2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

First arriving in 2003 as a Subaru Outback-style lifted wagon, the Mitsubishi Outlander has now entered its fourth generation with a full remodel for 2022. This latest Outlander might be the most significant departure yet, as it now rides on the Renault-Nissan Alliance's CMF-CD platform shared with the current Nissan Rogue. Though the Outlander and Rogue use the same underpinnings, you'd be hard-pressed to spot the similarities. The compact Outlander crossover is longer, wider, and taller than the Rogue, and features unique styling based on the Mitsubishi Engelberg Tourer Concept.

If you include the Plug-In Hybrid, which is reviewed separately, the Outlander was Mitsubishi's best-selling vehicle in 2020, even above the popular Outlander Sport. It competes in the fierce compact crossover segment, which includes standouts like the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue, and Toyota RAV4 among others. Borrowing technology from Nissan has helped catapult the Outlander forward in quality, so is it finally ready to earn a spot as a well-recommended vehicle? After spending a week in a fully-loaded Outlander SEL, the outlook looks positive.

You'd be forgiven for walking right past the old Outlander. It was as dull and forgettable as a superhero movie sequel. The new car is striking, but the jury is still out on whether it's pretty. Either way, it's a big improvement. It has a bold front end with slim daytime running lights and LED daytime running lights, based heavily on the Mitsubishi Engelberg Tourer Concept. These slim lights aren't the main lights, however. At first glance, you might miss the actual headlights mounted directly below. The rear is a bit generic, but the side profile is spot on. We like the muscular lines and the floating roof design. The base model gets 18-inch alloy wheels, but the 20-inch wheels on all higher-trim models do a much better job filling the arches. The SE, SE Tech, and SEL Touring get roof rails while the latter each receive a panoramic sunroof. Launch Editions get bespoke chrome hood badges while the Black Edition has blacked-out exterior accents, as the name suggests.

The overall length of the new Outlander is 185.4 inches and it rides on a 106.5-inch wheelbase - the same as that of the Nissan Rogue, with which it shares underpinnings. Overall width with the mirrors included is 84.4 inches, going down to 74.7 with the mirrors folded in. The base ES stands 68.7 inches tall, while the higher trim models are 0.1 inches taller. Ground clearance is rated at 8.3 inches for the SE, increasing 0.1 inches on the rest of the lineup. Though the Outlander shares its wheelbase with the Rogue, the height, width, and overall length figures are larger than the Nissan.

The ES is the lightest model, weighing in at 3,593 pounds. SEL cars with all-wheel-drive are the heftiest models, with curb weight topping out at 3,803 lbs.

The new Outlander arrives sporting a new color palette that helps showcase its new lines. Not all of the colors are available across the range, however. The base ES is available in Labrador Black Pearl and Alloy Silver Metallic at no cost with White Diamond, Black Diamond, and Red Diamond costing an additional $595. The mid-spec SE adds Mercury Gray Metallic and Cosmic Blue at no extra cost, which is also available to the Black Edition. Deep Bronze is only available on top-spec SEL-monikered cars. It's a pity, as this particular color does a spectacular job of highlighting the new design. Our SEL tester wore the Mercury Gray color, which suited the Outlander's lines perfectly and made it look very premium.

The naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter four-pot and 3.0-liter V6 from the old model have both been axed. Rather than employ a small capacity turbocharged engine or a hybrid drivetrain, the

Outlander borrows a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder from the Nissan Rogue. Front-wheel-drive is standard, but AWD drive is available across the range. Mitsubishi still offers the Outlander PHEV, but it's based on the outgoing generation, not this Nissan-based platform. A new Outlander Hybrid is scheduled to arrive as a 2023 model.

This new 2.5-liter four-pot delivers 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. That's the same amount of power Ford gets out of a turbocharged 1.5-liter these days. This car wasn't built with raw performance in mind, as maximum power is only available at 6,000 rpm though peak torque arrives at a more accessible 3,600 rpm. You can see the results in independently tested 0 to 60 mph figures where the Outlander takes a leisurely 8.2 seconds to get to 60 mph. As for towing, the news isn't great. Mitsubishi claims a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs for the entire range. This is way below par, as some competitors like the Jeep Cherokee can tow up to 4,500 lbs.

The 2.5-liter engine in the 2022 Outlander produces 181 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. Outlander models are available in front- and all-wheel-drive, all using the same CVT transmission. Mitsubishi calls it an eight-speed sport mode CVT, and even puts paddle shifters on the steering wheel in case you want to play with the ratios. We left the transmission to its own devices, as the whole concept of "shifting" a CVT seems pointless to us. The CVT simulates gear changes, but we could tell it isn't a true automatic. This drivetrain is not what we'd call "sporting," though it feels adequate for relaxed driving. You also have to work the Outlander's engine hard to move quickly, and if you mash the throttle, the noise sounds less than inspiring. Just don't rush the Outlander, and it won't feel underpowered.

