2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

This week we have the first update on our newest long-term, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander. ’22 begins the 4th generation of this compact crossover; now built upon Renault-Nissan’s CMF-CD platform that it shares with the Nissan Rogue.  

It’s bigger in every dimension from the previous generation, and Mitsubishi has gone to great lengths to accentuate that with bold truck-like SUV proportions, including a tall front end and long flat roofline. That more substantial size is accompanied by a more solid feel on the road, but the transformation inside is even more drastic.  

We spent a long time in the 2019 Outlander PHEV, so trust us when we say this 2022 Outlander’s interior is a massive upgrade. For the driver it all starts with the digital gauge screen. It’s crystal clear and comprehensive without being cluttered. But to be honest, we’re not looking down at it so much because the head up display equally useful and right there in our line of sight.  

A 181-horsepower 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated I4 delivers power through a CVT to the front or, in our case, all four wheels with Mitsubishi’s optional Super All Wheel Control. 

It’s only been with us for a month, but we’ve already added 1,500-miles onto the odometer; averaging an acceptable 24.9 miles-per-gallon.

It’s easily the most stylish Outlander ever; with their Dynamic Shield grille accented with DRLs up top, and the headlights down low.  

Manufacturers are constantly looking to save weight and be as efficient as possible with materials, and Mitsubishi acknowledges they went a little too far with the Outlander’s hood.  Owners that notice theirs fluttering at high speeds, can visit their dealer for a new hood.

That hasn’t slowed us down at all; 3,000-miles in just 2-months, with a 26.2 miles-per-gallon average. The 181–horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder may not deliver the acceleration of last gen’s PHEV, or the V6s of Outlanders past, but it has proved adequate so far for our needs.

Not only have the looks of the Outlander been improved, but so has the feel. Its road manners are more refined and the engine has no issues keeping up at highway speeds. Now, if you’re really cooking down the interstate the cabin can get a little noisy, but the crisp 10 speaker Bose sound system takes care of that with a quick turn of the volume knob.

Even with the number of SUVs on the road, our long-term 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander can stand out from the crowd.  

With the Dynamic Shield grille leading the way, SEL trim adds such niceties as power-folding mirrors and roof rails, but you don’t have to upgrade to the SEL to get these sweet 20-inch wheels, as they’re available even on the base ES.

We’re 3-months into our extended test; and over the initial 4,000-miles, the 181-horsepower 2.5-liter I4 engine is delivering an impressive 28.7 miles-per-gallon.

This Outlander offers plenty of power for our daily driving needs, but it will never be confused with a performance SUV. It could, however, be mistaken for a luxury vehicle because the interior really punches above its weight class. The contrasting diamond stitch design gives the seats a premium look and there are plenty of USB A and C ports to keep modern families fully charged.

With winter well in our rear-view, spring is quickly changing to summer here in the Mid-Atlantic, and that means road trips.  So, stay tuned as we set a course for adventure in the Outlander.

“Feels big, drives small” is a great way to summarize our time with Mitsubishi’s re-imagined 2022 Outlander.   

Sitting in the cabin, it feels incredibly spacious; and not only is it one of the few compact utes to even offer a 3rd row, it comes standard. Plus, there’s ultimate flexibility with 40/20/40 split-folding for the rear seatbacks. And, the upgraded interior is quite hospitable; with nice leather and fit and finish that’s on par with many luxury branded utilities.   

As for the driving, this much-improved 4th gen Outlander has had us cruising through commutes with ease.

From a comfort and technology standpoint, this Outlander really shines. Especially considering its sub-$40,000 price tag. Compared to some more sport-oriented compact utilities, it’s not particularly nimble in the corners and that’s fine. It doesn’t have to be. We’re still pleased with what the chassis has to offer. 

We’re averaging a great 29.4 miles-per-gallon over the 6,000-miles we’ve traveled in the first 4-months of our test.  And while we would appreciate a little more grunt off the line, the 181-horsepower naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter I4 has no problems keeping up with traffic, making the Outlander an excellent cruiser.

Our 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander long-term soldiers on as we work our way through the peak heat of a Mid-Atlantic summer.  

We’ve commented many times on how much nicer this Outlander’s roomy interior is, but probably haven’t given proper due to its functionality. Not only are there actual knobs for controlling the radio, which we always appreciate, but they have a good tactile feel, as does everything else you come in contact with inside. There’s also plenty of space for cargo, especially with the rear seats folded.

Plus, the ride is as comforting and smooth as yacht rock; yet its highly capable Mitsubishi Billy Goat attitude still manages to come across, despite sharing the Nissan Rogue’s platform.  

We are right in the thick of road trip season and this Outlander has proven itself a worthy travel companion. It’s a smooth operator on the highway and even though the visibility’s great, its driving aids, like blind spot monitoring, are very much appreciated. And so is the solid fuel economy on the highway.

After 6–months of smooth sailing, we’re 9,400 miles into our test, with the four-cylinder engine taking our fuel economy away to where we’ve always heard it could be at 28.7 MPG.