Latest News
2025 Subaru Impreza Review2022 Mitsubishi Outlander: Is It a Rogue in Mitsubishi Clothing?
The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is all new and it’s a winner. But is it just a bedazzled Nissan Rogue?
What’s New for the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander
Everything is new with the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander. Mitsubishi, owned by Nissan and part of the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi Alliance, took the Nissan Rogue, and reskinned it. So, although Mitsubishi will say the Outlander is dynamically different, you’ll see more than a few Rogue touches. Regardless, Mitsubishi gives the 2022 Outlander a new look, enhanced advanced safety and technology, a new engine, and an interior and exterior quality that previous Mitsubishi’s only dreamed about. Will this be enough to make the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander your next SUV? Let’s see.
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander – media.mitsubishicars.com | Shop 2022 Outlander on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Best interior from Mitsubishi currently
Unique, eye-catching exterior
The available S-AWC is nice
Needs a better ride and handling
Easy to see Rogue parts throughout
2022 Outlander Specs
- 181 horsepower from base engine
- 181 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 3 available trims
- 11.7 cu-ft of cargo space
- 79.7 cu-ft of cargo space with seats down
- 10-speaker Bose audio system available
- Mi-Pilot safety features on SE and up
- 5 years of roadside assistance
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Powertrain
The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander has the same engine and transmission as its Nissan Rogue fraternal twin. The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder lazily distributes 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque to its front wheels or optionally to all wheels. Like the Rogue, the CVT has stepped ratios that lead you to believe it’s a non-CVT transmission, and it does sound and act the part. There’s also paddle shifters, but don’t expect quick shifts as you’ll get from a dual-clutch automatic.
If you choose to get the Outlander with AWD, it’s officially called Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) and you’ll have to pay an extra $1800 or so unless you get the SEL launch edition where it’s standard. Mitsubishi’s S-AWC has been with us for a while, including the previous Outlander GT.
Unlike the previous Outlander GT, the 2022 Outlander’s S-AWC is 100 percent software and electronic-driven through activation of brakes. Yes, it has what Mitsubishi calls Active Yaw Control, but the brakes control it and not a differential. Brakes also control torque vectoring. So, it’s not at all “Super” like its ancestor Lancer EVO’s S-AWC or even the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander.
You still have the choice of Eco, Normal, and Snow drive modes, plus the new Tarmac (Sport), Gravel, and Mud modes. You can select through these drive modes via a charming, knurled knob behind the shift by wire shift mechanism. Unfortunately, mud mode is only available when you get S-AWC.
If you’re prone to do most of your driving at sub-highway speeds on smooth pavement, you’ll enjoy the response of the powertrain and steering. In those situations, it’s quiet, composed, and enjoyable to drive. However, you will find that the suspension doesn’t happily accept seams on the freeway without a sharp and noticeable reaction to imperfections. It’s as if the shocks are valved to pound the initial bumps into the ground.
Ideally, that would be fine with us since it usually leads to quick and agile handling of corners. However, the initial harshness is still there while at speed, and in cornering, the 2022 Outlander just rolls over and bounds around in some strange ways. In addition, the quick steering at low-speed turns into a loose and lifeless oar at highway speeds or canyon roads. It feels all out of sorts in the same way as its Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross sibling.
We suggest that Mitsubishi change the spring rates and loosen up the initial shock rebound to help things out a bit. Unfortunately, the current ride and handling isn’t something that’s a good brand quality. We feel that road and wind noise are acceptable for a compact SUV, although the beautiful interior would lead you to think it should be more on the quiet side.
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Fuel Economy & MPG
The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander has a better EPA-rated mpg than previous models. Ratings say you’ll get up to 31 mpg combined for the front-wheel-drive model and 30 mpg combined for the S-AWC model. Your mileage will depend on the mode you select, of course. Normal will be your best choice. Keeping it in Tarmac mode, will change the engine mapping to encourage the CVT to shift sooner and hold them until a little higher up the rev range, affecting the mileage. So, don’t have too much fun.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander has a clean, modern, and high-tech look about it, even though you’ll see obvious Rogue parts like the 9-inch touchscreen. There’s also an available heads-up display that’s very helpful and it’s visible while wearing polarized sunglasses.
