2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander boasted a bold and unique front styling that many found striking, employing the automaker’s “Dynamic Shield” grille and lighting concept. However, the design remained balanced and appealing from front to rear. Available in various trims such as ES, SE, SE Launch Edition, SEL, and SEL Launch Edition, it had notable features like handsome 20-inch wheels. The tested SEL trim came with all-wheel drive (AWD), premium White Diamond paint, and several accessories, summing up to $39,475.

Inside, the Touring Package elevated the luxury with premium semi-aniline leather in black and Saddle Tan, along with quilting and contrast stitching. Other highlights included a heated steering wheel, a head-up display (HUD), a premium sound system, and rear-window sun shades. The minimalist interior was adorned with authentic aluminum accents and gloss black trim, though some plastics reminded occupants of its economical roots.

On the contrary, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a modernist and reductive design. The test vehicle sported Eiger Gray paint, silver 23-inch wheels, and a subtle Black Exterior Pack, embodying understated luxury without much flash. The interior was a mix of Deep Garnet over Ebony, coupled with aluminum and glossy black trim, providing a high-end yet restrained appearance.

Land Rover offered this model in SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e specifications. The SE Dynamic P400 test vehicle included features like heated and ventilated front seats, a Cold Climate Pack, a Technology Pack, and a full-size spare tire, leading the MSRP to $98,420. Premium design highlights were slim LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology in taillights, complemented by excellent aerodynamics.

Mitsubishi fitted the 2022 Outlander with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain coupled with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) resulted in a decent performance for urban settings, but it lacked oomph for highway acceleration or passing maneuvers. With Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC), various driving modes like Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud were available, each altering the driving experience. However, the suspension was considered too firm and unyielding over minor pavement anomalies. Our test route returned 24.9 mpg, slightly below the EPA's 26 mpg for the AWD version.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was a different beast, focusing on both refinement and driver engagement. The SE Dynamic P400 version had a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, it offered a substantial 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds and a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. Fuel economy was commendable at 22.3 mpg on our tests.

Despite these assets, the Range Rover Sport felt heavy and uninvolved on twisty roads, lagging behind its European competitors in sporty driving dynamics. While its off-road capabilities were impressive with 11.1 inches of maximum ground clearance and a 35.4-inch wading depth, on-road performance exhibited significant room for improvement in terms of steering and suspension responsiveness.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander provided a comfortable and roomy experience up front, with deeply padded armrests and ample adjustments. Rear seats offered generous legroom and adjustable settings, although the third-row seat was impractically tight for adults and encroached on cargo space. With the third row up, the Outlander held only 11.7 cubic feet of cargo, expanding to 33.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 78.3 cubic feet with all seats down.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained its commanding driving position. The air suspension’s kneel feature aided entry and exit, while the front seats offered exceptional comfort with multiple adjustments and heating/ventilation functions. Unfortunately, the rear seats were less accommodating for longer-legged passengers, and narrow door openings could soil clothing.

Storage often seemed insufficient with both vehicles. The Outlander's center console was underutilized, whereas the Range Rover Sport's bin under the center console was too shallow. Comparatively, the Land Rover had 31.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats down – less spacious than the Outlander, yet more luxuriously tailored.

Technological amenities in the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL were notable for the price. It sported a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, an expansive HUD visible through polarized sunglasses, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a robust 10-speaker Bose audio system added to the appeal. However, the voice-recognition feature struggled, especially at higher speeds due to road noise.

Conversely, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was laden with advanced tech that sometimes frustrated. A 13.7-inch digital display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen with haptic feedback were intuitive but often convoluted. Though integrated with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, the native digital assistant faltered in practical use. In contrast, available Meridian audio systems and Active Noise Cancellation impressed with sound quality and cabin quietness.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander offered a solid suite of safety technologies, including Mi-Pilot Assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping aids, and blind-spot monitoring. Mi-Pilot Assist was particularly commendable for its refinement and accuracy, albeit requiring hands-on control. Crash-test results were not available, though.

In comparison, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and several parking aids. Despite this advanced technology, adaptive cruise control and steering assist did not perform to expectations, especially on inconsistent freeway curves, requiring more driver intervention than expected.