Review QuickTakes:
The redesigned 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is a compact crossover SUV with a standard third-row seat and seven-passenger capacity. Mitsubishi offers the 2022 Outlander with a four-cylinder engine and front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and it comes in three levels of specification. Though it shares a name with them, this vehicle is not the same as the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid or the Outlander Sport.
What’s New for the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Mitsubishi leverages its recent tie-up with Nissan to create the redesigned 2022 Outlander. The SUV is heavily based on the Nissan Rogue, sharing that model’s platform, powertrains, and technology. But the Mitsubishi Outlander is tuned differently and offers exclusive features like an optional third-row seat.
How Much is a Mitsubishi Outlander?
When the redesigned version of this SUV first went on sale in 2021, 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander prices ranged from the mid $20,000s to the mid $30,000s.
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Trim Levels and Configurations
Few three-row compact crossovers exist. In 2022, only the Mercedes-Benz GLB and Volkswagen Tiguan offer a similar configuration. If you think you require that added seating and plan to shop for an Outlander, know that it comes in three trim levels:
- Mitsubishi Outlander ES — The most affordable Outlander provides the comfort, infotainment, and safety features you want the most, combined with handsome wheels for a stylish look
- Mitsubishi Outlander SE — Upgrades in design, interior materials, driving assistance systems, and infotainment technology accompany the Outlander SE. A Tech package adds a panoramic sunroof, premium sound system, and more
- Mitsubishi Outlander SEL — The top-of-the-line Outlander features leather upholstery, digital instrumentation, and additional comfort features for both front and rear seat occupants. A Touring package injects luxury into the Outlander SEL
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2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Review and Test Drive
Mitsubishi has redesigned the 2022 Outlander to squeeze in as many amenities, seats, and technology features as fit into its compact crossover SUV frame. For example, three rows of seating are now standard, a rarity amongst its competitive set.
A new Nissan-sourced 2.5L four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT) are standard, along with front-wheel drive (FWD). In addition, Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC), the brand’s all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, is available as an option. A 2022 Outlander Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) is also available, but Mitsubishi bases it on the previous-generation Outlander. It will move to this new format soon, likely for the 2023 model year.
Mitsubishi provided the test vehicle for this review, a 2022 Outlander SEL with S-AWC. Its total price tag of $38,590 included additional options like an SEL Touring Package ($2,700), Welcome Package ($160), accessory tonneau cover ($195), premium White Diamond paint ($595), and a destination charge of $1,195 to ship it to the U.S. from Japan.
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2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Review: The Design
When any vehicle gets a redesign, the first detail you’ll notice is its exterior design. With the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, subtle was not a word in its design team’s vocabulary. If the directive was to stand out in the very crowded field of compact crossovers, then consider the Outlander’s big, bold front fascia a striking success — and then some.
According to Mitsubishi, the design language for the new Outlander is “bold stride.” Apparently, that translates into “massive maw,” as the grille takes up nearly the entire front fascia. If headlights weren’t necessary, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Outlander’s nose was nothing but grille. Not that this approach is exclusive to Mitsubishi. Many automakers have taken to the trend of large, complex grilles as a way to stand apart from the competition.
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However, as expressive as the Outlander’s forward-facing presentation is, its overall exterior design and proportions are reminiscent of higher-end vehicles. For example, a neighbor of mine confessed that he initially mistook the new Outlander for a Land Rover. Its large 20-inch wheels and strong horizontal profile reminded him of that British bastion of off-road-capable luxury SUVs. He’s not entirely wrong. The Mitsubishi Outlander does offer a familiar look and yet a distinctive one. There’s also an available Black Out Appearance Package ($395) that darkens the hood badge, lug nuts, wheel locks, outside mirrors, and door handles for added menace.
In the cabin, the design is more simple but elegant. My SEL test vehicle was heavily outfitted in leather (seats, steering wheel, and shift knob), while door inserts were quilted synthetic leather. The optional SEL Touring Package upgraded these panels to black-and-saddle tan contrasts and added higher-quality semi-aniline leather for the seats.
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Mitsubishi did not skimp on the Outlander’s interior, which is well-appointed with soft surfaces everywhere you would want them. The dashboard and center console are without excessive buttons and knobs for a clean look. In addition, the large infotainment display is perfectly positioned up top and within arm’s reach.
Also, and this may seem odd to point out, the rear door panel inserts matched the front ones. Some vehicles, including the Outlander’s direct competitors, don’t utilize the same materials or designs between the front and rear doors. Instead, they swap out genuine leather for synthetic, use more plastic bits, or have other production-cost adjustments that may or may not be noticeable.
The driver’s seat wasn’t the most enjoyable in terms of comfort. The second-row seats felt the plushiest, while the third row offered the least support and overall space. My test vehicle had more than 10,000 miles on the odometer, but I can’t imagine the driver’s seat cushioning to wear out in what amounts to a year’s worth of driving. The steering wheel also felt hard and cheap, even though it’s leather-wrapped.