If you've driven the latest Nissan Rogue, you'd be hard-pressed to notice any major difference when you compare how the Outlander drives. Both vehicles use the same drivetrain, so their acceleration and character is nearly identical. It's not a quick car, but the Outlander feels reasonably peppy when kept under half throttle. Though we couldn't drive both SUVs back-to-back, we remember the Rogue riding a bit better on rough roads. This is likely due to the Outlander's larger 20-inch wheels on the SEL model; the Rogue is only available with 19-inch wheels.

Nothing about the Outlander made us jump for joy, but there's little to dislike here. The steering is far from feelingless and the chassis can handle far more than the average owner will ever throw at it. Overall, the Outlander feels comfortable, even on poor roads, and it excels on the highway. We were highly impressed by the Mi-Pilot Assist Assist features, which bundle lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control. Essentially a renamed version of Nissan's ProPilot Assist, Mi-Pilot Assist Assist is among the best driver assist systems we've tested at this price point.

The new Mitsubishi Outlander's uninspiring powertrain is at least good from a fuel economy standpoint. According to the EPA, FWD models are capable of 24/31/27 mpg city/highway/combined, while the AWD models can do 24/30/26 mpg. We narrowly beat that average with 27 mpg combined.

The 14.5-gallon tank is on the small side, however. That means a theoretical range of 377 miles for the AWD models and 392 miles for the FWD variants. Nissan's Rogue is more efficient, but it's only available as a five-seater.

There are many shared components between the Nissan Rogue and the Outlander, but there's enough difference to give each vehicle its unique feel. This is badge engineering done right.

The old Outlander's interior was a mess. You could tell it was an old interior that kept on receiving new gadgets as they came along. There was no overall theme, but rather just a smattering of features wherever they found an open space.

Mitsubishi's new interior is not just a single step forward; it's a giant Hulk-sized leap in the right direction. It now has an attractive minimalist theme, but that's only half the story. The interior quality has been ramped up significantly, and the range of upholstery options is stunning.

Even more than that, you can tell someone with a family was involved in the interior design. Every seat gets its smartphone holder, and all models get a digital instrument cluster. It's the tiny details like this that can make or break a car, and we admire Mitsubishi's attention to detail.

Aside from the Volkswagen Tiguan, the Mitsubishi Outlander is the only compact crossover to offer seating for seven passengers with a third-row, albeit a tiny one. Mitsubishi somehow managed to squeeze more legroom into the Outlander's two front rows, with 81.6 inches of combined legroom to the Rogue's even 80 inches. These figures are split 41.7 inches in the front and 39.9 inches in the rear, meaning front and back seat riders both have plenty of space. The same can't be said for the third row, which only offers 18.7 inches of legroom. Only very young children will fit back there comfortably, so the third row is best reserved for quick trips over very short distances.

The previous car offered a choice between beige or black leather coupled with gloss black trim, and only on high-spec models. The 2022 model ups the available upholstery and trim to better differentiate the various models. Base ES models get black fabric coupled with piano black trim. The SE specification comes with a suede/synthetic leather combination in black, also with piano black trim. Tellingly, the Black Editio has black-only synthetic leather. The SELs get genuine leather in light gray or black, coupled with real aluminum inserts, while the Touring Package rolls in semi-aniline leather with special orange quilting and orange accents on the dash and armest.

Practicality in the Outlander is good, rather than class-leading. With all seven seats in place, the Outlander has an 11.7-cubic-foot trunk. This is more than ample for daily errands, but you'll need to tow something along if you want to take seven people on vacation.

With the third row folded flat, the cargo capacity increases to 33.5 cubes, and that's plenty. More than enough space for a family of five going on an extended holiday. On those odd occasions, you need to transport something large, the second row can also be folded flat to provide 79.7 cubes on base models or 78.3 on models with the sunroof.

As mentioned earlier, somebody with a family was involved in the design of this interior. That means each occupant gets a smartphone holder and at least one cupholder. The cabin is also well-stocked with large door pockets, a sizable glove compartment, and a storage space underneath the center armrest. Sadly, Nissan's clever trunk divider is absent to make room for the third row.

From the base model, Mitsubishi gives you the basic comfort, convenience, and safety features. The ES grade also gets 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, front USB ports, front collision mitigation, blind-spot warning, rear automatic emergency stop, and a more basic version of the new digital instrument cluster. The mid-spec SE includes all of the above and adds a long list of additional features, including rear USB ports, 20-inch alloys, heated door mirrors, heated front seats, a multi-view camera system, wireless phone charging, front parking sensors, and the full suite of driver assistance features. The top-spec SEL adds a key-linked driver seat memory, four-way power-adjustable seat, heated rear seats, tri-zone climate control, and the full 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

On the in-between trims, you also get more stuff, like the SE Tech's panoramic sunroof and auto-dimming rearview mirror. Black Edition models have adaptive cruise control and a power sunroof added, while Launch Editions add a few extra treats for the passengers. On the SEL Launch Edition, includes a heated steering wheel, LED front door accents, semi-aniline seating, a 10.8-inch head-up display, and sunshades on the rear doors.

