2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2023 Genesis GV80

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 maintained a tasteful and balanced appeal. The Outlander was available in several trim levels, all featuring handsome 20-inch wheels as standard or optional equipment. The SEL trim, in particular, offered a luxurious interior with premium semi-aniline leather, a heated steering wheel, and a power panoramic glass sunroof, creating an upscale ambiance. The interior design adhered to minimalism, with black and aluminum accents, though some plastics reminded occupants of its compact crossover SUV status.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication and grace with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, presenting a stately midsize SUV profile. The Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its elegant appearance, especially with the matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats and a dash split by thin air vents added to the luxurious feel. The center console, with its three large dials, and the unique two-spoke steering wheel, set the GV80 apart from other luxury vehicles. While the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed somewhat out of place, the interior remained spacious and luxurious, offering a comfortable environment for occupants.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that powered the front wheels, with an optional Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) AWD system. Despite the availability of paddle shifters and multiple driving modes, the Outlander struggled to deliver a satisfying driving experience, particularly at higher speeds or during acceleration. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was firm, leading to a less comfortable ride on imperfect roads. The Outlander returned 24.9 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA’s rating of 26 mpg for AWD models.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a turbo 3.5-liter V6, with the latter producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 was not particularly quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty, it excelled in highway driving with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a quiet and comfortable ride, making it ideal for long commutes.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, offering roomy and comfortable front seats with heated features and an eight-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat. The interior design was clean and uncluttered, with intuitive controls and impressive digital displays. However, the center console lacked storage space, and the third-row seat was cramped, suitable only for children. Cargo capacity was limited to 11.7 cubic feet with the third row in use, expanding to 78.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with numerous luxury features, including heated and ventilated seats, a tri-zone climate control system, and a 21-speaker stereo system. The Ergo Motion driver’s seat offered fatigue-reducing features, and the Nappa leather seats added to the sumptuous feel. While the third row was limited in legroom, the GV80 provided ample cargo space, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 84 cubic feet with the seats folded. The GV80 also boasted a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL with the Touring Package featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large and detailed HUD, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay. The vehicle also included wireless smartphone charging and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, affecting its performance.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not wirelessly. The GV80 also featured remote smart parking assist, allowing the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside. The system included wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet, ensuring devices remained charged.

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

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with numerous advanced driver’s aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The vehicle featured a video feed of the blind spot in the digital gauge cluster and Highway Drive Assist, which provided hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS.