Mitsubishi Outlander vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander's design took bold risks to achieve a distinctive and appealing look. Its front styling, dominated by the "Dynamic Shield" grille and lighting concept, set it apart from competitors. Balancing between boldness and tastefulness, the Outlander's design appealed to those seeking a unique visual identity in their vehicle. The Outlander was available in various trim levels: ES, SE, SE Launch Edition, SEL, and SEL Launch Edition, each flaunting handsome 20-inch wheels, either as standard or optional equipment. The price range varied from $25,795 to $35,345, with an additional $1,800 for all-wheel drive (AWD) and $1,195 for the destination charge. The test vehicle featured SEL trim, AWD, White Diamond extra-cost paint, and the Touring package, bringing the total to $39,475.

The Touring Package elevated the Outlander's interior with luxurious materials, such as premium semi-aniline leather in black and Saddle Tan with quilting and contrast stitching. The upscale look continued with matching simulated leather door panels, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display (HUD), and a premium sound system. The power panoramic glass sunroof added to the ambiance, while minimalistic interior design with aluminum accents and gloss black trim maintained an elegant aesthetic. Although some plastics reminded one of the Outlander's place in the SUV hierarchy, Mitsubishi avoided using overtly cheap elements, ensuring a refined cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, redesigned in 2019, adopted a more rugged and blocky appearance, shedding its softer, traditional crossover look. The trapezoidal grille, borrowed from Toyota's truck lineup, and the beveled bodywork gave the RAV4 a robust presence. Over time, this design influenced other brands, like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50. The angular design theme extended to the interior, featuring a multi-tiered dashboard with beveled cutouts to add visual interest. The basic layout included an infotainment touchscreen atop the dash, complemented by physical buttons and knobs for primary controls.

Material quality in the RAV4 Hybrid was average for its class, with hard plastics being prevalent. However, surfaces frequently touched, like the steering wheel and center armrest, were padded, improving the tactile experience. Some trims, particularly the base and Woodland trims, opted for a urethane steering wheel, which felt rubbery and cheap. Higher trims remedied this with leather-wrapped options. The robust build quality ensured the cabin remained quiet and free of creaks or squeaks over rough terrain.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm. This power was delivered to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT), with optional AWD through Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. However, the "super" aspect of S-AWC was debatable as it used a brake-induced torque-vectoring system rather than a mechanical one. Paddle shifters allowed manual control over the CVT's eight stepped ratios but did not significantly enhance driving enjoyment.

Drivers could choose from various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud. While Eco mode made the Outlander sluggish, Tarmac mode held engine revs higher without making the ride more engaging. The Outlander's peak torque at lower rpm and CVT made it more responsive in urban environments. However, the engine's lack of power was noticeable on highway on-ramps, passing on two-lane roads, or in traffic. The suspension felt too firm, making the ride brittle over imperfect pavement, and the steering was vague and disconnected.

Fuel economy was another drawback, with the Outlander returning 24.9 mpg, falling short of the EPA's 26 mpg rating for AWD models.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, collectively producing 219 horsepower. This power combination accelerated the RAV4 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, besting the standard RAV4 by half a second and providing slightly better performance than the Kia Sportage hybrid. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid was even quicker, reaching 60 mph in 5.5 seconds.

Braking in the RAV4 Hybrid was efficient, with regenerative braking charging the battery during initial pedal engagement. The transition to physical brakes during aggressive stops was seamless. The suspension provided a smooth ride over moderate bumps and potholes, facilitating confident cornering. Although not sporty, the RAV4's driving dynamics were satisfactory, matching competitors in the compact hybrid SUV class.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, offering comfortably roomy front seats with deeply padded armrests. The Outlander SEL featured an eight-way power adjustment for the driver's seat, and both front seats, along with the steering wheel, were heated. The controls were intuitive, and the displays, especially the digital instrumentation and the HUD, were impressive. The electronic transmission shifter was stylish and functional, though the center console had wasted space, detracting from overall storage capacity.

Rear seat room was generous, providing ample space for adults with comfortable seats and adequate thigh support. The second-row seats could slide to adjust space, and seat heaters added to the comfort. However, the third-row seat was cramped, suitable only for children, with limited safety due to proximity to the tailgate. Cargo space was also restrictive: 11.7 cubic feet with the third row in use, 33.5 cubic feet with it folded, and a maximum of 78.3 cubic feet for models with a panoramic sunroof.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered ample front-seat space for larger passengers, with accommodating rear seats for average-sized adults. Although providing slightly more rear headroom than the Honda CR-V or Kia Sportage, legroom was slightly less. Accommodating a rear-facing infant seat might require adjusting the front seat forward. The low rear seat cushions could leave taller passengers desiring more thigh support on long trips.

The RAV4 Hybrid excelled in cargo capacity, offering 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, slightly less than the non-hybrid RAV4. Compared to the Honda CR-V's 39.5 cubic feet and the Kia Sportage's 39.3 cubic feet, the differences were negligible. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, albeit requiring a long reach for shorter owners. Interior storage was exceptional, featuring a wide dashboard shelf, a phone tray, large cupholders, and an ample center armrest bin. Door pockets were adequately sized.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander's SEL trim with the Touring Package highlighted three standout technology features: a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large and detailed HUD visible with polarized sunglasses, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The latter included knobs for stereo volume and tuning, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a two-year subscription to Mitsubishi Connect Safeguard and Remote service plans. Wireless smartphone charging and a 10-speaker Bose audio system provided additional convenience and quality. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with comprehension while driving, likely due to road noise.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced a significant improvement in its infotainment system, featuring sharper graphics and logical menu arrangements. Most trims included an 8.0-inch display, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.5-inch touchscreen. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although a wireless charging pad was optional. The system supported over-the-air software updates and offered a Wi-Fi hotspot, with remote vehicle monitoring available. Higher trims featured a fully digital instrument panel, and the top Limited trim boasted an 11-speaker JBL audio system.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander introduced Mi-Pilot Assist, an advanced driver-assist system similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist. Although Mi-Pilot Assist was hands-on, requiring the driver to keep hands on the wheel, it operated with smoothness and accuracy. Other driver-assist technologies included forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assistance, safe reversing, and blind-spot warning. However, intrusive steering assistance added a layer of frustration when Mi-Pilot Assist was not active. As of the review, crash-test results were not available.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid received high safety ratings, with the NHTSA awarding it five stars for overall and side crash protection, and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS rated it "Good" in most tests, though it scored "Acceptable" in new moderate overlap frontal and side-impact tests. The RAV4 Hybrid earned the Top Safety Pick designation.

Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5 suite was standard across all RAV4 Hybrid models, including forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and a traffic sign reader. Higher trims added a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alerts, proximity sensors, and an optional surround-view camera system. The adaptive cruise control featured smooth throttle and brake inputs, ensuring gentle stops.