Compare the2022 Lexus RXLVS 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

Both the RXL and the Outlander have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, 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, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The Lexus RXL weighs 661 to 1312 pounds more than the Mitsubishi Outlander. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The RXL’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Outlander’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the RXL’s reliability 24 points higher than the Outlander.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the RXL first among midsize premium suvs in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The Outlander isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mitsubishi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 35 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mitsubishi is ranked 13th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mitsubishi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus third in reliability. Mitsubishi is ranked 20th.

The RX 350L’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 109 more horsepower (290 vs. 181) and 82 lbs.-ft. more torque (263 vs. 181) than the Outlander’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder. The RX 450hL’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 hybrid produces 127 more horsepower (308 vs. 181) than the Outlander’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Consumer Reports the RX 350L 3.5 DOHC V6 is faster than the Mitsubishi Outlander:

On the EPA test cycle the RX 450hL 3.5 V6 Hybrid CVT AWD gets better fuel mileage than the Outlander AWC (29 city/28 hwy vs. 24 city/30 hwy).

Regenerative brakes improve the RXL Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Outlander doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the RXL Hybrid’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. The Outlander doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The RXL Hybrid’s standard fuel tank has 2.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the Outlander (17.2 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The RXL’s standard fuel tank has 4.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the Outlander (19.2 vs. 14.5 gallons).

The RXL has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Outlander; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

The RXL has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Outlander doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the RXL’s wheelbase is 3.3 inches longer than on the Outlander (109.8 inches vs. 106.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the RXL is 1.7 inches wider in the front and .9 inches wider in the rear than on the Outlander.

For excellent aerodynamics, the RXL has standard flush composite headlights. The Outlander has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The RXL has 1.8 inches more front hip room, .4 inches more front shoulder room, 2.5 inches more rear hip room, 1.9 inches more rear shoulder room, .3 inches more third row headroom, 4.8 inches more third row legroom and 1.7 inches more third row hip room than the Outlander.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the RXL’s middle row seats recline. The Outlander’s middle row seats don’t recline.

The RXL has a standard third row seat which folds flat into the floor. This completely clears a very large cargo area quickly. The Outlander doesn’t offer seats that fold into the floor.

Both the RXL and the Outlander offer second row automatic folding seats. The RXL’s third row seats also fold up or down via a control in the cargo area. The Outlander doesn’t offer automatic folding third row seats.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the RXL. The Outlander doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Maximum trailer towing in the Mitsubishi Outlander is limited to 2000 pounds. The RXL offers up to a 3500 lbs. towing capacity.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Mitsubishi. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With a 38% lower rating, Mitsubishi is ranked 14th.

The RXL’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Outlander’s standard passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the RXL the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Outlander can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The RXL’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Outlander ES’ standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

Consumer Reports rated the RXL’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the Outlander’s headlights, which were rated “Good.”

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the RXL offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Outlander doesn’t offer cornering lights. The RXL also offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The RXL’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mitsubishi only offers heated mirrors on the Outlander SE/SEL.

The RXL’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Outlander offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the RXL keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Outlander doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The RXL offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Outlander doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

Consumer Reports® chose the Lexus RXL as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Mitsubishi Outlander isn't recommended.

The Lexus RX Series outsold the Mitsubishi Outlander by over four to one during the 2021 model year.