Compared to the previous model, the new Outlander is larger by every measure, inside and out. The compact SUV gains two inches in the hips to 73.3 inches and grows 1.5 inches taller to 68.8 inches. The wheelbase also increased by 1.4 inches to 106.5 inches. All this leads to more interior volume, especially for passengers. In addition, front-seat occupants receive an inch more of legroom, and second-row passengers enjoy 1.1 inches of extra leg space.
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And the third row? Well, um, it remains a place for punishment. Only the lanky and limber can access the third-row seats. Even with the second row pushed as far forward as possible, it was still a clumsy effort entering and exiting the third row—and I’m a petite five-foot-two. To give you an added sense of how infrequently you’ll have third-row passengers (outside of toddler timeouts), there was about a 1.5-inch gap between the top of my head and the headliner. Also, my size-7 boots had no room under the 2nd-row seat. If I forced them into the provided space, my return on investment would be scuffed shoe tips.
To further showcase the gimmick of the Outlander’s standard third row, a carry-on-sized suitcase will fit behind it only if stood up lengthwise. You might be able to squeeze two of ’em in there, but nothing more. A raised third row is excellent for keeping groceries snug, but its functionality from a cargo-plus-passenger standpoint is nearly non-existent.
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My advice is to forget it exists and keep it folded down. That way, you can expand cargo capacity from 11.7 cu. ft. behind the third row to 33.5 cu. ft. behind the second row. And if you need maximum cargo room, fold the second-row seats flat to create 79.7 cu. ft.
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Review: The Technology
The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander features two types of infotainment displays. In the base Outlander ES trim, an 8-inch touchscreen is standard. This system cannot be optioned with navigation but does offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so drivers can utilize map apps. Standard in SE and SEL models is a 9-inch touchscreen display equipped with navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay (Android Auto still requires a USB connection). Over-the-air updates may become available for the larger screen in the future.
There are redundancies in physical buttons and touchscreen icons for Audio, Map, and Home menu pages. On any screen but Home, this is a good idea. Otherwise, this approach is confusing to a driver because the virtual Home screen buttons appear as a bottom row of icons positioned directly above the physical buttons for the same control settings. So you’re essentially seeing double for Audio, Map, and Menu if you’re on the Home screen.
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This user experience fumble isn’t an issue on other pages, though, as the icons change. That being said, you can customize the three main menu pages. Similar to shortcut widgets on a smartphone home screen, the icons are available in large square, medium rectangle, and small square sizes.
The new Outlander also offers two digital instrument panel (IP) displays. The ES and SE trims have a 7-inch multi-information display, while SEL models feature a 12.3-inch fully digital screen. Regardless of IP style, the font size is large and legible. Small and skinny seems to equate to luxury for some cars, but here Mitsubishi prioritized readability. Since I referred to the driver display more often than the center console one, the easy-to-read design made switching between information screens and vehicle settings a breeze.
Also easy to use is Mi-Pilot Assist, Mitsubishi’s umbrella term for its group of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Its steering wheel-mounted activation button features a hard-to-miss green icon and resides alongside the adaptive cruise control (ACC). Mi-Pilot Assist is standard starting with the SE model and provides semi-autonomous driving by coupling ACC with Stop & Go, Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR). But semi-autonomous does not mean hands-free.
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Mi-Pilot Assist actively monitors driver involvement as much as it does surrounding traffic and road conditions. Take your hands off the steering wheel, and in about 15 seconds, the serene green of the IP activation screen will change to danger red. The steering wheel icon and warning message also turn red. Five seconds later, the images will flash along to the added tune of beeping. Another five seconds later, both the flashing and audible warnings become more rapid, increasing in urgency. If the driver still does not attempt to take control of the steering wheel, the vehicle will slow down into an emergency stop. The total time from hands-off to automatic braking is about 30 seconds.
Standard safety features for all Mitsubishi Outlander models include blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist, automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, forward-collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, rear parking sensors, hill start assist, lane-departure warning, rear automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rear-seat reminder system. Like Mi-Pilot Assist, front parking sensors are standard on the SE trim and above. In addition, a 10.8-inch full-color head-up display is available but exclusively offered as part of the SEL Touring Package.
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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander a Top Safety Pick+, giving the SUV its highest rating. But there’s a caveat. The distinction applies only to vehicles built after June 2021, when the automaker adjusted the vehicle’s headlight aiming. However, owners of these earlier-production models can have their vehicle’s headlights adjusted at an authorized dealer for no additional cost.
As of this review’s publishing date, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not tested the 2022 Outlander.
