All-New 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander: Everything You Need To Know

The new Mitsubishi Outlander has been unveiled on Amazon Live — the first-ever car launch to feature on the web streaming platform — and is the first directly-influenced Mitsubishi of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance.

The Outlander will go on sale first in the US from April, before being introduced to other markets later on in 2021. The new Outlander is an all-new development, which, although based on the Nissan Rogue platform, is said to offer its own take. In fact, Mitsubishi communicates that it was “based on the product concept ‘I-Fu-Do-Do,’ which means authentic and majestic in Japanese”.

Also Read: Face-Tweaked 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Arrives In The U.S. From $24,590

A volume seller, the compact SUV is not only crucial for Mitsubishi, but massively significant for alliance partner Nissan, who owns a 34% stake in the company. Mitsubishi has become somewhat of a problem child of late, with old platforms and a limited line-up in the crucial North American market. In 2020 sales were down 27% from the previous year.

The Outlander is the first all-new offering to be launched from the three diamonds in years. It’s part of Nissan’s repositioning of the brand to be a fun & exciting alternative, with plenty of talk about Mitsubishi’s rally heritage mentioned in the teaser campaign.

The new Outlander also features an updated take on Mitsubishi’s design language. It is positioned as a flagship model for Mitsubishi, sitting above the other Crossover SUVs in their line-up.

Read: Mitsubishi Wants To Be “Small But Beautiful,” Will Launch At Least Nine New Or Redesigned Models

Dimensions: A bigger footprint

The 2022 Outlander is 2.0 inches (5.08 cm) wider than the previous model. The wheelbase has been lengthened too, from 105.1 inches (266.9 cm) to 106.5 inches (270.5 cm), with the front seat passengers getting 1.0 extra inch (2.54 cm) of legroom and the second-row getting an increase of 1.1 inches (2.79 cm).

The Outlander is 185.4 inches (468 cm) long, 73.3 inches (186 cm) wide, and 68.8 inches (174.7 cm) tall. Luggage space length when the second-row and third-row seats are folded up has been increased to a maximum of 80.3 inches (204 cm) from the 66.4 inches (168.7 cm) in the previous model.

New and more aggressive exterior design

The Outlander is the first to feature a new interpretation of the ‘Dynamic Front Shield’ face. The release material references inspiration being sought from two of Mitsubishi’s most-loved models: the Montero/Pajero and the Evolution X.

The front face sees the high and low beam headlights take up their position lower down in the front bumper, with the squinting row of lights up top responsible for daytime running and indicator lights.

While there are plenty of differences, such as the differently-sculpted doors and altered windows, we can’t help be see some Rogue in the side profile. The rear doesn’t suffer from such, with a distinct pair of taillights evocative of the now long-departed Evo.

Color options include mostly variations on silvers or blacks. A total of eight colors will be offered in the US, including three of Mitsubishi’s “Diamond Colors”, with Diamond Black being a new multi-layered color-shifting option. For some reason, basic white will be available in other markets, but has been excluded from the US.

See: 2021 Nissan Rogue Priced From $26,745 – Just $160 More Than Outgoing Model

Standard three-row seating and more upscale interior

The inside of the new Outlander is said to have received particular attention from designers. Careful focus was paid towards the material quality and general fit and finish in order to position the Outlander higher up the value chain.

The Outlander is the only vehicle in its segment to offer three-row seating as standard. We’re promised that the new Outlander’s insides are a “quiet and serene space, showcasing quality and convenience through class-above materials.” While that may just be marketing spiel, there does seem to be some high-quality surfaces and design features on offer. Genuine leather seats and aluminum trim are available on the top-spec SEL model, while lower models feature either fabric or suede.

Both light and dark interiors are on offer for the new generation Outlander

The two screens, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 9-inch center screen, are relatively par for the course, including Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. However, the big news for fans of sensible interior design is that dedicated buttons are present for the HVAC controls.

The 2022 Outlander comes as standard with 11 airbags, as well as multiple USB A and USB C charge ports. Other goodies on offer (but dependent on spec) include adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, navigation, a full-color Head-Up Display (HUD), and a 10-speaker Bose audio system.

Drivetrain: Only one choice, a 2.5-liter four pot

Mitsubishi claims that the all-new Outlander is equipped with a 2.5L gasoline engine that has been “newly developed by the Alliance.” What that actually means is that the Outlander is using the same engine as found under the hood of many Nissan products — the PR25DD.

Power is a lackluster 181 hp (184 PS) at 6,000 rpm and 181 ft./lb (245 Nm) of torque at 3,600 rpm — figures that, on paper, are hardly in line with the exciting or sporting aspirations for the Mitsubishi brand. The engine features electric VVT, as well as other Nissan-developed tech such as “mirror-bore” coating. It’s all paired to a familiar transmission: an 8-speed CVT — another aspect that rallies against any… rally heritage.

See: 2019 Nissan Altima’s 2.5L Engine Features Some GT-R Tech

Rally-speak is employed in the description of the Outlander’s ‘Super All-Wheel Control 4WD system’, which we understand to be a Mitsubishi-specific element, and apparently draws from Mistubihi’s WRC heritage. It’s paired to a newly-developed drive mode selector that allows performance and grip to be tailored to conditions through six distinct settings: Normal for normal driving, Tarmac for driving on paved roads, Gravel for high traction performance and stability on unpaved roads, Snow for snowy and other slippery roads, and Mud for increasing road handling ability on muddy roads, and in deep snow.

Interestingly the drive-mode selector is available for both AWD and 2WD cars, although the latter misses out on the mud mode. The drive programs are said to enhance the potential of 2WD vehicles.

How much does it cost?

The new 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander will have a manufacturer’s suggested starting retail price of $25,795, excluding a destination/handling charge of $1,195 (Alaska/Hawaii $1,220). Full pricing and model variants will be released at a later date.

Its price puts it slap bang in the territory of the Rogue, which starts from $25,650. Other competitors include the Toyota RAV4 ($26,150), and the Honda CR-V ($25,350).

So, is the Outlander what you expected it to be? Do you think it does enough to differentiate against its Nissan cousin, and how will it fair among the competition?