2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander presented a bold and distinctive design, characterized by its "Dynamic Shield" grille and lighting concept. This unique styling choice gave the Outlander a striking front appearance, while maintaining 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 and the Touring Package, featured luxurious interior elements such as premium semi-aniline leather, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof, creating an upscale ambiance. Despite some interior plastics reminding of its compact SUV segment, the Outlander managed to avoid using obviously inexpensive materials.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue maintained a more conservative design approach, with proper proportions and chiseled styling that conveyed a rugged sense of purpose. The Rogue lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices from $27,360 to $37,140. The Platinum trim, equipped with the Premium package, offered upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and a range of interior lighting options. However, the Rogue's interior had some drawbacks, such as a low-contrast key fob and uncomfortable rear seats. Despite these issues, the Rogue provided a good balance of ride compliance and body control, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) AWD system. Despite the availability of paddle shifters and multiple driving modes, the Outlander struggled with power delivery, especially during highway acceleration and passing maneuvers. 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 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 pound-feet of torque from 2,800 rpm to 4,000 rpm. The CVT, paired with this engine, offered a more responsive driving experience in urban settings, though it lacked passing power on highways. The Rogue's ride quality was enhanced by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the steering felt lifeless. The Rogue averaged 28.9 mpg, falling short of the EPA's 31 mpg estimate. Despite some engine noise and vibration, the Rogue provided a secure and consistent handling character.

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. The interior design was clean and intuitive, with impressive digital displays. However, the center console lacked storage space. The rear seats were spacious and comfortable, with sliding and reclining capabilities, but the third-row seat was cramped and not suitable for adults. 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.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family vehicle, accommodating four adults comfortably, with the option to fit a fifth person in the rear seat. The Platinum trim offered premium features like a triple-zone climate control system and a panoramic sunroof. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, with low-mounted cushions and diamond-shaped pleats. The Rogue provided ample storage space, with a hands-free power liftgate and up to 74.1 cubic feet of cargo volume. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for versatile cargo configurations, though some storage areas were unlined, potentially causing noise.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL with the Touring Package stood out with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large and detailed HUD, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a two-year subscription to Mitsubishi Connect services. A 10-speaker Bose audio system delivered impressive sound quality. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with accuracy, especially at higher speeds.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a HUD. Despite the addition of Alexa Built-in, the voice recognition system was unreliable, often providing incorrect or irrelevant results. The Rogue's infotainment system was functional but in need of an update to match competitors' offerings.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander included Mi-Pilot Assist, a hands-on 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 2023 Nissan Rogue boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. The system worked well on highways, though activation could be delayed. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in specific crash tests.