Mitsubishi’s Redesigned Outlander SUV is Finally Ready to Compete

Refined interior, new looks, and improved engine brings Mitsu's largest SUV into the modern era of sport utilities.

Going strong for two decades now, Mitsubishi’s largest SUV gets a well-deserved redesign for 2022. The new fourth-generation Outlander gains an improved 2.5L engine with more power, bigger overall dimensions sitting on a new platform, and a long-overdue interior revamp with a more premium feel and added tech compared to its predecessor. With this new compact SUV redesign, coupled with the brand’s next-generation 2022 Eclipse Cross, Mitsubishi appears to be making the right moves to compete in the ever-growing utility market, despite being in the SUV game longer than most of its competitors.

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander
2022 Outlander. Photo: Mitsubishi.

US pricing:

Trim2WDAWD
ES$25,795$27,595
ES with ES Convenience Package$26,795$28,595
SE$28,845$30,645
SE Launch Edition (limited availability)$30,990$32,790
SE with SE Tech Package$31,145$32,945
SEL$31,945$33,745
SEL S-AWC Launch Edition (limited availability)N/A$36,340
SEL with Touring Package$34,645$36,445

Canada pricing:

TrimAWD (standard)
ES$31,998
SE$34,648
LE$37,738
LE Premium$38,238
SEL$40,208
GT$41,678
GT Premium$42,178 

New 2.5L Engine With More Power

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander
2022 Outlander. Photo: Mitsubishi.

Gone is the Outlander’s underwhelming 3.0L V6 powerplant option, while the outgoing 2.4L 4-cylinder engine swaps out for a new 2.5L, gaining 15 extra horses and 19 lb.ft of torque for 2022, now producing 181-hp at 6,000 pm and 181 lb.ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. All are paired to an 8-speed sport mode CVT transmission with a Mitsubishi-first shift-by-wire system. The Japanese automaker states that it will provide a rapid speed change response to provide a sporty drive feeling. Front-wheel comes standard with optional all-wheel drive in the US (Canadian models are equipped with standard all-wheel drive). Other notable features:

  • A new platform build in conjunction with Nissan
  • Improved 4WD model setup
  • Drive modes: Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, Mud
  • Improved power steering system
  • Better braking courtesy of wide-diameter brake discs
Safety FeatureWhat It Does
MI-PILOT AssistIntegrates Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) for enhanced highway driving.
Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)Mitsubishi’s first North American system that detects and displays traffic signs.
Automatic High Beam (AHB)Automatically adjusts high beams based on oncoming traffic and road conditions.
Hill Descent Control (HDC)Maintains a steady speed when descending steep slopes for better control.
Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)Helps maintain stability when towing by mitigating trailer sway.
Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM)Detects potential frontal collisions and applies brakes if needed.
Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW)Warns of potential frontal collisions by monitoring multiple vehicles ahead.
Active Blind Spot Assist (ABSA)Provides steering assistance to prevent lane-change collisions.
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) & Lane Change Assist (LCA)Warns of vehicles in blind spots and assists with safe lane changes.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) & Lane Departure

A New Cabin

Below is the 2018 Outlander interior compared to the new 2022 model.

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander2022 Mitsubishi Outlander interior
2018 Outlander interior (Left. Photo: Mitsubishi) Vs 2022 Outlander interior (Right. Photo: Mitsubishi)

The new Outlander interior is worlds apart from the dated versions over the past years, including the 2014 Outlander redesign. From the pictures and thanks to a wider stance by 20-inches and 1.5-inch increase in height, the new cabin looks much roomier with a redesigned, horizontal-style layout that should resonate with most SUV buyers today. Overall, expect higher quality materials for 2022 — from soft padding leather and stitching details. The front seats have a two-layer urethane structure and and space increases by widening the body and increasing the legroom of the first and second-row seats. Depending on the trim, rear passengers also gain seat heaters, 3-zone automatic climate control, and rear door sunshades. Here’s a look at the previous Outlander’s specs and dimensions.

New displays

Mitsubishi finally offers a full-colour screen with a new 12.3-inch display, depending on the model; plus, an available large 9-inch screen is used for the centre display and is equipped with Smartphone-link Display Audio navigation system. Standard is an 8.0-inch display and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, as well as a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster display nestled between the analog speedometer and tachometer gauges.

A Bold New Look for 2022

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 5
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

On the styling front, the new 2022 looks is much better than the outgoing model, especially rolling the new 20-inch wheels. The front end is completely reworked wrapping around the grille from both sides, and the headlights are separated vertically. Those daylight running lights are now placed in the upper half and given a thin, sharp shape. 

The rear end takes on a more horizontal look with much cleaner lines and new T-shaped horizontal taillights that really suite the Outlander’s new bolder look. Colours including Sterling Silver, Titanium Grey, Labrador Black, Cosmic Blue, and Deep Bronze. Three premium (“Diamond”) colours include Red Diamond, White Diamond, and a new Black Diamond. 

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