2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a bold front styling with 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, all boasting handsome 20-inch wheels. The test vehicle, an SEL trim with AWD, White Diamond paint, and the Touring option package, was luxuriously outfitted with premium semi-aniline leather, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, a premium sound system, and a power panoramic glass sunroof. The interior design adhered to minimalism, with black and aluminum accents, though some plastics reminded of its compact crossover SUV segment.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 had a more subtle look compared to its flashier competitors. The AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions offered more visual drama with flared wheel arches, chrome accents, and larger wheels. The test car had a basic interior by GLS standards but still felt luxurious with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well integrated, and the interior felt high quality without being fragile. The GLS 450’s interior was appropriate for a luxury SUV, though perhaps too subdued for some tastes.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) AWD system was available, though it used a brake-induced torque-vectoring system. The Outlander offered various driving modes, but its performance was most responsive in lower-speed urban environments. However, the engine struggled on freeway on-ramps and during passing maneuvers. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was too firm, making the ride uncomfortable on anything but smooth pavement. The Outlander returned 24.9 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 26 mpg for AWD models.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, assisted by the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The electric motor added 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The GLS 450’s engine provided ample power, and the electric assist was well integrated. The air suspension could raise and lower the ride height, but the test car exhibited poor body control, bouncing over bumps and leaning in corners. The GLS 450 had a 7,700-pound towing capacity, which was competitive but not class-leading.

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 chairs and steering wheel. The controls were intuitive, and the displays, including the digital instrumentation and HUD, were impressive. However, the center console had wasted space, and the third-row seat was cramped and unsafe for adults. The Outlander offered 11.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in use, expanding to 33.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 78.3 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version featuring captain’s chairs. The second-row seats could slide and fold for third-row access, and the GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The GLS had one-touch power-folding seats and a power tailgate, with the air suspension lowering for easier loading. However, the touchscreen was hard to reach, and some ergonomic issues were noted.

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 and wired Android Auto. The test vehicle also had a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled to understand commands while driving.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and natural-language voice recognition. A 13-speaker Burmester audio system was standard, with an optional head-up display. The voice recognition system was effective, but the touchpad controller was cumbersome. The touchscreen and instrument cluster had good graphics, though the navigation system had some issues.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander included Mi-Pilot Assist, a hands-on Level 2 driver-assist system, along with forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot warning. The steering assistance and lane-departure prevention systems were intrusive but manageable with Mi-Pilot Assist active. Crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, Crosswind Assist, parking assist, and Pre Safe. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and advanced driver-assistance features. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication.