Among midsize SUVs, the Mitsubishi Outlander has long been the underappreciated contender. The 2022 Outlander is here, and it looks likely to change that.
The old Outlander has won our 5-year Cost-to-Own award more than once. It has three rows of seating like a larger vehicle but is easy to drive and park like a 2-row SUV. And it carries both a long warranty and strong safety scores. But it was underpowered, and looked dated, inside and out.
The 2022 Outlander will fix all of that. Mitsubishi unveiled its newest SUV in an Amazon Live event. It brings more power, thanks to a collaboration with Nissan. And a redesign instantly makes it one of the most attractive SUVs on the market, inside and out.
Exterior Design
Mitsubishi calls the Outlander the brand’s flagship, meaning this one is supposed to set the design trend for everything else the company plans to make. We hope so. A 2-part grille Mitsubishi calls its “dynamic shield” is set apart from big headlights by hourglass character lines. A line along the fenders copies the curve of the wheel arch, lending a chiseled look. From the rear, it’s pretty bland, but from the front and sides, it has more character than most of its competition.
Inside, the cabin is a real surprise. At first glance, it projects a more upscale look than its Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V competition. The screen (8- or 9-inches depending on trim level) is set apart from the dash in a Tesla-like style. What appears to be full-length air vents (we haven’t tested the Outlander yet, but we doubt they’re functional across the entire length) bisect the dash.
The SEL and SEL Touring trim levels get diamond-stitched leather that looks like what you’d find in a car at twice this price. Optional upgrades include tri-zone climate control and heated rear seats – also cribbed from the luxury classes.
Under the hood, the Mitsubishi is a Nissan. It shares a platform with the Nissan Rogue and uses the same 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. Its 181 horsepower should put an end to complaints that the Outlander lacks power next to its competition. A continuously variable transmission delivers that output. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) an option. Curiously, Mitsubishi tells us that FWD models get a choice of five driving modes, and AWD models six, but the company doesn’t explain what the modes are. Six is more than we’re used to.
The Outlander starts at a very competitive $26,990, which will snag you the FWD ES model. Progressively better-equipped SE, SEL Touring and SEL models will also be offered. It reaches dealerships in April. The new model’s base price is up nearly $2,000 from the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander’s $24,895 sticker. There is no 2021 Outlander except for a plug-in hybrid version.
