The good news is that the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is far superior to the car it succeeds. A six-speed automatic transmission and 224-horsepower V-6 engine are no longer available, but the new small SUV is nevertheless better made, more comfortable, and more pleasurable to drive than its predecessor. Rather, the only available engine is a 2.5-liter I-4 with 181 horsepower that pairs with a CVT.
When launching new models, automakers frequently use buzzwords like “all-new” and “significantly redesigned,” but let’s face it: Most “all-new” models still contain a lot of the components and features from the previous generation. This isn’t the case with the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander—at least not when compared to the 2020 model, which was discontinued in favor of the 2021 model. From Mitsubishi’s perspective, the new model is entirely new since it is the result of the company’s recent alliance with the global Renault-Nissan Alliance; that is to say, the new Outlander shares many of the same structural components as the new 2021 Nissan Rogue.
With completely redesigned looks, an entirely new interior, and altered suspension and all-wheel-drive software, the engines, transmissions, and chassis remain the same. I was also rather impressed with Mitsubishi’s completely competitive new small crossover, which it is bringing to the already crowded field of worthy options, after spending a day driving the new ’22 Outlander through the bucolic Michigan farmlands.
An adventure is always better when you don’t have to burn through gas to get there. The 2.5-liter engine of the Mitsubishi Outlander offers plenty of efficient power, and with available Super All-Wheel Control, you’ll always get where you’re going. Just like its aerodynamic exterior, the interior isn’t just fashionable it’s functional. Take a seat and get comfortable. There is ample space for cargo and seating for seven people. In a world full of imitations, the Mitsubishi Outlander is unique. Individuals, your SUV is ready. Choose from six models, starting with the ES and going through the top-of-the-line SEL Special Edition.
Overview
Technology is also widely available. With the help of optional Mitsubishi Connect, you can use your smartphone as an Outlander remote control. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also allow you to connect your smartphone to an eight-inch display. With MI-PILOT Assist, unwind and enjoy the trip. Create a customized Outlander by selecting from an array of color and accessory options. It comes with a confidence span of ten years, or 100,000 kilometers.
When the third-generation Mitsubishi arrived on the scene, the company’s prospects were positively dismal, and it was already having trouble with the second-generation model. But is this vehicle based on the Nissan Rogue? It is enlightening. With the exception of the storied Lancer Evolution, this is the best car Mitsubishi has offered in a long time. Furthermore, the 2022 Outlander may be the crossover that draws in crossover buyers who have forgotten about Mitsubishi’s three previous attempts to enter this market.
Mitsubishi made nearly all of the new Outlander’s improvements. The inside is more comfortable and quiet, the handling is more secure, and the steering improves your feel for the road. It’s interesting to note that the 2020 Nissan Rogue, which is also new, served as the inspiration for the new Outlander; both SUVs share mechanical components and the same engines. With a third-row seat and style influenced by Land Rover, Mitsubishi adds a unique touch to the car. The Honda Pilot may be a more suitable SUV for those who require three rows of seating due to its small size. Though it can be useful in an emergency, only a limited number of small SUVs include a third row.
Important competitors of the Outlander are the VW Tiguan, Honda CR-V, Kia Sorento, and related Rogue.
What Is 2022 Bringing?
The all-new 2022 Outlander marks the arrival of a new generation of Mitsubishi’s small crossover vehicles. Additionally, Mitsubishi has stated that the PHEV variant will be available in 2022—possibly as a 2023 model. In addition to having a larger electric motor and higher battery storage than its predecessor from the previous generation, the Outlander with a plug will now work with a third row, something that wasn’t possible before.
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander: Performance
The Outlander offers a significant competitive advantage over its outdated counterpart, demonstrating its superiority in its class. A 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, normally aspirated engine producing an unimpressive 181 horsepower and 181 pounds of torque powers the drivetrain first. It is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission that manages to match the limited output of the four-banger surprisingly well, making for passably responsive driving around town.
For some reason (since CVTs don’t actually have gears to shift), they have paddle shifters and software that simulate a gear-type transmission’s feel so that the operation doesn’t feel too strange. Suffice it to say, you won’t really use the paddle shifters very often. The Outlander comes with front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option. According to the manufacturer, the AWD system is tailored to Mitsubishi’s specifications, enabling it to bear the Super All-Wheel Control system name even if it has the same parts as a 2021 Nissan Rogue.
The Outlander has a calm demeanor. When accelerating into mountain curves, the body maintains a reasonable level of composure, and the steering wheel has a noticeable weight to it. Although the Outlander isn’t as athletic as the Mazda CX-5, it can round the corner without making your passengers feel sick.
