The redesigned and re-engineered 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander packs about everything that can be expected into a compact family-duty SUV
The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander has starting prices that range from $27,500 to $35,645 for the top-line SEL trim level with all-wheel drive. (Mitsubishi photos)
Table of Contents
Outlander Overview
Most-Improved Brand
What’s New for 2022?
Outlander Redesign
Pricing
Performance and Fuel Economy
Ride and Handling
Safety Features
Interior
Back Seats and Cargo
Why Buy the Mitsubishi Outlander?
Specifications
BY MARK MAYNARD
The redesigned and re-engineered 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander packs about everything that can be expected into a midsize, family-duty SUV, including a third row of seats.
The compact-class Outlander has long been a hallmark of refined engineering. And the redesigned 2022 Outlander appears to have had a development budget beyond meeting the lowest price point.
The 2022 Outlander has been named a Wards 10 Best Interiors Winner for 2021. Mitsubishi says that the all-new Outlander is the best-equipped, most connected vehicle Mitsubishi has ever sold in the U.S. and signals a new direction for the brand.
The driver area is a well-organized and ergonomic command center.
Outlander Overview
Now starting its fourth generation, the Outlander arrived in 2003 in North America and replaced the Mitsubishi Montero Sport. A 2018 redesign made the Outlander slightly larger than the previous model, but most of the size increase went to cabin space, which was widened by 2 inches. A plug-in hybrid model was added then and is still available.
The Outlander is the brand’s flagship SUV crossover, but it is more super-compact in size and almost midsize in its new, slightly larger proportions. In addition, a new-generation, plug-in hybrid 2023 Outlander PHEV will roll out in the U.S. in the second half of 2022.
The SEL Touring package includes semi-aniline leather-trimmed upholstery with quilted black-and-tan trim.
Most-Improved Brand
Mitsubishi Motors North America was the most improved U.S. brand in the “2021 Automotive Reputation Report” from Reputation, an online analytical research firm. The annual report included an analysis of 35,000 automotive OEM brands, dealer groups, and dealerships across the United States, Canada, and Europe. Graded on a 1,000-point scale, Mitsubishi Motors ranked fourth in 2021 among 19 non-luxury automotive brands. In addition, the carmaker improved from 17th place in 2020, posting a 58-point improvement.
What’s New for 2022?
For 2022, the cabin space was reshuffled to provide a third row. Outlander is the only compact-class SUV with a third row and seats for seven.
The added 1.5 inches in body length was just enough to add the third row. Its legroom is kid-class, but the 50/50 divided seats fold flat into the floor for substantial cargo space of 33.5 cubic feet (stacked to the headliner). The 11.7 cubic feet behind the third-row seats is plenty to corral bags of groceries. And there is underfloor storage, such as to stow the standard cargo roller cover.
A wider stance bolstered drivability; the front track is 2.1 inches wider and the rear is 2.5 inches wider. Alloy wheels and all-season tires are standard on all models. Entry-level models have 18-inch 235/60 tires, with 20-inch 255/45 tires on upper trims.
For improved visibility, the space between the windshield pillars and the side mirrors was expanded for better cornering views. In addition, the washer nozzles are now built into the wiper arms, which gives more consistent spray action and saves on fluid.
The 9-inch infotainment touchscreen.
2022 Outlander Redesign
The Outlander’s exterior styling was amped to the next level with the so-called “Bold Stride” design theme. It is intended to show width and stability, Mitsubishi says. The face is unmistakable. The prominent headlight nacelles are “Godfather” bold and intend to convey a fearless expression, Mitsubishi says.
2022 Outlander Pricing
The gasoline-powered Outlander is sold in three trim levels of ES, SE, and SEL. Front-wheel drive is standard, but Mitsubishi’s sophisticated Super All-Wheel Control 4WD is an affordable $1,800.
Starting prices range from $27,500 to $35,645 for the top-line SEL trim level with all-wheel drive. MSRP pricing includes the $1,245 freight charge from Okazaki, Japan.
Premium paint colors of White Diamond, Black Diamond, and Red Diamond are a $395 upgrade.
All trim levels have the same powertrain: a 181-horsepower, direct-injected 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission. The CVT masterfully imitates an eight-speed stepped transmission.
Today’s tester is an Outlander SEL 2.5 S-AWC that was $38,345, including the SEL Touring package, $2,700. The package includes:
- Heated steering wheel;
- Synthetic leather door inserts with quilted black-and-tan trim elements;
- Semi-aniline leather-trimmed upholstery;
- 10.8-inch head-up windshield display;
- 10-speaker Bose audio system;
- Power panoramic sunroof;
- Rear side door pull-up sunshades.
