Heavily influenced by the Nissan Rogue, the redesigned 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander blends must-have technology with a unique design and 7-passenger seating.
Why does the new 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander share its underpinnings and most features with the Rogue? Mitsubishi is now a part of the Nissan-Renault alliance, allowing it to benefit from the economies of scale such partnerships bring. In the 2022 Outlander’s case, and based on our previous experience driving the all-new 2021 Nissan Rogue, this appears to be a good thing.
The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander configurations include the SE, SE Launch Edition, SEL, SEL Launch Edition, and the SEL Touring, all of which are powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Buyers have their choice between front-wheel-drive (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD).
A plug-in hybrid variant, dubbed the Outlander PHEV, remains available, but it is still based on the previous-generation version of this SUV.
While sharing much with the Nissan Rogue, including its overall profile, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander has a style all its own.
The Outlander’s unique look starts with a prominent grille framed by a pair of substantial C-shaped chrome accents that Mitsubishi uses as its Dynamic Shield brand identifier. Slim LED daytime running lights sit above the LED headlights, which are located just above the front bumper at the outer edges of the fascia. Mitsubishi designers claim this placement is not only ideal for drivers, but also oncoming traffic.
For some, the look may be a bit overdone. However, the company states that the 2022 Outlander’s styling “debuts the brand’s next-generation Dynamic Shield front face and design language.” This suggests we’d better get used to it.
Perhaps less polarizing are the Outlander’s sculpted flanks and available 20-inch alloy wheels, both giving the new SUV favorable visual appeal sorely lacking from its predecessor. Mitsubishi also offers several exterior accessory packages that add upgrades such as chrome or black trim, mudguards, and window deflectors.
If the interior of the 2022 Outlander has you thinking déjà vu, we will again refer you to the Rogue. From its horizontal dash, restyled shift knob, and console-mounted drive-mode dial, what you see is a mild reinterpretation of a cabin first unveiled by Nissan.
In this case, that’s a good thing. There’s much to like about the sophisticated, uncluttered layout accented by available two-tone quilted leather upholstery, an optional panoramic sunroof, and quality materials. Plus, the company claims the 2022 model offers a quieter ride than before.
Of course, that may not be enough to draw potential buyers into a Mitsubishi showroom, and away from their local Honda or Toyota dealer. To cross that hurdle, the Outlander continues to offer a class-exclusive third-row seat.
Detailed specifications are still to come, but it’s safe to assume you’ll want to reserve those spots for kids or, if absolutely necessary, small adults. Nevertheless, 7-passenger seating isn’t an option for the Outlander primary competitors.
Mitsubishi released few details about the 2022 Outlander’s powertrain, but we know it shares a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with the Rogue. In that model, total output measures 181 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. of torque, delivered to the front or all four wheels through a CVT designed to mimic the feel of a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission.
For comparison, the outgoing Outlander had a standard 2.4-liter 4-cylinder boasting 166 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque, with a 224-horsepower V6 exclusive to the GT model.
Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) is an all-wheel-drive system with six unique settings. Front-drive models offer five modes, allowing users to configure the Outlander to match road conditions and their driving style.
Specific details about the 2022 Outlander’s safety features are scant at this point, though we expect most, if not all, of the Nissan Rogue’s equipment will make its way to the Mitsubishi. The automaker did confirm that the redesigned 2022 Outlander will offer 11 airbags and and an available Mi-Pilot Assist system.
Similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, Mi-Pilot Assist includes adaptive cruise control that automatically adjusts vehicle speed and maintains a set distance from cars positioned ahead. It will even bring the Outlander to a complete stop and, depending on the situation, resume travel without any pedal input from the driver.
Lane-centering assist is also part of Mi-Pilot Assist, though this radar-based system is functional only on properly marked roads that are clear of snow and debris.
Mitsubishi had some catching up to do in terms of technology, a point the company clearly addresses in the redesigned Outlander.
For 2022, buyers can opt for a 12.3-inch customizable digital instrument cluster, a 9-inch center touchscreen display linked to a Mitsubishi Connect infotainment system, and a 10-speaker Bose audio upgrade. A 10.8-inch head-up display is also available. This feature allows the driver to check speed or select a radio station without taking their eyes off of the road.
As with many other recently redesigned vehicles, the 2022 Outlander now offers a wireless phone charger, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. Both USB-A and USB-C ports, handy for quickly charging portable devices, are built into the lower instrument panel.
Not so common is the Outlander’s navigation system, which includes What3Words technology. Designers mapped the entire world, breaking it down into 57 trillion 10-sq. ft. grids, all of which are represented by a three-word code.
The takeaway is this: Directions to destinations will be more precise. More importantly, What3Words can help find destinations – or allow rescuers to quickly find you – when venturing well off the beaten path with an Outlander.
Buyers continue to flock to compact crossovers due to their versatility and elevated driving position, not to mention automakers’ increased focus on style and efficiency. As an added bonus, vehicles like the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander are affordable compared to larger options, or those with more prestigious badges.
Mitsubishi calls the new Outlander a midsize SUV, but in reality it resides on the upper end of the compact crossover spectrum. There, it competes with similarly big but small models such as the Honda CR-V, Jeep Cherokee, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4. It might also appeal to people who might be considering smaller midsize SUVs such as the Chevrolet Blazer, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.
That quite a list, and Mitsubishi has been out of serious contention for some time. Fortunately, the Outlander’s distinctive styling, competitive engineering, and third-row seat may be enough to put the brand back into the discussion. Emphasizing the company’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty might help, too.
Mitsubishi is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of February 16, 2021, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
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