2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Review.

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Review

The Mitsubishi Outlander has established itself as a beacon of excellence in the world of SUVs. Offering cutting-edge features, a spacious and comfortable interior that can seat up to 7 passengers and good off-road capability, the Outlander is a favourite with drivers looking for the perfect balance of form and function. In New Zealand, Outlander competes with the Toyota Harrier, Nissan X-Trail, Toyota Vanguard, Toyota Rav4, Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester.

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Review.

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Review.

Introduction

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) that has been in production since 2001.
The first generation (CU/ZE/ZF) was sold as Airtrek in Japan and Outlander in other markets. Production of the Airtrek ceased in 2008 and the name was dropped. The second generation (CW/ZG/ZH) was produced between 2006 and 2012. The third generation (GF/GG/ZJ/ZK/ZL) was produced from 2012 to 2020 and the fourth generation (GM/GN/ZM) from 2021 to the present.
The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is a dramatic improvement over its predecessor. It is based on the Nissan Rogue and the two SUVs now share engines and mechanical features.

Engines

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is powered by the 2.5-litre Nissan PR25DD I4 (GM4W) petrol engine, while the PHEV variants use the 2.4-litre 4B12 I4 (GN0W) engine.

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Grades

  1. 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander LS– This is the entry-level grade that comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reverse camera, Bluetooth phone connectivity, air conditioning, cruise control, electric windows and locks, and 7 seats.
  2. 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander ES– This grade comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, cloth seats, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, electric driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, fog lights, electric windows and locks, and a six-speaker sound system.
  3. 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander VRX– This is the top trim level and comes with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, 20-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, surround-view camera system, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
  4. 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV– The PHEV is available in ES and VRX trims, this variant has the same features as both but adds a PHEV-specific instrument cluster, EV mode, Eco mode, Power mode, charging timer, and remote climate control.

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Interior

The interior of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is similar to that of the Nissan Rogue, with a driver’s seat that offers a wide range of adjustments to allow drivers of all sizes to find a comfortable position. First-row seats offer plenty of legroom and headroom for both the driver and the front passenger. The second-row seats are also comfortable with plenty of legroom and headroom, but getting in and out can be a little tricky for taller people. The third-row seats are cramped and best suited for children.
The 2022 Outlander comes as standard with three-zone automatic climate control, allowing each passenger to set their own preferred temperature. Other interior features include a heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, and heated front and rear seats.

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Cargo Space

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander offers 10.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat and 33.5 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded. With the second and third-row seats folded, there is 79.7 cubic feet of space.  This is plenty of space for families and people with lots of gear to carry.
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander cargo space

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander cargo space

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Exterior

The 2022 Outlander has a modern and distinctive exterior design that is easy on the eye. The front end now features stacked daytime running lights above the main high beam. Like the Range Rover, the 2022 Outlander has its name emblazoned across the front of the bonnet.
It also has a completely flat roof, unlike other SUVs that have some sort of curved or sloping roof.  The flat roof gives the Outlander a unique side profile that’s very different from other cars in the compact SUV class. Wheel sizes range from 18 to 20 inches, and a high character line just below Outlander’s prominent beltline makes it look thick and powerful. The rear end now features a hexagonal shape that outlines the tailgate.
Safety features; 7 SRS airbags (driver, front passenger, side curtain and driver’s knee airbag), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Auto High Beam (AHB), Blind Spot Warning (BSW) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Lane Change Assistant (LCA).

Performance

The 2022 Outlander is not the fastest SUV on the market, but it still offers enough performance for most buyers. Under the bonnet is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 10 seconds, but some drivers may find it less responsive and sluggish at motorway speeds.
In terms of handling, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander has pleasantly weighted, responsive steering and handles well with little body roll in corners.  It has a comfortable ride quality and handles bumps and potholes well. The Outlander’s four-wheel drive system provides good traction in slippery conditions. It is also available with Hill Descent Control, which helps the vehicle maintain a safe speed when descending on slippery surfaces.
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander gear

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander gear

Reliability

Mitsubishi has a reputation for producing reliable vehicles and the 2022 Outlander is no exception. Mitsubishi has a strong focus on quality control and this is reflected in the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander. The 2.5-litre engine, which also powers the Nissan Patrol, has proven its reliability over many years. The Outlander’s four-wheel-drive system is simple and effective, using tried and tested components.
However, some owners have reported problems with malfunctioning automatic seatbelt locks, inoperable rear-view camera software, and fuel pump failure.  If you are considering buying or currently own a Mitsubishi Outlander, it is important to read the Owner’s Manual and Buyer’s Guide for detailed information.
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander hood.

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander hood.

Pros

  • Third row of seats
  • Fuel efficiency
  • Standard features

Cons

  • Dull performance

Verdict

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is a great choice whether you’re heading to the mountains for a weekend of skiing or commuting to work every day. This SUV offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with advanced safety features for both driver and passengers.  Its powertrain may not be as fast as other SUVs in its class, but it should be adequate for most drivers.
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander side profile.

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander side profile.