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2024 Volkswagen Taos Review2022 GMC Terrain vs Mitsubishi Outlander
In this tale of two compact SUVs, there is a clear winner between the 2022 GMC Terrain and all-new Mitsubishi Outlander on price, features, and capability.
Two Compact SUV Choices
The compact SUV class is crowded with vehicles as consumer appetites continue to shift from sedans to slightly raised SUV bodies on a sedan platform. Into that field comes the funky fresh 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander with an all-new design sure to turn heads, a sharp-dressed cabin, and available Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC), otherwise known as all-wheel-drive. From the “Professional Grade” arm of General Motors’ sprawling brand portfolio, the 2022 GMC Terrain offers some domestic market competition. A few years into its second generation, the Terrain dangles the Denali trim to aspirational consumers with a price tag to match. Let’s have a look at how these two compact crossovers stack up.
2022 GMC Terrain vs Mitsubishi Outlander Specs
Looks aside, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander’s claim to fame is its third row of seating, an unusual feature in this class. Though useful only for little kids, it exists partly because of the 185” length of the Outlander, three inches more than the Terrain. It is also 3” wider, 4” taller with about 1 extra inch of ground clearance over the GMC, though it remains within about 100 pounds of overall weight at around 3,600.
A 2.5L inline-four making 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque is the sole Outlander engine offering. A continuously variable transmission routes power to the front wheels though all three trim levels have the option for S-AWC. Mitsubishi has stepped up their warranty game with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty that Kia and Hyundai are known for. There is no complimentary maintenance, but the overall vehicle is covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles with 24/7 roadside assistance available for unlimited mileage over a 5 year span.
The 2022 GMC Terrain also makes do with a single drivetrain consisting of a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder that puts down 170 horses and 203 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed via a conventional, 9-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels in SLE and SLT trim. AWD is available on those bottom two models, with the higher AT4 and Denali versions only offered in the AWD configuration. One complimentary service is included in the first year of ownership with the vehicle warranty running 3-years/36,000 miles and a 5-year/60,000-mile period covering both the powertrain and roadside assistance.
Driving and Performance
Most buyers of a compact SUV aren’t looking to perform drag strip theatrics at the stop light, which is a positive as both the Outlander and Terrain have motors that are best suited to an easy-does-it approach. The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander has a Drive Mode Selector offering modes for Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, plus a Mud option on AWD models. Eco Mode is your best bet to hit fuel economy estimates of 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway (1 mpg less on the highway for AWD models). The Outlander can handle up to 2,000 pounds of trailering and comes standard with trailer stability assist.
A raft of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are included with the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander like forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. On the SEL and above, Mitsubishi brings semi-autonomous driving capability with their MI-PILOT Assist system. It combines lane centering with adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition to lend a virtual hand on the highway though human hands are required to be touching the steering wheel.
Producing a bit less horsepower and a bit more torque than the Outlander, the 2022 GMC Terrain is also about even with its compact rival in the fuel efficiency department. FWD models earn 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the open road, while the city number remains the same and highway drops to 28 mpg when fitted with AWD. Both truck-lets have four-corner independent suspension, but only the Terrain Denali has a unique suspension tune promising a more refined ride. The GMC can’t quite match the Mitsubishi when it comes to trailering at 1,500 pounds maximum, but does offer a touch more off-road capability in the AT4 trim with its steel front skid plate and beefier tires.
GMC Pro Safety is the brand’s name for their ADAS suite that is included across the Terrain lineup. It features automatic high beams, automated emergency braking, and lane keeping with departure warning. Available Pro Safety Plus adds lane change alert with blind spot monitoring, Safety Alert Seat, and adaptive cruise control, but there is not a semi-autonomous driving feature.
Comfort and Interior
While Mitsubishi touts the 7-passenger capacity of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, in reality, that way back row allows a measly 18” of legroom making it suitable only for small kids. You’re better off folding it flat to open up 33 cubic feet of storage volume, a number that jumps to 80 cu-ft with the middle row folded. Cloth upholstery is the entry-level trim, but opt for the SEL and Touring package for diamond-stitched, semi-aniline leather that extends to the doors with a handsome black and tan scheme.
Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard Outlander fare as is double-paned glass for the windshield and front doors, all of which works to keep cabin occupants comfortable. An available hands-free liftgate makes interior access easy, with heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and panoramic sunroof upping the interior game, but you’ll need at least an SEL model for access.
The 2022 GMC Terrain sticks to a 5-passenger setup that matches the Outlander in second row legroom at 40 inches. While it can’t match the Mitsubishi in max cargo volume at 63 cubic feet, the front passenger seat in the GMC can fold flat allowing for stowage of an 8-foot long item. Active noise cancellation is standard as is an acoustic laminated windshield, but base Terrains do not come with dual zone HVAC controls.
Like the Outlander, the Terrain can be outfitted with heat in the seats and steering wheel, but it one-ups the competition with the option for ventilated front cushions. Perforated leather wraps seating on SLT trim and above with AT4 models showing off a unique red and orange stitch pattern. Denali models go further with French stitching on the seats along with an embroidered Denali logo.
Trims and Features
Infotainment duty in the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is handled by an 8” touchscreen embedded with Apple and Android smartphone mirroring software. Step up to SE trim for a 9” screen and wireless integration of Apple devices. That mid-level model also comes with navigation featuring live traffic data capability, a wireless charging pad, and Mitsubishi’s Connected Services functionality. Top-spec Outlander SEL adds a 12” digital gauge cluster, but you’ll need the $2700 Touring package to access an 11” color head-up-display (HUD) and Bose 10-speaker audio system.
The 2022 GMC Terrain starts with a 7” touchscreen for infotainment, though an 8” version is included with the SLT and above. Wireless connection for both Apple and Android devices is standard fare along with Wi-Fi capability and GMC Connected Services. Higher trim levels feature navigation, a 7-speaker Bose stereo, and 110V power. All Denali models come with wireless charging for your phone and an 8” digital instrument panel, but you will need the $1445 Premium package for automatic parking assist and HD surround vision.
Does This Mitsubishi Beat the 2022 GMC Terrain?
The Mitsubishi Outlander is bigger, cheaper, and certainly more interesting to look at (even if it’s not your cup of tea,) than the 2022 GMC Terrain. Its third seat is silly, but the added cargo volume is legit. It can also tow 500 more pounds of your stuff and hits about the same numbers for fuel economy. On top of that, there are bigger digital screens inside, a panoramic sunroof that the Terrain doesn’t offer, and semi-autonomous driving capability. In addition, if environmental stewardship is on your list, there is plug-in hybrid variant of the Outlander. Now, the 2022 GMC Terrain is still a solid SUV and does offer certain features like ventilated seats and automatic parking assist not found on the Mitsubishi, but on the whole, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is a better all-around option.
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