2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander presented a bold and distinctive front styling, characterized by 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 trim levels, all featuring handsome 20-inch wheels. The test vehicle, an SEL trim with AWD, showcased a luxurious interior with premium semi-aniline leather, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior design adhered to minimalism, with black and aluminum accents, though some plastics reminded of its compact crossover segment.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned for the year, offered a more refined and simplified design, with a signature spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. The NX was longer, wider, and taller, providing more passenger and cargo space. The interior was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats, and the F Sport trim added sport-bolstered seats and a unique steering wheel. The NX’s minimalist dashboard was a departure from its predecessor, integrating many functions into a large touchscreen, which could be challenging to navigate quickly. Despite some ergonomic issues, the NX maintained high-quality materials and a sophisticated ambiance.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with optional AWD. The Outlander offered various driving modes, but its performance was underwhelming, especially at higher speeds or during acceleration on ramps. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was firm, leading to a brittle ride on imperfect roads. The Outlander returned 24.9 mpg in testing, slightly below the EPA’s rating.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered a more dynamic performance, particularly with the NX 350’s turbocharged 2.4-liter engine delivering 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD provided a more engaging driving experience. The NX 350 F Sport trim added adaptive suspension and sportier driving modes, enhancing its agility on winding roads. The NX’s fuel economy varied, with the F Sport achieving 22.2 mpg and the Luxury trim 25.5 mpg. Despite some noise issues, the NX’s handling and performance were a significant improvement over its predecessor.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats, intuitive controls, and impressive digital displays. However, the center console lacked storage space. The rear seats were spacious and comfortable, with adjustable seating positions. The third-row seat was cramped and best suited for children, with limited cargo space when in use. Folding the third row increased cargo capacity to 33.5 cubic feet, and maximum capacity was 79.7 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered a cozy and comfortable interior, with heated and ventilated front seats and thoughtful padding for comfort. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space and amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX’s cargo space increased by 14%, offering 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Luxury trim featured ambient lighting with various themes, enhancing the interior ambiance.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL with the Touring Package featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large HUD, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay. The system included a two-year subscription to Mitsubishi Connect services and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. However, voice recognition struggled with road noise, and the infotainment system could be improved.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant technological advancements with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. It featured large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, and cloud-based services. The standard 9.8-inch touchscreen could be upgraded to a 14-inch version, both offering wireless smartphone integration. The NX included a 10-speaker sound system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson system. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems enhanced user interaction, though the lack of a tuning knob and screen reflections were drawbacks.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander included Mi-Pilot Assist, a Level 2 driver-assist system similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist. It offered forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot warning. However, the steering assistance could be intrusive, and crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including new technologies like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection. The Emergency Driving Stop System was tested, demonstrating its ability to safely stop the vehicle if the driver became unresponsive. The NX also offered blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist, with additional safety features available in higher trims.