Mitsubishi Outlander 2022: Honest Review & Road Test

by Alex Braham 53 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Mitsubishi Outlander 2022. If you're in the market for a family-friendly SUV, this one might be on your radar. We’re going to break down everything you need to know, from its performance and interior to its tech features and overall value. Let’s get started!

Overview of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander marks a significant step up from previous models. Mitsubishi completely redesigned it, giving it a bolder look, a more refined interior, and a host of new tech features. It's got three rows of seating, making it a practical choice for larger families or those who frequently carpool. Plus, with available all-wheel drive, it’s ready to tackle various road conditions. But is it the right SUV for you? Keep reading to find out.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the 2022 Outlander is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. While that might not sound like a ton of power, it’s adequate for everyday driving. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which aims to maximize fuel efficiency. However, some drivers might find the CVT a bit droning, especially during hard acceleration. The Outlander offers a comfortable ride, soaking up bumps and road imperfections with ease. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in city traffic and parking lots. If you opt for the all-wheel-drive version, you'll get Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, which enhances traction and stability in slippery conditions. This system offers different driving modes, such as Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud, allowing you to tailor the vehicle's performance to the situation. In terms of fuel economy, the Outlander achieves decent numbers for its class, with EPA ratings of up to 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Of course, your actual mileage may vary depending on your driving habits and conditions. Overall, the 2022 Outlander provides a balanced and comfortable driving experience, making it a solid choice for daily commutes and family road trips. While it may not be the sportiest SUV on the market, it prioritizes practicality and comfort, which are important factors for many buyers.

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander showcases a significantly improved design and quality compared to its predecessor. The cabin feels more upscale, with higher-quality materials and a modern layout. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making long drives more enjoyable. The Outlander comes standard with three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. However, the third row is best suited for children or smaller adults, as it can be a bit cramped for taller individuals. The second-row seats offer decent legroom and can slide and recline for added comfort. In terms of cargo space, the Outlander provides 11.7 cubic feet of space behind the third row, which expands to 33.5 cubic feet with the third row folded down. With both the second and third rows folded, you get a generous 79.7 cubic feet of cargo space, making it easy to haul larger items. The Outlander also comes with a variety of convenience features, such as automatic climate control, keyless entry, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels add amenities like leather upholstery, heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a power liftgate. The infotainment system features an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen display, depending on the trim level. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. The system is generally responsive and easy to use, although some users may find the graphics a bit dated. Overall, the interior of the 2022 Outlander is a pleasant place to be, with a focus on comfort, practicality, and modern design. While it may not be the most luxurious SUV in its class, it offers a well-rounded package that should satisfy most buyers.

Technology and Features

The 2022 Outlander comes packed with a host of technology features designed to enhance convenience, safety, and entertainment. The standard infotainment system includes an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trim levels upgrade to a 9-inch touchscreen with navigation, a premium Bose sound system, and a multi-view camera system. The Outlander also offers a range of advanced safety features, including forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These features can help prevent accidents and provide added peace of mind while driving. Adaptive cruise control is also available, which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. One notable tech feature of the Outlander is its digital instrument cluster, which replaces the traditional analog gauges with a customizable display. This allows you to view important vehicle information in a clear and concise manner. The Outlander also offers a smartphone app that allows you to remotely lock or unlock the doors, start the engine, and monitor vehicle status. This can be especially useful on cold mornings or when you forget where you parked. Overall, the 2022 Outlander offers a comprehensive suite of technology features that enhance the driving experience and keep you connected on the road. From its advanced safety systems to its user-friendly infotainment system, the Outlander is well-equipped to meet the needs of today's tech-savvy drivers.

Safety Ratings and Features

Safety is a top priority for families, and the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander aims to deliver on that front. It comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including:

  • Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM): This system can detect vehicles and pedestrians in front of the Outlander and automatically apply the brakes to prevent or mitigate a collision.
  • Lane Departure Warning (LDW): This feature alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane without signaling.
  • Blind Spot Warning (BSW): This system monitors your blind spots and alerts you if a vehicle is detected.
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA): This feature warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing out of a parking space.
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): ABS helps prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing you to maintain steering control.
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC): ESC helps prevent skidding and loss of control by automatically applying the brakes to individual wheels.
  • Traction Control System (TCS): TCS helps prevent wheelspin and improves traction on slippery surfaces.

In addition to these standard features, the Outlander also offers available safety technologies such as:

  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): ACC maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting your speed as needed.
  • Lane Keep Assist (LKA): LKA provides gentle steering inputs to help keep you centered in your lane.
  • Multi-View Camera System: This system provides a 360-degree view of the area around the Outlander, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces.

The 2022 Outlander has earned good safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These ratings reflect the vehicle's ability to protect occupants in the event of a crash. With its comprehensive suite of safety features and strong safety ratings, the 2022 Outlander provides peace of mind for families on the go.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is available in several trim levels, each offering a different set of features and equipment. The base trim is the ES, which comes standard with features like an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of advanced safety features. Stepping up to the SE trim adds amenities like a 9-inch touchscreen, a power liftgate, and heated front seats. The SEL trim offers even more luxury features, such as leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium Bose sound system. At the top of the lineup is the SEL Touring trim, which adds features like a multi-view camera system and a head-up display. Pricing for the 2022 Outlander starts at around $27,000 for the base ES trim and can range up to $37,000 or more for the fully loaded SEL Touring trim. Keep in mind that these prices do not include destination charges or any optional accessories. When choosing a trim level, it's important to consider your budget and your needs. The base ES trim offers a good value for the money, with a generous set of standard features. However, if you're looking for more luxury and convenience, you may want to consider upgrading to a higher trim level. It's also worth noting that the all-wheel-drive version of the Outlander typically costs a bit more than the front-wheel-drive version. Ultimately, the best trim level for you will depend on your individual preferences and priorities.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander so you can get a clear picture of what it offers:

Pros:

  • Stylish Design: The Outlander boasts a modern and eye-catching exterior design that sets it apart from its competitors.
  • Improved Interior: The cabin features higher-quality materials and a more upscale layout compared to previous models.
  • Standard Three-Row Seating: The Outlander comes standard with three rows of seating, making it a practical choice for larger families.
  • Available All-Wheel Drive: The Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system enhances traction and stability in various driving conditions.
  • Comprehensive Safety Features: The Outlander offers a wide range of advanced safety technologies to help prevent accidents.
  • User-Friendly Infotainment System: The infotainment system is easy to use and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Cons:

  • Engine Performance: The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine may feel underpowered for some drivers, especially when fully loaded.
  • CVT Transmission: The continuously variable transmission can be a bit noisy and unresponsive at times.
  • Tight Third-Row Seating: The third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults.
  • Fuel Economy: While decent, the Outlander's fuel economy is not class-leading.
  • Brand Perception: Mitsubishi's brand image may not be as strong as some of its competitors.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander? Overall, it's a solid choice for families looking for a stylish and practical SUV with three-row seating. The Outlander offers a comfortable ride, a well-equipped interior, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. While it may not be the most powerful or fuel-efficient SUV in its class, it provides a good balance of features and value. If you're considering the Outlander, be sure to test drive it and compare it to other SUVs in its segment, such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Nissan Rogue. Ultimately, the best SUV for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. But if you're looking for a reliable and family-friendly option, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is definitely worth a look.