Also included in the tester’s price is a roller tonneau cover ($195) and the Welcome Package ($160), which adds carpeted floor mats, a touch-up paint pen, and a mat for the center console tray.
The 2022 Outlander PHEV has a starting price of $38,400. Pricing for the 2023 Outlander PHEV will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
Mitsubishi provides an excellent warranty package of 5 years or 60,000-miles for basic coverage with roadside assistance and 10 years or 100,000-miles for the powertrain. Also included is a 2-year subscription for Mitsubishi Connect for remote and safeguard services.
Find current pricing and incentives here.
The wide shift console.
Outlander Performance and Fuel Economy
A look under the hood can reveal much about the construction of a vehicle, whether the hoses, connectors, and various lines feel flimsy or tenuous. The Outlander’s assembly, parts, and plastics appear robust, and the metals are treated to resist rusting. Still, pennies were saved by not adding a dress-up engine kit.
The Outlander’s 2.5-liter engine (replacing a 2.4 liter) is newly developed by the Alliance, meaning the newly formed auto group of Renault, Nissan, and Mitsubishi. The global triumvirate allows shared costs for design, engineering, and technology. And looking closely at the Outlander, you might see a resemblance to the Nissan Rogue (but not its powertrain).
With 181 foot-pounds of torque, the four-cylinder engine has good force without turbocharging. The acceleration was so responsive that I did not feel the need to exercise the paddle shifters.
Braking is confident and controlled from ventilated four-wheel disc brakes. The front rotors are 13.8 inches, with 13-inch rotors at the rear.
Somehow, the Mitsu engineers trimmed 441 pounds from the 2022 curb weight, now at 3,803 pounds, and lighter weight is better for fuel economy.
The Outlander AWD has impressive, if difficult to achieve, mileage ratings of 24 mpg city, 30 highway, and 26 mpg combined on 87 octane fuel. In my week of testing, I worked up to 25.5 mpg combined, and it might have gone higher with a longer commute. The 14.5-gallon tank is good for up to 400 miles of range.
The panoramic sunroof is part of the SEL package.
Mitsubishi Outlander Ride and Handling
The independent suspension (front MacPherson struts and rear multilink with stabilizer bars) can feel stiff with the occasional jolt. But that firmness also adds to a feeling of stability and security in fast cornering and evasive maneuvers.
Despite sound-insulating glass in the front doors and windshield, the cabin can be noisy at highway speeds. The white noise could be induced in part by the 20-inch Bridgestone Ecopia H/L 422 Plus all-season tires. Bridgestone tires wear like iron, but the Ecopia is a low rolling resistance tire to maximize mileage. Consequently, it has a hard treadwear rating of 600. The good news is that the tire has a tread life warranty of five years or 70,000 miles.
Second-row legroom is quite comfortable at 39.9 inches.
Driver-Assist and Safety Features
Nearly all trim levels of Outlander include a full set of advanced safety technologies and features. Among the driver-assist features is MI-Pilot Assist for semi-autonomous driver-assist driving. Pilot assist is intended for long-distance driving and in the stop-and-go commute. The system uses Navi-Link adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane-keep assist, lane-departure prevention, and traffic sign recognition.
The Mitsubishi system is well calibrated for lane centering, and Pilot Assist can be a welcome drive partner, but always keep hands on the steering wheel. It is the highway markings that determine — and undermine — effectiveness. Faded white lines on light gray California Interstates can cause confusion and a random shutoff. Low sunlight into the grille sensor also can cause a shutoff, as can driving alongside a white semitrailer.
Standard Outlander safety features include 11 air bags, forward collision mitigation, blind-spot warning with lane-change assist, rear cross-traffic alert and rear emergency braking, and trailer-stability assist.
20-inch 255/45 all-season tires are standard on upper trim levels.
Outlander Interior Function
Outlander’s driver area is well-organized and has an ergonomic command center. Front headroom is tall at 38.8 inches with the panoramic sunroof or 40.6 inches without. A 12.3-inch digital driver gauge display is bold, bright, and easily readable with large text and graphics. And, the 9-inch infotainment touchscreen is upright in the instrument panel but not prone to glare; large graphics make the screen easy to read in all lighting conditions.
Sightlines are mostly unhindered over the front fenders and over the shoulder. Small corner windows at the rear tailgate pillars help with a peek of visibility. The glass also helps the third row feel more spacious.
The bigger enabler to visibility is the SEL’s multiview camera that displays the vehicle’s front, rear, and sides. I found the curb view especially helpful to avoid scraping the wheels. In addition, the Outlander’s tight turning circle of 36.1 feet is nimble in close parking structures or making a quick U-turn.
Eight-way power seats are standard for the SEL driver, but the passenger gets just a four-way power seat. Mitsubishi says the two-layer seat construction provides a soft initial touch while preventing fatigue on long drives.
