2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

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 rest of the vehicle maintained a balanced and appealing design. Available in various trims, the Outlander featured standard or optional 20-inch wheels, with prices ranging from $25,795 to $35,345. The SEL trim, equipped with AWD and a Touring Package, boasted luxurious interiors with premium leather, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof. The minimalist interior design included aluminum accents, though some plastics reminded of its compact SUV status.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma, presenting a rugged yet somewhat disjointed appearance. The trapezoidal grille and upright fascia gave it a robust look, but the side design added unnecessary visual weight. Inside, the asymmetrical dash featured a metallic styling element, creating storage space and breaking monotony. The Bronze Edition test vehicle had light grey fabric upholstery with a questionable pattern, surrounded by Softex synthetic leather. While the materials trailed behind competitors, the Highlander Hybrid remained a popular choice due to its hybrid status.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. It featured a CVT and offered Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control system. Despite various driving modes, the Outlander felt sluggish, especially in Eco mode, and lacked the power needed for confident highway merging or passing. The steering was vague, and the suspension was firm, leading to a less comfortable ride on imperfect roads. The Outlander returned 24.9 mpg, slightly below its EPA rating.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering 243 horsepower. It used a CVT and offered AWD through an electric motor on the rear axle. The hybrid system provided a quick start, but the engine's drone was noticeable under heavy acceleration. The braking system transitioned smoothly from regenerative to physical brakes. The Highlander Hybrid offered a soft ride, handling bumps well, and maintained a quiet cabin, making it a comfortable choice for families.

The Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats, intuitive controls, and impressive displays. However, it lacked storage space due to underutilized center console design. The rear seats were spacious and comfortable, but the third row was cramped and best suited for children. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering 11.7 cubic feet, expanding to 78.3 cubic feet with seats folded.

The Highlander Hybrid provided well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's armrest was awkwardly placed. It offered generous storage options, including trays and large door pockets. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining options, while the third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded.

The Outlander SEL featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large HUD, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay. It included a Bose premium audio system and wireless charging. However, voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise.

The Highlander Hybrid offered an 8-inch standard touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on higher trims. The infotainment system was responsive, with physical shortcut buttons and climate controls. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. Higher trims featured navigation and a JBL audio system.

The Outlander included Mi-Pilot Assist, similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, offering smooth and accurate driver assistance. It featured standard safety tech like forward collision avoidance and blind-spot warning. Crash-test results were unavailable.

The Highlander Hybrid received a five-star NHTSA rating and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. It included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Some systems needed fine-tuning, like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, which could be overly resistant.