2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs. 2021 Nissan Rogue

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander ・ Photo by Mitsubishi

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander and 2021 Nissan Rogue are both all-new, and they have a lot in common. These two SUVs share a platform and were developed as a part of a partnership between the Nissan and Mitsubishi brands, which gives them lots of similarities.

They do still have significant differences. The Outlander has seating for up to seven while the Rogue caps seating at five. Styling is also different both inside and out as are the range of features offered at the various trim levels. Let’s take a closer look at these two SUVs to see which is the better choice.

Affordable Pricing

The 2021 Nissan Rogue is available in a choice of four trims, all with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The base S with front-wheel drive is priced from $28,850 while the top Platinum with all-wheel drive comes in at $37,030.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is available in three standard trims. There are also two special Launch Edition trims of the SE and SEL bringing the total trim lineup to five. A choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive is offered on all but the SEL Launch edition, which is all-wheel drive only. Pricing starts at $25,795 for the ES with front-wheel drive and tops out at $35,345 for the SEL Launch Edition. The Outlander has more trims with more affordable pricing.

: Mitsubishi Outlander

Photo by Mitsubishi

Identical Powertrains, but Vehicle Weight Matters

Power for the Nissan Rogue comes from a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This is paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). It easily gets the Rogue up to highway speeds without undue noise from the CVT.

Here’s where the joint development of the brand makes itself know. The Outlander gets the same powertrain as the Nissan Rogue. The Outlander, however, is a bit heavier than the Rogue so the engine has to work harder. While still responsive, the Outlander isn’t quite as quick as the Rogue and the noise from the CVT is more intrusive.

: Nissan Rogue

Photo by Nissan

One One Has a Hybrid Option

The Nissan Rogue was once available as a hybrid, but currently comes only with a gas powertrain. That could change at some point, but for now, a hybrid option is no longer available.

The Mitsubishi Outlander is available as a plug-in hybrid. The 2022 model is due later this year, but the 2021 is still on sale and has significant upgrades. It delivers a combined 221 horsepower, which is an increase of 31 horsepower from the prior model with an all-electric range of 24 miles. Although the 2022 model isn’t here yet, the 2021 model is a solid option for those who want a hybrid SUV.

: Mitsubishi Outlander

Photo by Mitsubishi

Both Deliver Good Fuel Economy

The Nissan Rogue gets varying EPA-estimated fuel economy depending on the trim. All-wheel-drive trims get up to 29 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 32 mpg combined. Front-wheel-drive models increase fuel economy up to 30 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 32 mpg combined.

The Mitsubishi Outlander gets 24 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined. Numbers increase by 1 mpg on the highway and combined with front-wheel drive. There is the plug-in hybrid, which gets 74 MPGe, but comparing strictly gas powertrains, the Rogue wins.

: Nissan Rogue

Photo by Nissan

Room for the Family

Mitsubishi has made great strides in improving its interiors. Once full of cheap plastics and low-grade materials, the current Outlander has available quilted leather trims, attractive finishes, and an upscale feel. It’s comfortable, spacious, and welcoming.

The Nissan Rogue has an equally attractive interior. It also has Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats which combined support with comfort making longer road trips less of a chore. The big difference between these two SUVs is available seating. The Outlander has a third row that, although small, adds two extra seats not available in the Rogue.

: Mitsubishi Outlander

Photo by Mitsubishi

Comfortable, Pleasant Rides

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander handles well, with controlled steering that lets the driver relax behind the wheel. There’s minimal sway, even during quick lane changes. The suspension system evens out the bumps in the road to keep passengers comfortable.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue also handles well with crisp steering that makes long rides less tiring. It’s a nimble vehicle that handles twisting roads as easily as it manages highway driving. The ride is smooth and hides road imperfections and it’s also quiet. This is where it comes out ahead of the Outlander. Engine noise isn’t as intrusive, making the cabin calmer. Road and wind noise are also kept at bay making the Rogue an overall more pleasant ride.

: Nissan Rogue

Photo by Nissan

Cargo and Towing Capabilities

While SUVs need to be able to carry people in comfort, they also need to be able to manage cargo. The Outlander has up to 11.7 cubic feet behind the third row, 33.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 79.7 cubic feet behind the first row. It can also tow up to 2,000 pounds properly equipped.

The Nissan Rogue has up to 36.5 cubic feet behind the second row with 74.1 cubic feet behind the first row and can tow up to 1,350 pounds properly equipped. The Outlander has it beat in both overall cargo capacity and its tow rating.

: Mitsubishi Outlander

Photo by Mitsubishi

Infotainment With More Features on Lower Trims

The Rogue has an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4-speaker audio along with 2 USB ports and Sirius XM. Wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay, 9.0-inch touchscreen, navigation, 2 rear USB ports, and a Bose 10-speaker audio system are available.

The Outlander also has a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto with a 6-speaker audio system, 2 USB ports, and Sirius XM. It offers similar upgrades as the Rogue. The difference here is that those upgrades occur lower on the trim ladder giving the Outlander more overall features at a lower price.

: Mitsubishi Outlander

Photo by Mitsubishi

Ample Safety in Both, But One Big Difference

The 2021 Nissan Rogue received an overall four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in crash tests. It also received top ratings of Good in all Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests and was named a Top Safety Pick+. It has a wide range of standard safety features including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic alert.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander has not yet been crash-tested. It does have a solid suite of standard safety features including forward collision mitigation, driver attention alert, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, and lane departure warning. Without crash test results, the Nissan Rogue is a better choice.

: Nissan Rogue

Photo by Nissan

And the Winner Is…

The Nissan Rogue and Mitsubishi Outlander are well-matched vehicles, but the Outlander comes out just ahead. The Rogue wins for its crash test ratings, more comfortable interior, and more responsive driving experience, but that’s not enough to give it the win.

The Outlander has more room for cargo, seats more people, and offers an efficient hybrid powertrain. It’s also more affordably priced and packs more infotainment features into its base trims than the Rogue.

: Mitsubishi Outlander

Photo by Mitsubishi