This week we’re taking a look at the completely new 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL, a larger than compact-but smaller than midsized, SUV.
This new model is wider, taller, and longer than the one it replaced.
Technically, this a 3-row SUV, but as you’ll find out in a few minutes, that is not entirely true.
Just so you know, the Outlander is a joint venture vehicle with Nissan and is based on the same platform as the popular Nissan Rogue.
Powertrain
Under the hood, you’ll find a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder with no turbo. It is mated to a continuously variable transmission. Together, they put out 181-horses and 181-pound feet of torque. While I don’t love CVTs, this one is awesome, it simulates shifts and you can actually use the shift paddles. You are looking at the all-wheel version, but front-wheel is also available.
Exterior
The exterior of this new Outlander struck me as very attractive when I walked up to it. The front fascia has LED driving lights on top, with LED headlights below. I like the big grill, and there are distinctive lines that run along the sides. The flat roof is unusual for today, most slope down, and I like the way it looks. The 20” wheels are just beautiful.
Interior
When I really knew this SUV was something special is when I opened the door to reveal a truly luxurious interior. This is the SEL trim, which is next to the top-of-the-line Touring package.
The leather seats are not only beautiful, but comfortable, with diamond designs on them that match the door panels. Stitching is everywhere, including across the dash.
When you hit the start button, a colorful 12.3” digital gauge cluster comes to life and the graphics are as good as I’ve ever seen.
The center console is well done housing the gear shifter, the drive mode knobs, the auto hold button, a wireless charger, and USB ports.
Above that, is a 9” touchscreen where you operate the Bose sound system, the navigation system, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is fast, easy to operate, and is one of the best I’ve seen. The cameras are crystal clear.
2nd row occupants get nice seat back pockets with a place for you cell phone. They also get heated seats, their own temperature controls, USB and USBC ports, and the 2nd row seats slide and recline.
Now to the 3rd row seats, which should not be there. Do not consider this a 7-passenger SUV, it’s not. Plan to keep the 3rd row seats down and enjoy the cargo area. You have to remove the headrests to fold them down, which is, frankly, stupid by today’s standards. If you slide the 2nd row seats forward to give the 3rd row more room, the 2nd row is useless. Bottom line: this is a 5-passenger SUV.
Features and Safety
This SEL model comes extremely well equipped with a power panoramic moonroof, keyless entry, heated front and rear seats and steering wheel, a great head-up display, power seats, a power liftgate and more.
On the safety front, it has forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, and rear seat alert.
Ride and Drive
The Outlander drives great, was surprisingly quiet, and even had enough power for me, which I was concerned about.
Fuel economy is 24 in town, 30 on the highway, and 26 combined.
MSRP was also a surprise at $37,995 as you see it here, and that is actually a fantastic value for what you get. It also comes with a 10-year, 100,000 mile power train warranty.
Verdict
I have to be honest, I’ve not been a huge Mitsubishi fan in the past, but they’ve always had good quality and durability. This 2022 Outlander may well be a game changer.
If you are in the market for a 3-row SUV, this isn’t it, but if five seats are enough, this should be on your shopping list.
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- What I Liked Most: The terrific interior, and great value.
- What I would change: Take out the unusable 3rd row seat.
- MSRP: Base price: $33,745/Total with transportation: $37,995.
- Official Color: Mercury Gray Metallic.
- Fuel Economy: 24 city/30 highway/26 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 7,400 miles.
- Weight: 3,864 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Temporary compact.
- Length-Width-Height: 185.4” long/73.3” wide/68.8” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gallons with the filler on the passenger side.
- Towing Capacity: 2,000 pounds.
- 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander a few words: A much improved SUV, and a very enjoyable SUV to drive.
- Warranty: 5-year/60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance, 10-year/100,000 miles power train coverage.
- Final Assembly Location: Okazaki, Japan.
- Manufacturer's website: Mitsubishi
