2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander showcased a bold front styling with its “Dynamic Shield” grille and lighting concept, giving it a unique identity. Despite its striking front, the design from the front wheels to the rear bumper remained balanced and appealing. The Outlander was available in various 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, 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 segment.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S Advance trim, with its extra-cost Apex Blue Pearl paint and Orchid interior, set high expectations for quality and luxury. The fourth-generation MDX, the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, featured subtle styling with chicane-design LED lights, 21-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. Inside, the Type S boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package. The Type S Advance added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made controls challenging to use, and the electronic transmission switchgear was confusing.

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 Outlander offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud. However, the engine felt underpowered, especially during freeway acceleration or passing maneuvers. The steering was vague and disconnected, and the suspension was too firm, making the ride uncomfortable on anything but smooth pavement. The Outlander returned 24.9 mpg on the testing route, falling short of the EPA’s 26 mpg rating for AWD models.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The MDX Type S had an Integrated Dynamics System with Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ modes, and an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite the performance enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, the ride was harsh, and the brake pedal response was inconsistent. The MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg, below the EPA’s 19 mpg rating, and dropped to 14.1 mpg in Sport+ mode.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats, intuitive controls, and impressive displays. The rear seat offered generous space and comfort, with the ability to slide forward and back. However, the third-row seat was cramped and best suited for children. The Outlander provided 11.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in use, 33.5 cubic feet with it folded, and a maximum of 78.3 cubic feet with the panoramic sunroof.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats and a versatile cargo area. The Type S Advance trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, though the seats were firm and didn’t hold the driver in place well. The second-row seat could be configured for two or three seating positions and offered heating in the outboard positions. The third row was tight for adults but suitable for children. The MDX provided 18.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with it folded, and a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

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 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, operated via a True Touchpad Interface (TTI). The TTI design was not intuitive, robbing the center console of storage space and partially blocking the wireless charging pad. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The test vehicle had the Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers, delivering excellent sound quality. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch HUD, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured 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 the review.

The 2023 Acura MDX included Acura Watch, a suite of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX also had a blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors. The MDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, though it had some issues with false lane-departure notifications and a collision warning triggered by an overhead exit sign.