2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander showcased a bold design with its “Dynamic Shield” grille and lighting concept, offering a striking front appearance. Despite its daring front styling, the Outlander maintained a balanced and appealing design from front to rear. Available in various trims, it featured handsome 20-inch wheels and a price range from $25,795 to $35,345, with AWD as an optional upgrade. The SEL trim, equipped with the Touring Package, boasted luxurious interiors with premium leather, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof, though some interior plastics reminded of its compact SUV status.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee adhered to traditional Jeep design elements while offering a modern twist. It was a two-row version of the previous year’s Grand Cherokee L, with a lineup that mirrored its larger sibling. Prices ranged from $37,390 to $63,365, excluding the destination charge. The Grand Cherokee’s styling paid homage to the classic 1963 Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille and tapered roof pillars. Inside, it offered a range of trims from basic to luxurious, with the Summit Reserve trim featuring premium leather, a high-end audio system, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. It used a CVT to drive the front wheels, with an optional AWD system. The Outlander offered various driving modes, but its performance felt lacking, especially during acceleration on highways or when overtaking. The steering was vague, and the suspension was firm, leading to a less comfortable ride on uneven surfaces. It returned 24.9 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered more robust performance options with a choice between a V6 and a V8 engine. The V6 produced 293 horsepower, while the V8 delivered 357 horsepower, enhancing towing capacity. Three 4WD systems were available, catering to different off-roading needs. The Trailhawk trim excelled in off-road conditions with advanced features like Quadra-Drive II and a Quadra-Lift air suspension. The Grand Cherokee’s ride was nimble and athletic, with the V6 being the preferred engine for its balance of efficiency and power.

The Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats, intuitive controls, and impressive digital displays. However, it lacked storage space due to underutilized center console design. The rear seats were spacious, but the third row was cramped and best suited for children. Cargo capacity was limited with the third row in use but expanded significantly when folded.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee offered comfort across all trims, with higher trims providing heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and massagers. Visibility was improved, enhancing driver confidence. Rear-seat space was tight for taller passengers, but cargo capacity was generous, with 37.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 70.8 cubic feet with seats folded.

The Outlander SEL stood out with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation, a large HUD, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay. It included a Bose audio system, though voice recognition needed improvement due to road noise.

The Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision, multiple touchscreens, and a McIntosh audio system. Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. The optional front passenger interactive display added a unique entertainment option.

The 2022 Outlander featured Mi-Pilot Assist, a Level 2 driver-assist system, along with standard safety technologies like forward collision avoidance and lane-keeping assistance. Crash-test results were unavailable at the time.

The Grand Cherokee was equipped with advanced driver assistance systems and a robust safety structure. It included features like Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist, offering semi-autonomous driving capabilities. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was anticipated for future release.