2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

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 was balanced and appealing. The Outlander was available in several trims, all featuring 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 (HUD), and a power panoramic glass sunroof. The interior design adhered to minimalism, with black and aluminum accents, though some interior plastics reminded users of its compact crossover SUV segment.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, continuing from its 2021 redesign, embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV styling cues. It featured a macho front end and cleverly re-engineered sliding doors to enhance its profile. The interior avoided a minivan feel with an uncluttered design and abundant storage options. The Sienna offered comfortable seating for second- and third-row passengers, with available captain’s chairs and a spacious third-row bench. The third row could be easily stored away, and the Sienna provided ample cargo space, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. It used a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to power the front wheels, with an optional Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) AWD system. Despite various driving modes, the Outlander felt most responsive in lower-speed environments. However, it struggled with acceleration on freeways and passing maneuvers, and its steering felt vague and disconnected. The suspension was firm, leading to a brittle ride on anything but smooth pavement. The Outlander returned 24.9 mpg in testing, slightly below the EPA rating of 26 mpg for AWD models.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. It used an electronically controlled CVT and offered FWD as standard, with AWD available. The Sienna’s handling was better than expected for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride. The hybrid powertrain delivered impressive fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models. The Sienna’s battery pack was tucked under the front seats, contributing to its efficient design.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats, intuitive controls, and impressive displays. However, it had less storage space due to underutilized center console real estate. The rear seat was generous and comfortable, but the third-row seat was cramped and not suitable for adults. Cargo capacity was limited to 11.7 cubic feet with the third row in use, expanding to 33.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 78.3 cubic feet with the panoramic sunroof.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was a family workhorse, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. It offered flexible cargo space, with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also had a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The third-row bench stored away easily, and each row had ample storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate added convenience for loading and unloading.

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. It also included wireless smartphone charging and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen standard across all grades, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It offered a range of telematics services, Bluetooth, and optional Qi wireless phone charging. Higher trims featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system and an available rear-seat entertainment system. The Sienna also had a color multi-information display and an optional 10-inch HUD on Platinum trims. Limited and Platinum models could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror for a clear view when the vehicle was fully loaded.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander included Mi-Pilot Assist, a hands-on Level 2 driver-assist system, along with common driver-assist technologies like forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot warning. However, crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, forward collision warning, and more. The Sienna also had 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, and tire-pressure monitoring.