Introduction: The All-New 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Has Arrived!

Hey guys, let's talk about something exciting: the all-new 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander. Seriously, if you've been eyeing a compact SUV that’s been completely redesigned from the ground up, then you absolutely need to pay attention to this Mitsubishi Outlander review. This isn't just a facelift; Mitsubishi went all out, giving us a vehicle that truly stands apart from its predecessors and honestly, from much of the competition. For years, the Outlander was, well, fine. It was a reliable workhorse, but it didn't exactly turn heads or set any benchmarks. Fast forward to 2022, and boom! Mitsubishi has launched a game-changer, looking to reclaim its spot in the hotly contested SUV market. We're talking about a significant leap in design, interior quality, technology, and overall driving experience. This 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is aiming squarely at families, adventurous individuals, and anyone who wants a stylish, safe, and feature-packed ride without breaking the bank. It's built on a new platform shared with the Nissan Rogue, which immediately tells us it's got some serious bones. But what makes it unique? Is it just a rebadged Rogue, or has Mitsubishi infused it with its own DNA? That's what we're here to figure out. Stick around as we dive deep into every aspect, from its striking looks to its impressive tech, to help you decide if this is the perfect new SUV for your driveway. We'll cover everything from the design philosophy to the nitty-gritty of its performance and practicality. So, let’s get into the details of this promising contender in the compact SUV segment and see if the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander truly lives up to the hype.

First Impressions: Design That Demands Attention

Exterior Design: A Bold Statement

Alright, let’s kick things off with the exterior, because honestly, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander's design is probably the first thing that will grab your attention. This isn't the Outlander you remember; this is a whole new beast! Mitsubishi's design philosophy, dubbed 'Dynamic Shield,' takes center stage here, giving the SUV a commanding and super distinctive presence on the road. The front fascia is seriously bold, featuring those signature split headlamps where the slim LED daytime running lights sit high, almost like eyebrows, while the main headlights are positioned lower in the bumper. It’s a look that’s both aggressive and futuristic, and it definitely makes the Outlander stand out in a parking lot full of generic crossovers. The massive, chrome-accented grille adds to its robust feel, giving it a premium touch that you might not expect from a Mitsubishi. Moving along the sides, you’ll notice the strong character lines and sculpted panels that give it a muscular and athletic stance. The floating roof design, achieved with blacked-out pillars, adds a touch of modern flair and makes the vehicle appear sleeker and more dynamic. And don't even get me started on the wheels – depending on the trim, you can get some really sharp 18-inch or even 20-inch alloy wheels that perfectly complement the vehicle’s overall aesthetic. The rear design is equally striking, with sleek, horizontal LED taillights that emphasize its width and give it a sophisticated appearance. It’s clear that Mitsubishi put a lot of effort into making the 2022 Outlander look more premium and appealing, drawing inspiration from their future-focused concepts. This design shift is a huge win, elevating the Mitsubishi Outlander from an underdog to a serious contender in the style department. It simply looks more expensive than it is, and that’s a big deal for buyers who want both value and curb appeal. From every angle, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander makes a strong visual statement, promising adventure and sophistication. This bold new exterior is a major reason why this specific Mitsubishi Outlander review is so positive about its fresh appeal.

Interior Design: Stepping Up the Game

Now, let's open the doors and step inside, because the interior of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is where you'll really feel the transformation. Guys, this is not just an upgrade; it’s a complete overhaul that takes the Outlander into a whole new league of refinement and quality. Seriously, Mitsubishi knocked it out of the park with this one. As soon as you settle into the driver’s seat, you’ll notice the drastically improved material quality throughout the cabin. Gone are the days of hard plastics dominating the dashboard; instead, you’re greeted with soft-touch surfaces, contrast stitching, and even genuine aluminum trim in higher trims. It feels substantial, well-put-together, and frankly, quite luxurious for its segment. The design itself is clean, modern, and driver-focused, with a logical layout that makes all controls easy to reach and understand. The seats, oh my goodness, the seats! They are incredibly comfortable, offering excellent support for long drives, and in higher trims, you get lovely quilted leather options that really elevate the premium feel. The attention to detail is evident everywhere, from the satisfying click of the buttons to the smooth operation of the air vents. Space-wise, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander offers a comfortable environment for front and second-row passengers, with ample head and legroom. The third row, while still best for kids or short trips, is more accommodating than many rivals, making the Outlander a true seven-seater option. This level of comfort and thoughtful design is a huge selling point in this Mitsubishi Outlander review, showing that the brand is truly committed to providing value beyond just the price tag. The panoramic sunroof, available on certain trims, floods the cabin with natural light, further enhancing the airy and upscale ambiance. Every element inside the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander feels like a deliberate step forward, proving that Mitsubishi is serious about competing with the best in class and delivering an experience that delights both drivers and passengers alike. This truly redefined interior sets a new standard for the Outlander, making every journey more enjoyable.

