2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL AWD: The Brand’s Premium Styled Crossover

 

Highlight: A plug-in model is coming during the second half of 2022.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $37,995 (Base model ES: $26,990)

Seating Capacity: 5 to 7 (…Really only designed for 5)

Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; a forward collision mitigation system; an electronic blind spot warning system; rear automatic braking system; a rearview camera; a tire pressure monitoring system; and a tire repair kit

Standard Equipment ES: 18-inch wheels; an 8-inch infotainment screen; paddle shifters; rear privacy glass; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a power lumbar support for a driver’s seat; cloth seats; a 7-inch infotainment screen; a variety of driving modes; a dual zone automatic control system; a remote keyless entry system; and a push button ignition system

Standard Equipment SEL S-AWC : 20-inch wheels; leather seats; power front passenger seat; roof rails; heated rear seats; a three-zone automatic climate control system; a 12-inch digital driver display system; a heated steering wheel; front door accent with LED illumination; SiriusXM; an 11-inch clear HUD (heads up display) system; rear door pull-up sunshades; a ground Mitsubishi logo; a chrome hood badge; LED front fog lights; heated door mirrors; heated front seats; a leather wrapped steering wheel; a 360-degree camera; keyless entry system; front audible sensors; MiPilot Assist (a co-pilot assist system); a radar activate cruise control system with a stop-and-go system; a lane keep assist system; a lane departure prevention system; traffic sign recognition; a 9-inch infotainment screen; smartphone wireless charging system; rear USB ports; Amazon Echo Auto; Mitsubishi Safety Connect Service

Options: Touring Package: a power panoramic sunroof and a rear door pull-up sunshade; tonneau cover; carpeted floor mats; portfolio; touch up paint pen; and center console tray mat

Other Trims:

SE

Launch Edition SE

Launch SEL

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM audio

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: Yes

USB Connectivity: Yes
                                                                                                     
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder turbo/181-hp

Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage:
24-city/ 31-hwy

What’s New:  The Outlander has an all-new platform for 2022. And as a result of the Nissan and Mitsubishi collaboration, the vehicle shares components with the Rogue.

Why: 

The fascia embodies an in-your-face styling theme

A compact crossover that attempts to straddle the fence of being a midsize vehicle because of the squeezed-in third row seats

A Land Rover-ish type side styling profile – looking like the Defender and Discovery

All-wheel drive available

A variety of trims

A high-level of standard content in Outlander SEL for under $35,000

A high-level of safety driving aids including a co-pilot assist feature on the SEL trim

Mitsubishi ground lighting logo on select trims

A variety of driving modes

20-inch wheels available on select trims

One of the best new-vehicle warranties in the industry

A brake hold feature

A plug-in will be available in the second half of 2022

An available panoramic power sunroof

But: 

Third row is literally not useful for adults or kids due to no legroom despite sliding second-row seats

A 5-passenger vehicle, as opposed to a seven

When the third row is in use, headrests obstruct rear vision

Limited cargo room with third-row in place

The powertrain team needs to offer a gasoline or hybrid powertrain with more horsepower

The navigation system didn’t provide the directions needed

The wireless pad – did not recharge our smartphone

Verdict: For the 2022 model year, the Outlander, which is the brand’s flagship compact crossover, rolls on an all-new more upscale platform. With its premium exterior styling, the compact offers a host of upscale features, which has traditionally been reserved for luxury brands, ranging from a co-pilot assist driving system to a ground lighting marquee with the Mitsubishi logo.

This year’s model pushes the limit and blurs the line between being a compact crossover and yearning to play in the midsize lane.

However, despite forcing occupants to literally squeeze into the third-row seating, if they so choose or even capable, and the singular powertrain that spews out less than 190-horsepower, this vehicle easily reminds us that this is a well-equipped compact crossover.

So, for buyers seeking premium-like features and a competitive price, the Outlander exceeds in those areas. However, with this being such a competitive segment. keep in mind to take a spin behind the wheel of all of the competitors before signing the dotted line.

Competition: Chevy Equinox; GMC Terrain; Honda CR-V; Kia Sportage; Nissan Rogue; and Toyota RA