What do our experts think of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels and more. Find out our thoughts here.
Though it has been facelifted several times, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is effectively the same small SUV that debuted 11 years ago. That’s a relative eon in automotive years, and this aging shows when you look under the fresh-faced styling. Mainly in the limited level of amenities and technology compared to the Outlander Sports’ competitive set. For 2022, it is a mostly carryover model with changes including upgraded seating material on SE models, a pair of rear USB ports added to higher level models, and real leather now featured on the GT.
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Standard LED lighting
Excellent warranty
500-mile highway range
Trimline overkill
No package upgrades
Very limited amenities
Overdue for an overhaul
Most 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Sports run around on a naturally aspirated 2.0L inline-4 that makes 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a CVT that drives the front wheels, these SUVs ride on a fully independent suspension that includes a multi-link rear configuration with stabilizer bars front and back to ensure poised handling. The top two GT models receive a mild power upgrade in the form of a 2.4L four-cylinder. Like the smaller motor, it features MIVEC, the automakers’ brand of variable valve timing, and pairs with a CVT but makes 168 hp and 167 torques.
While the 20-horsepower bump is certainly welcome, an optional turbocharged motor would be even more welcome. It’s not an unusual feature in this segment, just look at the Kia Soul with its available 201-hp turbo-four. Fortunately, Mitsubishi does offer added drivetrain capability in the form of all-wheel control, the company’s brand of AWD. Along with the bigger motor, both GT models are fitted with this system, which is a $1,200 option on the rest of the 2022 Outlander Sport lineup. You can read up on the distinction between powertrain and drivetrain in our explainer article here.
An Outlander Sport with the base motor and FWD achieves a respectable 24 mpg in city driving and 30 on the highway. Thanks to the relatively large 16.6-gallon gas tank, that translates to nearly 500 miles of highway range. Adding AWD drops each of those figures by one. The 2.4L engine, which only comes in AWD form, is not too far off with fuel economy estimates of 23 mpg around town and 28 on the open road.
You’ll find a perfectly average cabin inside the 2022 Outlander Sport, one that seats five people in comfort, but one that lacks headline amenities like a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, or a heated steering wheel. However, every model does come with soft-touch surfaces on the door panels and dashboard as well as handsome seat inserts with a contrasting pattern. While most Outlander Sports make do with cloth upholstery, real-deal leather is fitted on top-spec GT models.
With the rear bench upright, 22 cubic feet of storage volume is on hand. Fold that seat flat, which also splits in a 60-40 configuration, to open up an ample 50 cubes of space. If stowage is your real priority, be sure to check out a Nissan Rogue, a small-scale SUV that ups the cargo ante with a maximum capacity of 74 cubic feet. We compare a 2022 and 2014 version of the Rogue here. It also bests the Mitsubishi in rear legroom with 38 inches of stretch-out space to the 36 inches in an Outlander Sport.
As with creature comforts, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is not winning any awards in the infotainment department. To access Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you’ll need at least an LE model and it’s 8-inch touchscreen. Audiophiles will be left wanting as top-spec Outlander Sports come with six speakers max and no option for upgraded setups from the Bose and Harman Kardons of the automotive world. Bluetooth connectivity does come standard but regardless of trimline, you will not find navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, or wireless phone charging. Another glaring hole in the Mitsubishi’s tech roster is a connected car system. App-based tech that allows for remote control of certain vehicle functions has become increasingly common in new cars.
Every 2022 Outlander Sport comes equipped with Forward Collision Warning with Pedestrian Detection and Automated Emergency Braking, as well as Automatic High Beams and Lane Departure Warning. Further up the trim hierarchy, these systems are bolstered with blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Though the Outlander Sport does not receive top marks from IIHS or NHTSA, it does come with seven airbags, stability control, and a hill start assist system to keep you moving safely.
Entry-level Outlander Sports unfortunately look the part with 16-inch steel wheels wearing plastic hubcaps. However, that is mitigated with niceties like body-color trim, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and full LED lighting. The cabin is fitted with an auto-dimming rearview mirror and 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display, but there is no smartphone mirroring here.
2.0 ES models receive a nice visual upgrade in the form of 18-inch alloy wheels and LED fog lamps. You can choose from gray or black fabric upholstery and enjoy automatic climate control inside.
From here on up, the 2022 Outlander Sport receives an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto software, along with heated front seats and leather wrapping on the steering wheel and shift knob.
For reasons unknown, the SE Special Edition, which would seem to be extra special, actually has less content than the regular SE with BSM, RCTA and Lane Change Assist not included here.
Only available in White Diamond or Labrador Pearl, the Black Edition Outlander Sport adds contrasting white or black exterior bits to the wheels and rocker panels.
For just $200 more than a BE, the 2.0 SE sports FAST-KEY entry, power-folding side mirrors, six stereo speakers, and upholstery that combines cloth and faux-suede.
Like above, the GT Special Edition lacks the upgrade driver-aids that are part of the 2.4 GT trim. What you do get is the bigger motor, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and leather upholstery.
This top-of-the-line 2022 Outlander Sport receives GT badging, black roof rails, and a HomeLink universal receiver inside.
Mitsubishi offers a very competitive warranty with powertrain coverage good for 10 years of 100,000 miles. The basic vehicle warranty runs for five years or 60,000 miles and any rust is under warranty for 100,000 miles. 24/7 roadside assistance is on hand for the first five years with no mileage limit, but unlike the warranties from Hyundai and Toyota, there is no complimentary maintenance included.
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Though the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport receives the exterior styling treatment found on its larger Outlander brethren to keep it looking fresh, it seems like the automaker has left its smallest SUV to wither on the vine. It’s certainly inexpensive, even more so when you apply the incentives we discuss here, but so is the competition. And that competition offers things like Wi-Fi, sunroofs, adaptive cruise control, climatized seats, fancier wheels, more powerful motors, and so on. If I were to purchase a new Outlander Sport, I’d make sure to find at least a 2.0 LE as it comes with the larger infotainment screen and baked-in smartphone mirroring.