The wide shift console could have been designed for more drop space, such as for the passenger’s phone. Wireless phone charging is standard on most trim levels, and the e-bin area includes two USB ports (1 C-type), an aux-in and a 12-volt plug. The armrest console has a small storage box.
Sun visors are deep and slide for more coverage, but their effectiveness is shorted at the windshield pillars.
The third row is as-needed seating. But the seats fold flat when not needed.
Rear Seats and Cargo Space
Second-row legroom is quite comfortable at 39.9 inches. The seats recline and have several inches of fore-aft slide, which is helpful to add a bit more legroom to the third row. In addition, a lowish exhaust-AWD tunnel helps with three-across seating.
The front seatbacks have a clever arrangement of two small storage pockets above the larger main pocket. Other conveniences include:
•Seat heaters and temperature control.
•Side-glass manual sunshades.
•Reading lights on either side of the pano roof.
There is bottle storage in the doors, and the center fold-down armrest also has cup holders.
The third row is as-needed seating, primarily for kids on the school commute or the grandkids. Legroom is a squeeze at 18.7 inches and headroom is low at 34.5 inches.
The third row has an easy sequence of manual fold and pull-back from the cargo area.
The cargo-area opening is wide at 45 inches by 31 inches tall. Fold the second and third rows for 6 feet of length. And there is subfloor storage for the roller cover.
Fold the second and third rows for 6 feet of cargo length.
Why Buy the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander?
The redesigned Outlander pushes its size limits. It looks large from the outside and is roomy inside, but it drives small.
The assembly and materials have a satisfying quality, and the well-equipped SEL tester has luxury appeal with enduring family function.
The Outlander’s small-is-large format will work for young families or empty-nesters ready to downsize — but with room for the grandkids.
My most significant takeaway from this test is Outlander’s long list of technologies, standard safety features, and the pile-on of lux-class extras — for the as-tested price of $38,700. Put the same level of content on a compact luxury SUV and the sticker would be $58,000 to $65,000.
The tailgate design is meant to mimic the image of the spare tire mounted on the back of SUVs past.
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL Specifications
Body style: midsize, 7-seat, 5-door SUV with Super All-Wheel Drive
Engine: 181-hp, direct-injection, DOHC 2.5-liter 4-cylinder; 181 lb.-ft. torque at 3,600 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed CVT with Sport mode and paddle shifters
Fuel economy: 24/30/26 mpg city/hwy/combined; 87 octane
BY THE NUMBERS
Towing capacity: 2,000 lbs.
Fuel tank: 14.5 gallons
Cargo space: 11.7-33.5 cubic feet
Front head/leg room: 38.8*/41.7 in. *40.6 w/o sunroof
2nd-row head/leg room: 37.4*/39.9 in. *39.1 w/o sunroof
3rd-row head/leg room: 34.5/18.7 in.
Length/wheelbase: 185.4/106.5 in.
Curb weight: 3,803 lbs.
Turning circle: 36.1 ft.
FEATURES
Standard equipment includes: SmartKey locking and push-button ignition, MI-PILOT Assist with navigation with traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, 9-inch navigation screen with smartphone link, wireless charging, multiview camera system, electric parking brake, 4 USBs (including 2 C-type), 8-way power driver’s seat, 4-way power front passenger seat, 6-speaker audio system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front and 2nd-row seats, front parking sensors, 20-inch alloy wheels with 255/45 all-season tires, 40/20/40 folding 2nd row, LED headlights-running lights-fog lights, automatic headlights, heated and power-folding side mirrors, front wiper de-icer, and a hands-free power liftgate
Safety features include: 11 air bags, lane-keep assist, forward collision mitigation, lane-departure prevention, blind-spot warning with lane-change assist, rear cross-traffic alert and rear emergency braking, brake-force distribution, brake assist, hill-start assist, active stability control, trailer-stability assist
PRICING
Base price: $35,645, including Mitsubishi Connect Subscription for 2 years and $1,245 freight charge; price as tested $38,700
Options on test vehicle: SEL Touring Package, $2,700, includes a heated steering wheel, synthetic leather door inserts with black and tan quilting, semi-aniline leather-trimmed upholstery, 10.8-inch head-up display, 10-speaker Bose audio system, panoramic sunroof, rear side window sunshades
- Tonneau cover $195
- Welcome package $160, includes carpeted floor mats, touch-up paint pen, center console tray mat
Where assembled: Okazaki, Japan
Warranty: 5-years/60,000-miles basic coverage with roadside assistance; 10-years/100,000-miles powertrain
The Audi Q5 is sold with a choice of three models: the Q5 45 4-cylinder (today’s tester), Q5 55 e plug-in hybrid, and the SQ5 turbo V-6. (Photography by Mark Maynard) 
