Mitsubishi Outlander 2022 Review

Mitsubishi's recent lineup of vehicles has not been one of our favorites. The subcompact Mirage is inexpensive but undesirable, and the Outlander Sport SUV is, well, best to just not say anything about that one. Thankfully, there's a lot of good stuff to say about the redesigned 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander. It's a dramatic improvement over its predecessor and could be worth looking at if you're shopping for a small SUV.

Mitsubishi upgraded the new Outlander just about everywhere. The steering gives you a better feel for the road, the handling is more secure, and the interior is quieter and more comfortable. Interestingly, this new Outlander is based on the also-new-for-2021 Nissan Rogue; the two SUVs have the same engines and share other mechanical features. But Mitsubishi definitely puts its own spin on the vehicle, with Land Rover-inspired styling and a third-row seat. That third row is tiny, so something like a Honda Pilot would be a better choice if you really need an SUV with three rows of seating. Still, only a few small SUVs offer a third row, and it can come in handy in pinch.

Key rivals to the Outlander include the related Rogue, the Honda CR-V, Kia Sorento and Volkswagen Tiguan. What should you get? Read our Expert Rating below for our full breakdown of the new Outlander.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is a small three-row SUV with seating for seven. It is sold in five trim levels: ES, SE, SE Launch Edition, SEL and SEL Launch Edition. All are powered by a 181-horsepower four-cylinder engine connected to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Most trims come standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive optional (Mitsubishi calls it Super All-Wheel Control, or S-AWC). The only exception is the SEL Launch Edition, which comes in all-wheel drive only.

ES The entry-level Outlander ES comes standard with:

• 18-inch wheels
• LED headlights
• Push-button ignition
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• 40/20/40-split folding second-row seats
• 50/50-split second-row seats
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Six-speaker audio system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration

A suite of advanced driving aids is also included. It consists of:

• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
• Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
• Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
• Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)
• Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)

Optional for the ES is the Convenience package. It adds:

• 20-inch wheels
• Mitsubishi Connect with Safeguard and Remote Services (a subscription-based service that provides support in emergencies and allows you to control certain vehicle functions from your phone)

SE Stepping up to the SE adds:

• ES Convenience package
• Silver exterior trim
• Automatic wipers
• Heated mirrors
• Hands-free liftgate
• Keyless entry
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Heated front seats
• Simulated leather upholstery
• 9-inch touchscreen
• Navigation system
• Wireless charging pad
• Rear USB ports
• Front parking sensors
• 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Outlander and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
• Mi-Pilot Assist system — partially automates some driving actions. Consists of:
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Mitsubishi and the car in front)
• Lane keeping assist (steers the Outlander back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)

The available Tech package adds:

• Panoramic sunroof
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Digital instrument panel
• 10-speaker Bose audio system

SE Launch Edition The SE Launch Edition is equipped similarly to the SE, though it doesn't include the Mi-Pilot Assist system. That said, adaptive cruise control is present. Other add-ons include:

• Tech package
• Illuminated Mitsubishi badge on the outside
• Puddle lamps

SEL This top-trim spec starts with SE content and adds:

• Power-folding mirrors
• Roof rails
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• 12.3-inch digital instrument panel
• Imitation leather-covered door panels
• Tri-zone climate control
• Driver's seat memory settings
• Power passenger seat
• Heated rear seats
• Leather upholstery
• Ambient lighting

The SEL's Touring package adds:

• Panoramic sunroof
• Heated steering wheel
• Upgraded leather upholstery
• Rear sunshade
• 10-speaker Bose audio system
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)

SEL Launch Edition The SEL Launch Edition combines all-wheel drive and the features from the SE Launch Edition and the SEL with Touring package. Mi-Pilot Assist is not available, though it does have adaptive cruise control.