility even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander included the Mi-Pilot Assist driver-assist system, similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, offering Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. It also featured forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot warning. However, the steering assistance and lane-departure prevention systems could be intrusive. Crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and collision avoidance. It also featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 offered a HUD with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting. Safety ratings were not available, but Hyundai’s track record suggested high marks were likely.