2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander presented a bold and distinctive design, characterized by its "Dynamic Shield" grille and lighting concept. Despite its daring front styling, the Outlander maintained a balanced and appealing design from the front wheels to the rear bumper. Available in various trims, the Outlander offered standard or optional 20-inch wheels, with prices ranging from $25,795 to $35,345. The SEL trim, equipped with AWD, White Diamond paint, and the Touring package, showcased a luxurious interior with premium semi-aniline leather, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof. The minimalist interior design featured authentic aluminum accents, though some plastics reminded occupants of its compact crossover status.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia, a mature design since its last major update in 2008, adhered to the principle that "good taste never goes out of style." Its exterior featured a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight body lines, giving it a substantial presence. The Sequoia's dimensions included a height of 77 inches, a width of 79.9 inches, and a length of 205.1 inches, with a 122-inch wheelbase. Despite its age, the Sequoia's interior was typical of Toyota's high-quality materials and precise construction, though it appeared dated compared to modern SUVs. The Nightshade Special Edition model added contemporary touches with darkened chrome and black-painted finishes, enhancing its overall appearance.

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 continuously variable transmission (CVT) with front-wheel drive as standard, while the Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) AWD system was optional. Despite offering various driving modes, the Outlander's performance was underwhelming, particularly in acceleration and passing situations. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was firm, leading to a less comfortable ride on uneven surfaces. The Outlander returned 24.9 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA's rating of 26 mpg for AWD models.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, was equipped with a robust 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with a maximum towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. Despite its weight, the Sequoia handled well on highways and curvy roads, though its fuel economy was a throwback to earlier times, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway. The Sequoia's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its body-on-frame construction and independent double-wishbone suspension, making it suitable for adventurous families.

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, and the third-row seat was cramped, suitable only for children. With the third row in use, cargo capacity was limited to 11.7 cubic feet, expanding to 33.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. Maximum cargo capacity reached 79.7 cubic feet, or 78.3 cubic feet with the panoramic sunroof.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows and three-zone climate control. The center console and glove compartment provided ample storage, while the cargo area featured an auxiliary 12-volt outlet. With 18.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row, the Sequoia's cargo capacity expanded to 66.6 cubic feet with the third row folded and 120.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down, making it ideal for family trips.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander stood out with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large and detailed HUD, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle included a 10-speaker Bose audio system, though voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the Sequoia's infotainment system lagged behind competitors. The Limited trim added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, with an optional premium audio package. Despite its age, the Sequoia featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety technology, including a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured the Mi-Pilot Assist driver-assist system, similar to Nissan's ProPilot Assist, offering smooth and accurate performance. It included standard driver-assist technologies like forward collision avoidance and blind-spot warning. However, crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, offering features like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure alert. The STAR safety system included stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags, ensuring passenger safety.