All-new, stylish compact SUV with steep highs and lows
Price From $27,290 – To $36,540
Source: www.mitsubishicars.com
by SUViews Editor | Mar 22, 2022
Overview
In this 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander review, we are going to evaluate this brand-new launch in the compact SUV segment. The areas we have focused on are engine, performance, fuel economy, safety, price range, available trim levels, and warranty. This detailed review will guide you to understand if this is a good fit for you or not.
The Outlander is an interesting symbol of the recent phases through which Mitsubishi has lived. The first generation came in 2001 with compact size and generic Asian style. The second one arrived in 2005 in family size and with a penchant for sportiness represented by the Jetfighter front grille. And the third model was released in 2012 with blander looks, and tech specs focused on fuel efficiency.
The fact that the latest iteration took so long to be replaced gives you an idea of how much it was struggling to leave the dealer lots. The fourth model received a complete makeover which aimed at updating it to the category’s current standards while giving it a stylish touch. While the stylish part of the mission was successfully accomplished, some other aspects seem to have been overlooked.
While the plug-in hybrid is not available yet, the model is straddled with a quite weak gasoline engine. The cabin has seven seats as standard, regardless of the powertrain, but the third row is cramped enough to be almost useless. Besides all that, borrowing the Nissan Rogue’s underpinnings has only worked as an extra source of frustration, since the Outlander is worse at fuel economy and value.
Performance, Engine, and Comfort
Competing in such a crowded market segment poses two main challenges: it is difficult to stand out in such a crowd and, in case you manage to do it, it is difficult to deserve the attention people give you. The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander relies on futuristic design to deal with the first challenge quite well but presents some flaws that can easily encourage target buyers to look elsewhere.
Engine & Performance
The outgoing model spent so much time in line that it gradually became one of the worst in its category in many aspects. Fortunately, the fact that this bar was so low is not the only reason why the new Outlander easily manages to impress its target audience: its dynamic behavior is much more controlled and refined than what we would expect from this type of vehicle.
Engine and gear
The only engine available for this model is a four-cylinder, 2.5L unit good for 181 hp of power and 181 lb-ft of torque. It is exclusively paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). A plug-in hybrid is expected to be released soon.
Suspension
The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander has been praised by the specialized press regarding its impressive ride quality, especially considering it is an SUV. The suspension contributes to that by providing firm and controllable body motions.
Handling
Another point where this model has been widely complimented. The steering system presents an adequate weight at all times, which gives a pleasant, yet safe feeling when driving.
Vibration and ride
No problems when you are riding on smooth surfaces. Anything below that, however, makes you notice a harsh dynamic behavior that could have been mitigated by the use of additional absorbing material.
Safety & Reliability
Have you heard of the “short blanket syndrome”? In companies, it basically consists of dealing with cost constraints when developing a product by making tough choices: investing more in one aspect at the expense of leaving the others with no highlights. In short, this is the aspect where Mitsubishi left the 2022 Outlander in the shadows.
Brakes
This model is equipped with disc brakes on all wheels as standard. While the specialized press has considered that its brake pedal is softer than it should, the model was able to obtain competitive distances for its market category on its braking tests.
Airbags
At the standard trim, the driver and front passenger have dual-stage front airbags and seat-mounted side airbags. The driver also has a knee airbag, while curtain airbags are offered for the first and second seat rows. There is also an occupancy sensor to decide which airbags should be deployed.
Electronics
Having been completely redesigned for 2022, the Mitsubishi Outlander has finally caught up with the latest advancements in electronics. Some of its highlights are the 12.3” screen for the digital gauge cluster and the heads-up display function.
Lights
Even the base trim level is equipped with projector-beam headlights with automatic high-beam activation, along with LED daytime running lights.
Traction control
This model is equipped with electronic traction and stability controls as well as an anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Fuel Economy
The most important reference here is the Nissan Rogue, with whom the Mitsubishi Outlander now shares its mechanical bits. Unfortunately, the newer model manages to deliver worse fuel efficiency than its older brother. The bright side is that the upcoming plug-in hybrid version might make those figures better.
Engine size
The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander only uses a four-cylinder 2.5L engine with sixteen valves and direct fuel injection. It produces 181 hp of power and 181 lb-ft of torque. There is no official information about the upcoming plug-in hybrid version yet.
Gas per mileage consumption
For the all-wheel drive version, EPA estimates indicate fuel consumption of 24 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined. The front-wheel drive version is expected to be slightly more fuel-efficient.
Interior
Beautiful dashboard, nice materials, smooth textures, modern electronics, plenty of room for hips and legs– it had everything to be an excellent five-seater SUV. The biggest downside? It is sold as a seven-seater.
Driving seat
The internal space was increased, compared to the outgoing model, and there is a brand new digital instrument cluster offered as a standard item. However, the driver has the option to view the car’s vital information through the heads-up display.
Dashboard
Minimalist, yet tasteful lines enclose better materials, high-quality textures, and more beautiful accents; the new dashboard is a clear improvement from the previous iteration. The infotainment system can use an 8” or 9” touchscreen, depending on the trim. Upscale ones may also come with wireless charging and a 10-speaker Bose audio system.
Passenger seats
There is additional room for the hips and legs of all passengers sitting on the first and second seat rows. The new model finally makes the third seat row standard, which was banned from the older one when it adopted the plug-in hybrid system. However, it has so little legroom that it ends up virtually useless.
Overall height and space
The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander has an overall height of 68.8 inches and a total passenger volume of 120 ft³ which is used to carry a total of seven people.
Trunk space
The base cargo room is 11.7 ft³. If you fold down the third seat row, it is increased to 33.5 ft³. Doing the same to the second seat row opens up a maximum cargo volume of 79.7 ft³.
Price and Extras
Market Price
The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is currently available in the market in the following trim levels:
| Version | Starting price |
| ES | $27,290 |
| SE | $30,360 |
| SE Launch Edition | $31,190 |
| SEL | $33,440 |
| SEL Launch Edition | $36,540 |
The ES, SE, and SEL versions differ primarily at the equipment list; the only intriguing part of this line is the base trim’s name; choosing “S” would have been more intuitive and avoided confusion.
The Launch Edition, in turn, works primarily as an item package that can be applied to the two upscale ones adding more items at a competitive price.
AWD/FWD
The standard setting is front-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive system is named S-AWC in this car model and is available on all trim levels.
Warranty
One of the best plans in the category. While there is no complimentary maintenance plan, the limited coverage of five years or 60,000 miles and the powertrain coverage of 10 years or 100,000 miles are comparable to those offered by Kia and Hyundai, which are the references at this.
Verdict
With the current powertrain option persuading you to stay in the urban traffic, the third row of seats actually dissuading you from using it, and the price list making some of its direct rivals more interesting, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is only interesting if you truly appreciate its design. At least you will have a good time driving it.