Performance and Driving Dynamics: Is it Fun to Drive?

Engine and Transmission: What's Under the Hood

When we talk about the power source for the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, we’re looking at a single engine option across the lineup, a move towards simplification that allows Mitsubishi to focus on refining this particular powertrain. Under the hood, you'll find a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Now, for some of you gearheads, those numbers might not sound mind-blowing, but for a compact SUV designed for everyday driving and family duties, it’s perfectly adequate. This engine is directly borrowed from Nissan, which, again, highlights the platform sharing between the two brands. It’s paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which Mitsubishi has done a respectable job tuning. While CVTs can sometimes feel a bit 'rubbery' or droning, the one in the 2022 Outlander is surprisingly smooth and responsive. It even features simulated gear shifts, which help to mitigate that typical CVT feel and provide a more traditional automatic transmission experience, especially under harder acceleration. Fuel economy is competitive for the segment, offering an estimated 24-27 MPG combined, depending on whether you opt for front-wheel drive (FWD) or Mitsubishi's renowned Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. Speaking of S-AWC, we’ll dive deeper into that later, but it’s a huge differentiator for the Outlander and a major plus in this Mitsubishi Outlander review. For daily commutes, highway cruising, and even light off-road adventures, the engine provides sufficient power without feeling strained. It's not a performance beast, but it’s reliable, efficient, and well-integrated into the overall driving experience. The refinement of the powertrain package truly enhances the appeal of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, ensuring that you have enough grunt for merging onto highways and navigating city streets without feeling underpowered. This careful balance of power and efficiency makes the 2022 Outlander a practical choice for a wide range of drivers, solidifying its position as a solid family SUV.

Ride and Handling: On the Road

Let’s hit the road and talk about how the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander actually drives, because this is where a lot of modern SUVs distinguish themselves. The ride quality in the 2022 Outlander is one of its strongest suits. Thanks to its new, more rigid platform and revised suspension tuning, it delivers a remarkably comfortable and composed ride over various road surfaces. Bumps and imperfections are absorbed with a sophistication that belies its price point, preventing them from jarring the cabin. This makes the Outlander an excellent choice for long road trips and daily commutes on less-than-perfect roads. Road and wind noise are also well-managed, contributing to a quiet and serene cabin environment, which is a significant improvement over previous generations and really adds to the premium feel we discussed earlier in this Mitsubishi Outlander review. Now, let's talk about handling. While it’s not going to win any races on a track, the 2022 Outlander feels planted and secure through corners. The steering is light but provides enough feedback to feel confident, making it easy to maneuver in tight city spaces and parking lots. But the real star of the show here is Mitsubishi's available Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. This isn’t just your average all-wheel drive; it’s a sophisticated torque vectoring system that actively distributes power not only between the front and rear wheels but also between the left and right wheels for optimal traction and stability. This means better grip on slippery surfaces, more confident cornering, and an overall enhanced sense of control, especially when the weather turns nasty. The S-AWC system offers several driving modes (Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Normal, Eco), allowing you to tailor the vehicle’s dynamics to different conditions, which is a huge plus for versatility and safety. This advanced system really differentiates the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander from many competitors, offering a level of confidence and capability that is often found in more expensive vehicles. The combination of a comfortable ride and capable handling, especially with S-AWC, makes the 2022 Outlander a genuinely pleasant and reassuring vehicle to drive, whether you're navigating urban jungles or exploring unpaved paths.

