2022 Mitsubishi Outlander
Mitsubishi needed a huge hit to truly return to greatness in the U.S.A. This new three-row compact SUV could be just the thing they need.
The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is a compact SUV that shares some DNA with the Nissan Rogue. From there, Mitsubishi developed a three-row family hauler that is just a few inches longer than its core competition. The only difference is that the third row of seats are standard.
Since the new Outlander has been getting plenty of attention, it is worth owning?
The one task Mitsubishi was given was to create its own style. They ran with the idea of integrating signature design elements, such as the Dynamic Shield grille and front end, along with items that are new to the brand. For example, the roofline at the C pillar adds a “floating roof” motif attached to an upright glass panel.
From front-to-back, the 2022 Outlander stands out among all others in its class. The headlamp units are now further down on the front clip, set within each side of the “Dynamic Shield” signature. Driving lights with LED turn signals are perched on top of the clip. You are greeted by a large grille that is three-dimensional in shape and feel.
The rest of the 2022 Outlander is as bold as the front clip. It looks upright, while feeling upmarket. The doors open wide for great access inside. Our SEL Launch Edition tester adds plenty of chrome trim, a handsome set of 20-inch alloy wheels, and an LED strip of lighting on the “Dynamic Shield” front trim.
That upmarket feeling continues inside with swaths of semi-aniline quilted leather seats and trim. Our tester wore this upholstery in black with orange stitching and trim. The seats themselves are very comfortable in the first two rows. First row gets memory settings to go along with its power-assisted recline, rake, height, and lumbar adjustments.
The second-row gets manual rake and recline adjustments, as well. We found that taller passengers in the second row would have to tuck their heads into a space behind the panoramic sunroof. The third row is strictly for children, which is accessible by sliding the second row seats forward.
Cargo space starts with a small 11.7 cubic foot space behind the third row. If you fold down the third row, that space expands to 33.5 cubic feet. Fold both rear rows down, and you get 78.3 cubic feet of space.
Where the 2022 Outlander stands out interior-wise is right in front of the driver. The SEL Launch Edition gets a 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument cluster that is customizable and full of information. This was augmented by a head-up display on our tester. It was a very nice set-up overall.
We also like the other interior elements, such as the thick-rimmed steering wheel with grips from the 10-2 position down past the 9-3 position. The shifter is different using a shift-by-wire mechanism that is actually easy to use. We also like that there are dials for the infotainment system, perched on top of the center stack in a sturdy tablet-like screen holder. All other controls are also easy to use and good to the touch.
Powering the 2022 Outlander is a new 181-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It is connected to a continuously variable transmission with eight ratios available to the driver through a pair of paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Our tester had Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel-Control that is controlled by a knob on the center console. You now have six pre-set drive modes that include a Mud mode for maximum all-wheel-drive performance.
Performance is very good overall. It has solid passing power and can cruise quite nicely. In terms of fuel economy, we averaged 27.0 MPG.
The ride quality of the 2022 Outlander is very smooth and absorbent on all surfaces. We found that maneuverability was good, and the Outlander exhibited minimal lean and roll through the corners.
The steering system offered a tight turning radius, while providing plenty of control at the wheel. On-center feel was fine, and that new steering wheel was truly the difference when it came to control. Braking was very good, with great stops in normal and panic situations.
The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is offered in five trim levels, including two Launch Editions. The 2.5 ES with front-wheel-drive starts at $25,795. Our 2.5 SEL Launch Edition tester came with a sticker price of $37,890.
The new 2022 Outlander has been positioned firmly in a hotly contested segment. Now, it competes the Volkswagen Tiguan, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Cherokee, Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, and Ford Escape.
However, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is the only one in its class with standard three-row seating. Whether you use it or not, you will appreciate how well it drives, the overall quality of the vehicle, and how nice it is to have an affordable SUV that treats you and your occupants every time you drive it.
Story Credits: CarSoup Editors
