2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Preview
Sold in around 50 countries, Mitsubishi has completely redone the Outlander to make it an even more safe and family-friendly vehicle, being one of the very few offerings in the compact SUV segment to come with a third seat. The changes are most visible on the exterior, with the design keeping in line with Mitsubishi’s new design theme, while the interior has become more upscale, with quilted leather upholstery notably available as an option. With the refinements, Mitsubishi intends the 2022 Outlander to remain a solid choice compared to the typical go-to compact SUV offerings.
All Outlanders will come with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine making 181 horsepower paired to an automatic transmission. Front-wheel-drive is standard while an S-AWC 4-wheel-drive system is optional. To optimize the powertrain for different situations, there is a drive mode selector with five standard modes: Eco for fuel-efficient motoring, Normal for a balanced driving experience, Tarmac for spirited driving on dry roads, Gravel for unpaved and wet roads, and Snow for slippery situations. Vehicles equipped with S-AWC all-wheel-drive get an extra Mud mode for muddy roads and deep snow.
Importantly, the cabin has become roomier, with the 2022 Outlander becoming 2 inches wider and getting a longer wheelbase, providing more legroom and shoulder room for passengers. In addition, the seat design in the first and second rows has been optimized to provide a maximum level of comfort on long trips. Furthermore, there is additional sound insulation in the roof and the use of laminated glass to make journeys even more pleasant.
There will be four trim levels to choose from: base ES, midrange SE, well-equipped SEL, and top-end SEL Premium. Notable available features include a MI-PILOT Assist driver assistance system with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist that is available on higher trim levels, a full-screen 12.3-inch Digital Drive Display in the gauge cluster area, and a 10.8-inch full-color head-up display system. Other options are a 10-speaker Bose sound system, 3-zone automatic climate control, and a panoramic sunroof.
Standard equipment includes the third row of seats, giving the Outlander a 7-passenger seating capacity, a multitude of storage locations inside, 18-inch alloy wheels, as well as USB-A and USB-C charge ports. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay also come standard along with the LED daytime running lights. 20-inch alloy wheels come on higher-end trim levels of the Outlander.
With its orientation towards growing families due to the inclusion of the third row of seats, we’re looking forward to seeing how compact SUV shoppers respond to the 2022 Outlander. In conjunction with a slate of cutting-edge features, the Outlander should remain as useful as the 2021 version. With a starting price of well under $30,000 and a myriad of standard features, the Outlander should provide yet another compelling option when shopping for a new compact SUV.