The new Outlander borrows its infotainment from the Nissan Rogue but reskins it with some new menu and graphic colors. Base ES models get an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while SE models and above get a larger nine-inch screen with wireless CarPlay and standard navigation. The SE with Technology Package and above trims get a massive 12.3-inch full-color LCD digital driver display, with two customizable gauge styles. This screen looks similar to the one in the Rogue but replaces the silver and red theme with a cool blue and green pattern. We enjoyed this setup in the Rogue, and have no issues with Mitsubishi not trying to fix what isn't broken. Other functionality across the range inludes Bluetooth and the usual slew of AM/FM/SiriusXM inputs with HD Radio added from the SE onwards. Sadly, most trims are stuck with a basic six-speaker sound system, although a ten-speaker Bose stereo system is available on the SE Tech Package and SEL Touring, but standard on the limited-run Launch Editions.

The 2022 Outlander is all-new with no recalls against its name yet. For reference, we look to the previous model. It's pretty much the same story as with every other car. Lots of recalls at the beginning, dropping down to zero near the end. The 2021 Nissan Rogue - which the Outlander is engineered from, currently has our recalls to its name, including improper rear-seat welds, missing brake calipers bushings, incorrect wheel nuts, and faulty fuel hoses - but it would appear Mitusbishi doesn't face these same issues.

Every Outlander comes with a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and an impressive ten-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Roadside assistance is valid for five years with no mileage restrictions.

Since it's brand new, there aren't reviews of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander's safety yet from either the NHTSA or the IIHS. Since the 2020 model received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, we expect the same if not a better result. The mechanically related Nissan Rogue scored five stars overall from the NHTSA and took top honors as a Top Safety Pick + from the IIHS. This bodes well for the Outlander which chares the same suite of safety features.

Each Outlander comes with the usual array of safety acronyms, a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring, auto high beams, and rear parking sensors. Ten airbags are standard including dual front knee protection and rear-seat side airbags. On the driver assistance side, the base ES model gets the basic driver assistance systems, including forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, driver attention alert, blind-spot warning with lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. SE and SEL models get the more advanced Mi-Pilot Assist with Navi-Link adaptive cruise control with a stop & function, lane keep assist, lane departure prevention, and traffic sign recognition. Adaptive cruise control is standard on the Black Edition.

A 10.8-inch head-up display is fitted to SEL Launch Edition and SEL Touring models and can be added to the base SEL by package add-on.

Our last review of the Mitsubishi Outlander was scathing. The heading summed it up perfectly. "New model can't come soon enough." Well, the new model is finally here, and it was worth the wait. We didn't expect the 2022 Outlander to borrow so heavily from Nissan, but the platform sharing has clearly resulted in an improved product. Every detail on this new Outlander is improved; the styling no longer looks generic, the interior feels high-quality, the technology is up-to-date, and the third-row gives it a unique selling point over other compact crossover models, even if it isn't usable on long journeys.

The compact SUV segment is still highly competitive in the USA, so only time will tell if the Outlander can stand up against strong rivals like the RAV4, CR-V, and even its platform stablemate, the Rogue. If the third row isn't a selling point, perhaps Mitsubishi's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and five-year/60,000-mile limited warranties will help draw buyers away from the Nissan Rogue. The Outlander is also pretty affordable starting at $25,795, just undercutting its platform stablemate by less than $100. It may not leap off the page, but for the first time in recent memory, we could easily recommend this Mitsubishi. We hope the forthcoming plug-in hybrid option will resolve the lackluster powertrain, but even as is, this is a solid compact crossover from the Japanese company.

The price of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is competitive for the US compact segment. The base ES model has an MSRP of $26,095 while SE models are priced at $29,145. Black Editions have a starting MSRP of $29,995. An SE Tech model retails for $31,445, while the SEL costs $32,245. SEL Special Edition models have a sticker price of $31,945. There are also limited-availability Launch Edition variants of the SE and SEL. These retail for $30,990 and $36,340 each, but the SEL variant has standard AWD. Upgrading to AWD costs $1,800 across the board. These Mitsubishi Outlander prices exclude the handling and destination fee of $1,195.

The Outlander's pricing structure is about on par with the Rogue, which is a five-seater. The only other seven-seat option in the segment is the VW Tiguan. Pricing hasn't been announced for the updated 2022 model, but the 2021 started at a comparable $25,245.