Tech and Features: Staying Connected and Safe

Infotainment and Connectivity: Modern Must-Haves

In today’s world, a vehicle isn't complete without top-notch tech, and the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander really delivers on this front, providing a modern and user-friendly infotainment experience that will keep you connected and entertained. Standard across all trims is an 8-inch touchscreen display, but for those who love their tech, higher trims offer a gorgeous 9-inch touchscreen that really pops. Both systems feature standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is fantastic because it means seamless integration with your smartphone right out of the box. You also get a couple of USB ports up front, and for the rear passengers, some trims even add USB-C ports, ensuring everyone can keep their devices charged. The infotainment system itself is intuitive, with crisp graphics and quick response times. It's not overly complicated, which is a huge win for usability. But it doesn't stop there! The 2022 Outlander also offers a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster on higher trims, replacing traditional analog gauges with a customizable, high-definition display. This allows you to view navigation, driver assistance info, and various vehicle data right in your line of sight, making for a much more futuristic and convenient driving experience. For audiophiles, there's an available Bose premium audio system that delivers crystal-clear sound, transforming your commute into a concert hall. Wireless phone charging is also available, keeping your center console tidy and your phone topped up without the hassle of cables. In this Mitsubishi Outlander review, the sheer breadth and quality of the tech features are truly impressive, demonstrating Mitsubishi's commitment to delivering a contemporary and connected vehicle. From the responsive touchscreens to the customizable digital gauges, every piece of tech in the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is designed to enhance your driving pleasure and keep you in sync with your digital life, making every journey more enjoyable and convenient. This robust technology suite truly makes the 2022 Outlander a strong contender in the modern SUV market, proving it's ready for anything you throw at it.

Safety Features: Peace of Mind

When it comes to family vehicles, safety is absolutely non-negotiable, and the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander takes this very seriously, packing a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features designed to give you ultimate peace of mind. Mitsubishi calls its safety package MI-PILOT Assist, and it’s a really impressive collection of driver-assistance technologies. Every single 2022 Outlander trim comes standard with a robust set of safety aids, including Forward Collision Mitigation with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. These features act as your extra set of eyes, constantly monitoring your surroundings and helping to prevent accidents before they happen. But it gets even better with higher trims! The MI-PILOT Assist system adds features like Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go capability, which is a lifesaver in traffic, automatically adjusting your speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead. It also includes Lane Keep Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition, further reducing driver fatigue on long journeys and helping you stay informed. For parking, you can get an available 360-degree multi-view camera system that provides a bird’s-eye view of your surroundings, making tight spots a breeze. In terms of passive safety, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is built with a reinforced impact-absorbing chassis and comes equipped with a whopping eleven airbags, providing extensive protection for all occupants in the event of a collision. It’s no surprise that the Outlander has earned excellent safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), often achieving their coveted Top Safety Pick+ award. This strong emphasis on safety is a huge highlight in this Mitsubishi Outlander review, ensuring that you and your loved ones are protected on every journey. The commitment to providing advanced safety features as standard across the lineup, and even more sophisticated systems on higher trims, really makes the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander a top choice for safety-conscious buyers, providing confidence and security whether you're navigating busy city streets or cruising on the open highway. This truly makes the Outlander a smart and secure choice for modern families.

Practicality and Value: Is it a Smart Buy?

Space and Versatility: For Families and Adventures

Okay, guys, let’s get down to the brass tacks of practicality, because a fantastic design and great tech mean little if the vehicle can't handle real-world demands. The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander shines brightly in terms of space and versatility, making it a genuinely smart choice for families and adventurers alike. One of its standout features is the standard third-row seating, something that many competitors in the compact SUV segment either don't offer at all or only include as an expensive option. While the third row is still best suited for children or short trips for adults, having that flexibility to occasionally carry up to seven passengers is a huge advantage. It transforms the Outlander from a standard five-seater into a highly versatile family hauler when needed. When the third row isn't in use, it folds flat, creating a generous cargo area that’s perfect for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. With both the second and third rows folded down, you unlock a cavernous 79.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which is among the best in its class. This means you can easily fit bikes, camping gear, or flat-pack furniture without a problem. Small item storage is also well-thought-out, with plenty of cubbies, door pockets, and a decent-sized center console bin to keep your essentials organized and within reach. The second-row seats slide and recline, allowing passengers to customize their comfort or to create more legroom for the third row when it's in use. This flexibility is key for active families. In this Mitsubishi Outlander review, its practical design and ample space are definitely huge selling points, demonstrating that Mitsubishi understands the needs of modern buyers who require a vehicle that can adapt to various situations. Whether you're hauling kids to soccer practice, loading up for a weekend getaway, or simply tackling your weekly errands, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander offers the kind of functional space and versatility that makes everyday life a whole lot easier and more enjoyable, proving that it’s more than just a pretty face.