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander: Comfort
A range of road surfaces are easily traversed by the Outlander. Even on lengthy road trips, travelers may remain comfortable thanks to the well-padded front seats. The Outlander is a unique car in this class that offers rear passengers climate controls, a feature to appreciate. On the highest setting, the heated seats get rather warm. The sound of the wind and the road is not too loud, but when you accelerate—which happens frequently, depending on your driving style and the degree of road incline—you will clearly hear the engine noise.
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander: Technology
In a Mitsubishi Outlander, you can escape civilization, but you won’t truly leave it behind. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Smartphone-Link Display Audio system in your Outlander allows you to use voice control for calling, music selection, traffic updates, and other functions on an eight-inch touchscreen. Accessible Mitsubishi Connect allows you to use your smartphone as an Outlander remote control. Transform your Outlander into a symphony hall by adding the ten-speaker Bose Premium Sound System that is available. The Outlander from Mitsubishi For refined escapades.
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander: Safety
There’s built-in peace of mind with your Mitsubishi Outlander. Pedestrian detection and forward collision mitigation constantly scan the road ahead of you. If something gets in the way, it will alert you and apply the brakes if you ignore it. The Lane Departure Warning system alerts drivers when they stray from their lane, while Automatic High-Beam Headlights draw attention to incoming vehicles. You can unwind while driving with Available MI-PILOT Assist, which combines Lane Keep Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control. It even functions with navigation systems and road markers.
Design
Although it’s not the most gorgeous crossover, the Outlander is a great one. Mitsubishi fulfilled their promise with the Eclipse Cross, featuring squinty headlights and an enlarged Schick razor-blade grille from their concept cars. With more robust headlights underneath and tiny LED running lamps up above, the Outlander also follows this regrettable trend.
The cabin is quite gorgeous. The classy black-and-tan color scheme and diamond stitching on the seats and door panels make up for the switchgear that looks like it came straight out of a Nissan parts bin. Additionally, the material quality is superb; padded imitation leather on the door pockets blends in beautifully with soft-touch plastics in high-traffic places and it is synthetic. Mitsubishi chose a rough aluminum-look material for the center console instead of covering it in cheap-feeling piano-black trim. The elegant accent gives the otherwise somber cabin a burst of brightness.
Interior
The Outlander’s cabin is comparable to that of the Nissan Rogue. The driver’s seat’s good range of adjustment should enable tall and short pilots to find their ideal position. Oddly, the front passenger seat only adjusts fore and aft and in the seatback angle. Adults may find it difficult to get into the rear seat, but getting into the front seat is easy.
Because of the bench seat’s somewhat high mounting, you’ll probably need to crouch to enter without bumping your head. There is very little legroom in the third row, compared to the very roomy front and second rows. Effectively, it serves no use for adults over the age of a child.
Storage
A six-person family will be unable to embark on extended road trips due to the limited space behind the third row. However, there is plenty of room when the second and third rows are folded—one of our drivers was able to fit more than 20 bags of mulch—and plenty of places to store your belongings in the Outlander. The underarm bin is a suitable size for storing your phone when it’s not being charged.
Both the cupholders and the rear door pockets are rather tiny. Hopefully, your cargo is completely secured because folding down the middle seat is necessary to access the rear cupholders.
When fastening the tethers on child seats, be mindful of your fingers. They are encircled by sharp-looking plastic and concealed behind little openings behind the seat.
Value
The value of the Outlander is solely determined by your desire for the third row. On rare occasions, it might be helpful, but even for short excursions, it is not appropriate for adults. The Outlander is nearly always more affordable than competing two-row SUVs.
The price of the Volkswagen Tiguan and Mitsubishi Outlander is comparable if you do require the third row. Although the Kia Sorento is more expensive than the Outlander, there are a number of reasons why the Sorento is better, including a more spacious third row.
The Outlander is a high-quality, affordable car with numerous extras that will meet your expectations. The Outlander’s luxurious interior materials are also impressive.
Mitsubishi offers a very comprehensive warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and five years/unlimited miles of roadside support are included with every Outlander.
Summary
The current Outlander greatly surpasses its immediate predecessor. The Outlander and the new Nissan Rogue share a basis, and the Outlander gains from this partnership with an amazing touchscreen interface, better inside materials, and enhanced ride and seat comfort over the previous Outlander model. The minor drawbacks are an uninspired powerplant and a few known tech glitches.
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