There are three core models in the Outlander range: ES, SE, and SEL but there are variations of these in the lineup. For the time being, Mitsubishi also includes a limited Launch Edition version of the SE and SEL and a Black Edition, taking the model count up to none. These Launch Editions offer a lot of additional kit for not much money, and they're definitely worth grabbing if you can get one.

All models are powered by the same 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-pot engine, delivering 181 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. The power is sent to either the front wheels or an AWD system via a CVT gearbox.

The ES trim comes with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, cloth upholstery, a digital instrument cluster, front collision mitigation, blind-spot warning, and rear automatic emergency stop. An eight-inch touchscreen with six speakers and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay handles infotainment.

Building on this, Black Edition models add 20-inch Black Alloy wheels, gloss black A-pillars, and blacked-out exterior accessories. It gets adaptive cruise control as standard.

An upgrade to the SE trim gets you 20-inch alloys, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a multi-view camera system, wireless phone charging, rear USB ports, front parking sensors, and Mi-Pilot assist with adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and traffic sign recognition. SE Tech cars get the tech benefits of the Launch Edition minus the model-specific badging.

The SE Launch Edition is available in limited numbers, but it gets an upgraded 12.3-inch LCD driver display, a premium Bose sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and some exterior badging.

The SEL comes with leather seats, a key-linked driver seat memory, four-way power-adjustable seat, roof rails, heated rear seats, tri-zone climate control, and the full 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Springing for the SEL Launch Edition gives you AWD as standard, but also adds rear door sunshades, a heated steering wheel, a 10.8-inch head-up display, and semi-aniline leather seats.

There's also an SEL Special Edition with tri-zone climate control, eight-way power adjustment on the driver's seat, leather seating, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The SEL Touring tops the range with a standard heated steering wheel, a head-up display, ten-speaker Bose sound, semi-aniline seating, and the sunroof.

Despite a pretty strong breakdown of features across the trims, there are a few noteworthy packages available. The ES grade comes with one option called the Convenience Package. It retails for $1,000 and adds Mitsubishi Connect, 20-inch alloy wheels, and all-season tires.

A Tech Package is available for the SE trim. It costs $2,300 and adds a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a Bose 10-speaker sound system, a panoramic sunroof, the Mi-Pilot Assist suite, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The SEL's Touring Package is a similar one for $2,700. This package consists of a heated steering wheel, quilted leatherette door inserts, semi-aniline leather with orange quilting, a 10.8-inch head-up display, the Bose sound system, panoramic sunroof, and rear-window sunshades.

We loved all of the features in our Outlander SEL AWD tester with the Touring Package, though we imagine some buyers may struggle to justify nearly $38,000 with destination and handling for a Mitsubishi. Other competitors in this segment can get even pricier though, so the Outlander remains a pretty good deal. If you can snag an SEL Launch Edition, you get all of that equipment plus AWD for a little more than $36k. If not, we'd skip the optional AWD to save around $1,800, but if that's still too expensive for most. The standard SEL model comes with enough bells and whistles starting at only $32,245, only $800 more than the lower SE model with the Tech Package

The Nissan Rogue and Outlander are essentially the same car, right down to the wheelbase. The question is, who did it best? Well, the Outlander gets seven seats as standard, but they're tiny enough not to matter. Unless you need them for the school run, that is. Nissan's Rogue has the same power output and a quality interior with loads of features. The Rogue is more efficient thanks to a lower curb weight, and it received a Top Safety Pick + award from the IIHS, while the Outlander is yet to be tested. We think the Outlander will achieve the same once it's evaluated. Mitsubishi has done a decent job of giving the Outlander a fair amount of cargo space, though, and the front two rows get more legroom. Both models are also within a few hundred bucks of each other. Ultimately, if you don't rely on the third row to make the decision for you, which you buy will likely come down to brand preference as these two are ultimately too close to differentiate otherwise. Except for the warranty coverage - Mitsubishi wins hands down in that department!

The Sorento is more expensive by about $4,000, but you do get a lot more in return. For the price of a base-level Sorento, you can get a mid-spec Outlander. Both, however, are powered by 2.5-liter naturally aspirated motors. The Kia's produces 191 hp and 182 lb-ft of torque, but it sends the power to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. This makes a world of difference in the way it drives, and it's only 1 mpg thirstier overall. It also comes standard with seven seats, but the trunk is larger with all seats in place because the Sorento is actually a midsized SUV, not a compact. The standard specification is more or less the same, as is the quality of the interior. It received a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS.

To our eyes, the Sorento looks better, less divisive and a lot more elegant. We also feel it drives better. If it were our money, we'd spend it on the Sorento. It's worth the little bit extra and matches the Outlander's stellar warranty coverage.