2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander showcased a bold and unique front styling, featuring the automaker’s “Dynamic Shield” grille and lighting concept. This design gave the Outlander a distinctive and appealing look from the front wheels to the rear bumper. Available in various trim levels, the Outlander came standard or optionally equipped with handsome 20-inch wheels. The test vehicle, an SEL trim with AWD, sported White Diamond paint and the Touring option package, bringing the total price to $39,475. The interior of the Outlander SEL with the Touring Package was luxuriously outfitted with premium semi-aniline leather, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display (HUD), a premium sound system, and a power panoramic glass sunroof. The minimalist interior design featured black with authentic aluminum accents and gloss black trim, although some interior plastics reminded drivers of its compact crossover SUV segment.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 demonstrated a significant evolution from Volvo’s older, boxy designs. The XC90’s front end appeared stout and solid without being overly flashy, and the grille was assertive yet not too large. The recognizable “Thor’s Hammer” headlights added a modern flair. The test vehicle, an AWD Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels and Platinum Gray paint with brown undertones. Inside, the XC90’s design was elegant, with a two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The interior had a clean, minimalist look with wood deco inlays, although the lack of physical controls for some functions could be frustrating.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) powered the front wheels, with an optional Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) AWD system. Despite the name, the S-AWC used a brake-induced torque-vectoring system. The Outlander offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud. However, the engine felt underpowered, especially during highway acceleration and passing maneuvers. The steering was vague and disconnected, and the suspension was too firm, making the ride uncomfortable on anything but smooth pavement. The Outlander returned 24.9 mpg on the testing route, slightly below the EPA rating of 26 mpg for AWD models.

For the 2023 model year, Volvo introduced the B5 and B6 engines in the XC90, both featuring mild-hybrid technology. The B5 engine, with a turbocharger and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The B6 engine, with a supercharger and turbocharger, delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothness, although the gains were minimal. The XC90’s driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. The ride was comfortable, with minimal road and wind noise, and the brakes provided a solid pedal feel. The XC90 lacked extensive off-road capabilities but performed well in various driving conditions, including a New Hampshire snowstorm.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats, deeply padded armrests, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The rear seat offered generous space and comfort, with the ability to slide forward and back. However, the third-row seat was cramped and only suitable for children. The Outlander’s cargo capacity was limited to 11.7 cubic feet with the third row in use, 33.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 78.3 cubic feet with the second row folded and the panoramic sunroof. The interior design was clean and uncluttered, but there was wasted space on and underneath the center console.

The 2023 Volvo XC90’s front seats provided a peaceful and pleasant experience, but the minimalist design led to some storage frustrations. There was no dedicated space for a cell phone, and the USB port was located in the small center console bin. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust, and accessing the third row was difficult. The XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in use, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. This cargo capacity was less than some competitors. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a smaller car, making it easier to handle.

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 and wired Android Auto. The system included a free two-year subscription to Mitsubishi Connect Safeguard and Remote service plans. Wireless smartphone charging and a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system were also standard. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled to understand commands while driving, likely due to road noise and tire slap.

The 2023 Volvo XC90’s 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display ran on Google OS, integrating Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant. The 12.3-inch driver information display also featured Google Maps. The natural-language recognition of Google Assistant enhanced the user experience, and owners could issue commands via Google Home devices. However, many key functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, leading to frustration. The lack of physical buttons for some controls, such as the heated steering wheel and driver’s seat position, was a drawback. While these issues might fade with daily use, they were noticeable during the test drive.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander included Mi-Pilot Assist, a hands-on Level 2 driver-assist system similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist. The system worked smoothly and accurately, but the steering assistance and lane-departure prevention systems were intrusive when Mi-Pilot Assist was not active. The Outlander also featured forward collision avoidance, safe reversing, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot warning. Crash-test results were unavailable at the time of the review.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was well-regarded for its safety, carrying a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2022. The XC90’s advanced driver safety tech included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist, which helped maintain distance and lane position. These safety features were standard on the 2023 XC90.