The Mitsubishi Outlander gets a welcome makeover for 2022, with improvements to nearly every aspect. Bold exterior design makes an impression, width and wheelbase expansions enable more room for passengers and cargo, new styling and higher-grade materials make the interior upscale, and advanced safety features abound.
Outlander has three trim levels: ES, SE, and SEL. Pricing with a $1,295 destination charge included starts at $27,790. All three models have front-wheel drive with all-wheel drive available for another $1,800. The AWD has six drive modes to adjust the electronically controlled system for preference, various road conditions, and the weather.
The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is available in ES, SE, and SEL trim levels with front-wheel or optional all-wheel drive. (Mitsubishi)
As a compact SUV with seven-passenger seating, the Outlander is a rarity. The tight third row has two small seats inadequate for older kids and out of the question for adults. But with the sliding second-row seats pushed forward, there’s enough room inside for up to five young children, and the front passenger seat is still available for a big person. So, if your life includes frequent chauffeuring of multiple wee people but you don’t want a big SUV, Outlander might be the answer.
Outlander is, of course, also suitable exclusively for adults, just fewer of them.
Engineers shored up Outlander’s structure to significantly increase rigidity and thereby deliver great driving stability. Ride comfort wasn’t compromised in the process. Outlander deals well with ramshackle road surfaces yet doesn’t feel floaty when the going gets smooth.
The sole powertrain is a 181-horsepower four-cylinder engine hooked to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). It mobilizes the Outlander adequately if not forcefully, and gives good fuel economy of 24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined, with front-wheel drive. With AWD the numbers are 24/30/26 mpg.
All 2022 Outlanders come with wired Android Auto capability. Apple CarPlay is wired on the base model and wireless on SE and higher trim levels. The new infotainment system is easy to comprehend, with touchscreen operation as well as physical controls. There are several infotainment systems on offer, standard or optional, depending on trim level.
2022 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SEL AWD
Base price, including destination charge: $35,040
Price as driven: $37,995
Mary Lowry is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. She lives in Snohomish County. Vehicles are provided by automotive manufacturers as a one-week loan for evaluation purposes only. Manufacturers do not control content of the reviews.
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