2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander showcased a bold and unique front styling, featuring the automaker’s “Dynamic Shield” grille and lighting concept. Despite its daring front, the design from the front wheels to the rear bumper was balanced and appealing. 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 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. The Touring Package added premium semi-aniline leather, a heated steering wheel, a HUD, a premium sound system, and a power panoramic glass sunroof, enhancing the interior ambiance. The interior design adhered to minimalism with black and aluminum accents, though some plastics reminded of its compact crossover segment.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged roots, tracing back to the 1980s SUV craze. Unlike many modern SUVs that evolved to car-based platforms, the 4Runner maintained its relationship with the Toyota Tacoma pickup. This design choice was not stubbornness but a strategic decision, as Toyota had the Highlander for family duties, allowing the 4Runner to cater to off-road enthusiasts. The 4Runner’s high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper emphasized its adventurous spirit. Inside, the function reigned supreme, though the dash layout felt dated, reminiscent of the late-2000s. The 4Runner was available in SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Limited trims, each offering unique features. The Trail Special Edition, driven for this review, featured 17-inch dark gray alloy wheels, a Yakima LoadWarrior cargo basket, and a sliding rear cargo deck. The TRD Sport and Limited trims added road-oriented touches, while the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro focused on off-road capabilities.

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 CVT powered the front wheels, with the option for Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) AWD system. Despite the “super” in its name, the S-AWC used a brake-induced torque-vectoring system. The Outlander offered Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud driving modes, with Eco making the vehicle feel sluggish and Tarmac holding engine revs higher without enhancing driving satisfaction. The Outlander felt most responsive in lower-speed urban environments, but its power deficit was evident on freeways and during overtaking maneuvers. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was too firm, making the ride brittle on anything but smooth pavement. The Outlander returned 24.9 mpg on the testing route, slightly below the EPA’s 26 mpg rating for AWD models.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with a single engine option, a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, powered the rear wheels or available 4WD with low range. The V6 was reliable but felt underwhelming in most driving situations. The 4Runner’s ride was harsh and cumbersome, with significant body roll and jostling over bumps. However, off-road, the 4Runner excelled, with the suspension effortlessly absorbing rocks and bumps. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models included Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing off-road capabilities. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, more than most car-based crossovers but less than compact pickups.

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 controls were intuitive, and the displays, including the digital instrumentation and HUD, were impressive. However, the center console had wasted space, lacking storage compared to competitors. The rear seat was generous, with good thigh support and seat heaters. The third-row seat was cramped, suitable only for children, and reduced cargo capacity to 11.7 cubic feet. Folding the third row increased cargo space to 33.5 cubic feet, with a maximum of 79.7 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, slightly more than the three-row model’s 88.8 cubic feet. With the second-row seats in use, the two-row 4Runner provided 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The three-row model, optional on SR5, SR5 Premium, and Limited trims, reduced cargo space to 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row and just 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window, making stowing bags easier. Despite its age, the 4Runner’s cabin was not cramped but could be more efficient in space utilization.

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 infotainment 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.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. Navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system were available as upgrades. The infotainment system was straightforward, with hard buttons and dials, making it easy to use even with gloves on. However, it lacked advanced features like a HUD, which would have been beneficial for off-road driving.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured the Mi-Pilot Assist driver-assist system, similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, offering commendable refinement and accuracy. It was a hands-on Level 2 system, requiring the driver to keep their hands on the steering wheel. 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 Toyota 4Runner included the Toyota Safety Sense suite, featuring forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system were available. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars for frontal and side-impact testing and three stars for rollover testing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It had not been evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The 4Runner was backed by a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.