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2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Review: The Drive
Under the hood of all 2022 Mitsubishi Outlanders, you will find a new Nissan-sourced 2.5L four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT, generating 181 hp and 181 lb.-ft. of torque. Previously, the gas-only Outlander offered a choice between a standard 2.4L four-cylinder or an optional 3.0L V6 powertrain. The old inline-four was mated to a CVT and produced 166 hp and 162 lb.-ft. of torque, while the brawny V6 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and pumped out 224 hp and 215 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2022 Outlander offers a happy medium between those previous engine offerings.
Performance-wise, the Outlander offers surprisingly accurate steering even if the actual steering feel is a bit on the numb side. Its power rating is competitive within the compact SUV segment, and once warmed up, the engine note isn’t half bad. It’s not whiny like some four-cylinders can be. I was also pleasantly surprised by the vehicle’s acceleration and agility, especially when merging onto freeways and passing slower vehicles. The Outlander won’t win any drag races, mind you, but it will match the speed of highway traffic without making your palms sweaty.
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The suspension absorbed road bumps and bruises with ease. On a particular section of US-23 just north of the Michigan-Ohio border, the highway is rutted for an extended stretch. People in vehicles with stiff suspensions or little soundproofing will enjoy a jarringly loud driving experience for a few miles. But in the Outlander, the ride quality was so comfortable and composed I completely forgot I was traveling on that rough highway section. However, road noise will enter the cabin on some roads, but not so much to take the Outlander off your shopping list. When traveling through town and along city streets, the Outlander is as quiet as they come.
Visibility has improved thanks to repositioned outside mirrors that provide a larger field of view between the windshield pillar and mirror housing. Also, washer fluid is dispensed directly onto the wiper blades via nozzles embedded within the assembly. It’s clever because the fluid doesn’t obstruct your view, unlike with nozzles that directly spray the windshield. The system also minimizes overspray and requires the use of less fluid.
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The Mitsubishi Outlander features several drive modes that you can change on the fly via the rather large selector knob located below the shifter. Standard modes are Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, and Snow. In addition, Outlanders with AWD add a Mud mode to address low-traction situations, including deep snow. When switching between modes, a series of dynamic action shots of the Outlander in the selected mode will appear within the IP. Admittedly, it’s a little cutesy when a simple image would suffice, but I found the images amusing, nonetheless.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that a Mitsubishi Outlander with AWD will get 26 mpg in combined driving. The Outlander SEL S-AWC test vehicle returned a combined 23.9 mpg during my evaluation.
Is the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander a Good SUV?
The Outlander is Mitsubishi’s most important vehicle. So, it’s no wonder that the automaker made thoughtful and deliberate updates with the redesigned 2022 Outlander. Compared to the outgoing version, the all-new Outlander offers high-end amenities, improved driving manners, more technology, and added safety features.
Versus the competition, the Outlander makes a strong case for consideration. If you’re bargain hunting, though, don’t look to the Outlander for cheap thrills as its starting price sits closer to the segment average. And when opting for premium trim levels like SEL, the Outlander costs as much as other top-of-the-line competitors but with less rewarding driving dynamics and fewer options.
Mitsubishi Outlander Competitors for 2022
With the 2022 Outlander, Mitsubishi competes in one of the largest vehicle segments in America. Heavy-hitter rivals in terms of sales and popularity include the Nissan Rogue on which the Outlander is based, plus the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Others include the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, GMC Terrain, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Cherokee, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, and Volkswagen Tiguan.
Mitsubishi Outlander Features
Highlights
An alternative to the status quo, the new 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander blends daring design with quality interior materials and competitive technology. It also offers one of the best powertrain warranties of any vehicle in its class and more maximum cargo space than most rivals.
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Safety Features
- Forward Collision Mitigation — Standard forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking to help prevent collisions
- Blind Spot Warning — Standard feature monitors for traffic in the SUV’s blind spots
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert — Standard feature monitors for traffic approaching from either side while reversing
- Rear Automatic Emergency Braking — Standard feature automatically brakes the SUV when necessary while reversing
- Mi-Pilot — Available feature combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance to ease highway travel*
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Technology
- Touchscreen infotainment system — Standard 7-inch and available 9-inch screen
- Smartphone integration — Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless smartphone charger — Available feature*
- Navigation system — Available feature*
- Digital Driver Display — Available 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display*
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Specs
- 2.5L four-cylinder engine
- 181 hp, 181 lb.-ft. of torque
- Continuously variable transmission
- Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
- EPA fuel economy ratings — 26 mpg to 27 mpg in combined driving
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Interior
- Triple-zone automatic climate control — Available feature*
- Heated front and rear seats — Available feature*
- Power panoramic sunroof — Available feature*
- Premium sound system — Available 10-speaker Bose audio system*
- Quilted premium leather — Available feature*
*Availability is subject to specific trim level selections
