Compare the2022 Mitsubishi OutlanderVS 2021 Lexus RXL

The Outlander has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The RXL doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

Both the Outlander and the RXL have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive, lane departure warning systems, around view monitors and driver alert monitors.

The Outlander comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The RXL’s 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 10,000 miles sooner.

Mitsubishi’s powertrain warranty covers the Outlander 4 years and 30,000 miles longer than Lexus covers the RXL. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the RXL ends after only 6 years or 70,000 miles.

The Outlander’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the RXL’s (7 vs. 6 years).

There are over 34 percent more Mitsubishi dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Outlander’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2020 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mitsubishi vehicles are better in initial quality than Lexus vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mitsubishi 6th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 11 more problems per 100 vehicles, Lexus is ranked 12th.

On the EPA test cycle the Outlander gets better fuel mileage than the RXL:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mitsubishi Outlander uses regular unleaded gasoline. The RX 450hL requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

For better stopping power the Outlander’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the RXL:

For better traction, the Outlander has larger tires than the RXL (255/45R20 vs. 235/65R18).

The Outlander’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RXL’s standard 65 series tires. The Outlander’s tires are lower profile than the RXL’s optional 55 series tires.

The Outlander is 11.5 inches shorter than the RXL, making the Outlander easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Outlander’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The RXL’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The Outlander S-AWC has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The RXL doesn’t offer headlight washers.