Pricing and Trims: Getting the Best Deal

Finally, let’s talk numbers because, let's be real, value for money is always a critical factor when buying a new ride. The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander offers an attractive pricing structure across its various trims, providing excellent features at competitive price points. Mitsubishi has always been known for offering strong value, and the new Outlander continues this tradition by packing a lot of content into each trim level. The lineup typically starts with the ES trim, which is anything but basic, coming with standard features like an 8-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a suite of essential safety tech. This entry-level model offers a fantastic starting point for those on a tighter budget but still wanting the new design and core features. Moving up, you'll find the SE and SEL trims, which are arguably the sweet spots for many buyers. The SE adds more desirable features like larger alloy wheels, a 9-inch display, navigation, and more advanced driver-assist systems such as adaptive cruise control. The SEL takes things even further, introducing premium touches like leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, a power liftgate, and the aforementioned digital instrument cluster and Bose sound system. For those who want the absolute top-tier experience, there's often a special edition or fully loaded trim that includes every bell and whistle imaginable. Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system is available across most trims, making it accessible even if you don’t spring for the highest model, which is a big plus for drivers in varied climates. When you compare the features, quality, and capability of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander to its rivals, you'll often find that it offers a superior value proposition. Its competitive starting price, coupled with generous standard equipment and the option for advanced tech and luxury without breaking the bank, makes it a very compelling choice. This focus on delivering robust features at every price point is a huge highlight in this Mitsubishi Outlander review, ensuring that you get a lot of bang for your buck. Mitsubishi also offers a great warranty, further enhancing the long-term value and peace of mind. So, whether you're looking for a capable family SUV or a stylish daily driver, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander presents a strong case as a smart and economical investment, making it an appealing option for a wide range of buyers who demand quality and value.

Conclusion: Our Final Verdict on the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

Alright, guys, we’ve covered a lot of ground in this 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander review, and it's clear that Mitsubishi has truly knocked it out of the park with this complete redesign. This isn't just an improvement; it's a renaissance for the Outlander nameplate, transforming it from a somewhat overlooked option into a serious contender in the incredibly competitive compact SUV segment. From its stunning and assertive exterior design that finally demands attention, to its dramatically upscale and comfortable interior, the new Outlander truly feels like a premium product without the premium price tag. The material quality, thoughtful layout, and available advanced tech features, like the large infotainment screens and the fully digital instrument cluster, make every journey feel more modern and enjoyable. While the 2.5-liter engine might not set any speed records, it’s a perfectly capable and efficient powertrain for daily driving and family adventures, delivering reliable performance. And let’s not forget about Mitsubishi’s standout feature: the Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, which provides an unparalleled level of confidence and handling, especially in adverse weather conditions. This advanced system truly sets the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander apart from many of its rivals, offering superior traction and stability. Add to that the standard third-row seating, which offers incredible versatility for growing families, and its class-leading cargo space, and you’ve got a recipe for a highly practical and accommodating SUV. The extensive suite of standard and available safety features, wrapped up in the MI-PILOT Assist package, ensures that you and your loved ones are always protected on the road, providing invaluable peace of mind. So, who is the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander for? It’s for the buyer who wants a stylish, safe, feature-rich, and incredibly versatile SUV that offers fantastic value for money. It's for families needing that occasional third row, for adventurers who appreciate robust AWD capability, and for anyone who wants a vehicle that looks and feels more expensive than it actually is. The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is a confident comeback, offering a compelling blend of design, technology, safety, and practicality that makes it a highly recommended choice in its segment. If you're in the market for a new compact SUV, you absolutely owe it to yourself to check out the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander because it's genuinely impressive and ready to exceed expectations. Go give it a test drive – you might just be as pleasantly surprised as we were!