Before we get too far into this, let’s talk about the three rows. The Outlander’s front and second row of seats are very comfortable and spacious. That third row, however, has less legroom than a Mustang. You’ll also notice that the rear headrests are very close to the rear liftgate window. So, the third row isn’t going to be comfortable for anyone. Thankfully you can fold the seat down and expand the storage space that’s filled with grocery bag hooks, 12-volt connection, and under-floor storage.
From the driver’s seat, you’ll appreciate the view while in traffic, and there’s apparent attention to detail wherever you look. The armrests and door panels are covered with faux leather that matches the seats, and both have a surprising padding amount.
For comfort, you have heated front seats and second-row outboard seats. In addition, you can get a three-zone climate control so the rear passengers can adjust their environment and an extra benefit of available manual side window sunshades.
Should you want to adjust the legroom in that second row, the seats easily slide forward and backward, which is especially helpful if you punish someone by putting them in the third row.
When it comes to cargo, with the third row up, you’ll have 11.5 cubic feet that’s about the size of a Toyota Corolla‘s trunk. So, it’s just right for a quick trip to the grocery store. But we think you’ll want to keep it flat because you’ll have 33.5 cubic feet to work with when you go shopping.
When you buy a new big-screen television, you’ll want the second row down so you can have the maximum cargo of 79.7 cubic feet. Compare that to the Nissan Rogue with its smaller 74.1 cubic feet, and it makes us think that there’s a little more length built into the Outlander’s cargo area.
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Entertainment & Tech
After opening the doors with standard keyless entry, the 12.3-inch digital instrument pod welcomes you with some nice animation. You can cycle between different views and an unusual but fun tachometer and speedometer display. Again, Mitsubishi has done an excellent job with the instrumentation. Although Mitsubishi’s climate control system can take a while to cool the interior, we like the air vent design with its horizontal, elegant, and uncluttered vent design.
If you can, you should spring for the 10-speaker Bose audio system that’s standard on the launch edition SEL. For the SE and SEL, you’ll also receive wireless charging for your phone. For the rear passengers, Mitsubishi includes several USB charging ports. Mitsubishi has historically been generous with features, and the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander isn’t an exception.
Above the climate controls is either an 8-inch screen for the ES or a 9-inch screen on the SE and up. Both are right out of a Nissan parts bin, but they’re colorful and have high resolution. The operating system user interface seems out of place with the rest of the interior, but is still functional. Mitsubishi also does an excellent job providing actual knobs and buttons instead of forcing interaction with the touchscreen, an almost impossible and dangerous thing to do while driving.
Safety Features
Mi-Pilot assists are standard on the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SE and up. It features a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, LED headlights with automatic high beams, front and rear collision warnings with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and driver drowsiness monitoring.
Mitsubishi, in concert with Nissan and Renault, has come up with an excellent driver-assist system. It works, and it’s effortless to use. The most noticeable improvement from previous Outlanders is the adaptive cruise control’s smooth and linear braking ability. In addition, lane centering with its vibrating steering wheel and other standard safety assist is there should you ever need them.
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Trims & Pricing
ES – $25,795
For the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander ES, standard features include an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, two USB ports, a six-speaker stereo, remote keyless entry, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, cloth upholstery, 18-inch wheels, plus Mitsubishi’s new safety features.
SE – $28,845
The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SE includes a 9-inch touch screen, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, four USB ports, and a smartphone charging pad. Also included are a hands-free power liftgate, surround-view parking camera, front parking sensors, lane keep assist, and road sign recognition.
SEL – $31,945
The top-of-the-line 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL has everything from the SE and adds leather upholstery and a power-adjustable front passenger seat.
What we think
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander – media.mitsubishicars.com | Shop 2022 Outlander on Carsforsale.com
Mitsubishi has a sales hit with its 2019 Outlander, and they need it. Even though the ride and handling could be better, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander doesn’t hide the high-quality and attention to detail that you’ll appreciate every day. Quality, innovative design, and better standard features make this Outlander an excellent value choice compared to its Nissan cousin, the Rogue.
