2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2022 Kia Telluride

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 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.

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, executed in black with authentic aluminum accents and gloss black trim, avoided the use of obviously inexpensive materials, though some plastics reminded occupants of the Outlander’s compact crossover SUV segment.

The 2022 Kia Telluride attracted consumers with its muscular design and balanced proportions, complemented by trendy blacked-out wheels and trim. For 2022, Kia made minor changes to the grille pattern and added new badges. The Telluride continued in LX, S, EX, and SX trims, with prices ranging from $32,790 to $44,590, plus a $1,225 destination charge. The test vehicle, an SX trim with AWD, the SX Prestige Package, and carpeted floor mats, totaled $48,325.

The Telluride’s interior was upscale, organized, and appealing, with thoughtful details like overhead air vents, manual rear side window shades, rear smartphone storage pouches, USB ports in the front seatbacks, and accessible rear cupholders. Dual-zone automatic climate control served front-seat occupants, while a single-zone panel served the rear. The SX Prestige package added premium Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner, creating an interior that looked, smelled, and felt luxurious. Heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, dual sunroof panels, and a Smart Power Liftgate further enhanced the upscale feel.

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 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, with Eco making the Outlander feel sluggish and Tarmac holding engine revs higher without enhancing driving satisfaction.

The Outlander felt most responsive in lower-speed urban and suburban environments, but its taut suspension transmitted bumps and cracks into the cabin. On freeways, the Outlander lacked the power to inspire confidence, especially on short or uphill on-ramps. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was too firm 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 Kia Telluride, powered by a 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine with 262 pound-feet of torque, offered a satisfying driving experience. An eight-speed automatic transmission powered the wheels, with AWD featuring a Lock mode for even power distribution. The Telluride’s brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control system and driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport) contributed to its good handling. The SX trim’s 20-inch wheels and 245/50 tires provided good grip, and the ride quality was smooth, with a little more roll in corners than some might prefer.

On the open road, the Telluride cruised effortlessly, making it a great long-distance driver. The Telluride SX AWD returned 21.1 mpg on the testing loop, matching the EPA’s 21 mpg estimate for combined driving. The Telluride’s trailering capacity topped out at 5,000 pounds.

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 front seats and steering wheel were heated, and the controls were intuitive. The digital instrumentation and HUD impressed, but the center console had wasted space, limiting storage. The rear seat was generous, with good thigh support, proper seating position, and seat heaters. The third-row seat was cramped, suitable only for children, and the cargo capacity was limited to 11.7 cubic feet with the third row in use, 33.5 cubic feet with it folded, and 79.7 cubic feet maximum (78.3 cubic feet with the panoramic sunroof).

The 2022 Kia Telluride balanced form with function, featuring an upscale, organized, and appealing interior. Thoughtful details included overhead air vents, manual rear side window shades, rear smartphone storage pouches, USB ports in the front seatbacks, and accessible rear cupholders. Dual-zone automatic climate control served the front, while a single-zone panel served the rear. The SX Prestige package added premium Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner, creating a luxurious feel. Heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, dual sunroof panels, and a Smart Power Liftgate enhanced the upscale experience.

All three rows of seats were comfortable for adults, though the third row was less preferred. The Telluride offered plenty of storage space, with 21 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with it folded, and a maximum of 87 cubic feet. The flat load floor made it easy to haul large items.

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). The system included a free two-year subscription to Mitsubishi Connect Safeguard and Remote service plans. Wireless smartphone charging and a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system were also standard. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled to understand commands while driving, likely due to road noise and tire slap.

For 2022, the Kia Telluride made its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard, including navigation with voice recognition. The system required a wire for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the voice recognition was not conversational. USB charging ports were available in all three rows, with airline-style ports in the front seatbacks. A wireless smartphone charging pad was standard in all trims except the LX. Kia Connect provided a free one-year trial subscription, offering features like 911 Connect, safe teen driving alerts, remote engine start, and more. The Telluride also had standard Quiet Mode and Driver Talk functions, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, a head-up display, and a surround-view monitoring system.

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

The 2022 Kia Telluride included numerous standard driver assistance and collision avoidance technologies under Kia Drive Wise. These included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control with curve speed reduction. The Telluride also had Highway Driving Assist, Safe Exit Assist, and Blind-Spot View Monitor technology. In crash tests, the Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick” designation from the IIHS.