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 making the right moves to compete in the ever-growing utility market, despite being in the SUV game longer most of its competitors.

2022 Outlander Price and release date

The 2022 Outlander is slated to hit dealerships sometime spring 2021. Below is the trim line and pricing for US and Canada.

US pricing:

In US dollars, MSRP.

Trim Level:2WDAWD
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:

In Canadian dollars, MSRP.

Trim Level:AWD
ES$31,998
SE$34,648
LE$37,738
LE Premium$38,238
SEL$40,208
GT$41,678
GT Premium$42,178 

Performance and handling: a new 2.5L engine

Gone is the Outlander’s underwhelming 3.0L V6 poweplant 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 rpm and 181 lb.ft of torque at 3,600 rpm.

All paired to an 8-speed sport mode CVT transmission with a Mitsubishi-first shift-by-wire system the Japanese automaker states will provide 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).

Here’s a look at the previous Outlander’s specs and dimensions.

Other notable features include:

  • 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
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander
2022 Outlander. Photo: Mitsubishi.

Safety tech:

  • MI-PIlOT Assist: integrates Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
  • Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR): a company first for North America
  • Automatic High Beam (AHB)
  • Hill Descent Control (HDC)
  • Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
  • Forward Collision Mitigation system (FCM)
  • Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW)
  • Active Blind Spot Assist (ABSA) &
  • Blind Spot Warning (BSW) / Lane Change Assist (LCA)
  • Lane Departure Warning (LDP) & Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
  • Driver Attention Alert (DAA)
  • Rear Automatic Emergency Brake (Rear AEB)
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
  • Reverse auto tilt door mirrors
  • Multi-view camera system

Interior and new tech

Below, 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.

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.

Styling

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. 

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander
2022 Outlander. Photo: Mitsubishi.

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.

2022 Outlander Colours

The basic colours include:

  • Sterling Silver
  • Titanium Grey
  • Labrador Black
  • Cosmic Blue
  • Deep Bronze

Three premium (“Diamond”) colours include Red Diamond, White Diamond, and a new Black Diamond. 

Interior and exterior 2022 Outlander pictures

Up Next:
Author:
Amee Reehal
Amee Reehalhttps://www.ameereehal.com/
Shooting cars and bikes professionally since film was a thing, for over 20 years, Amee has collaborated with the major automakers and agencies, and his work has been published in various global outlets including MotorTrend, GlobeDrive, SuperStreet, Chicago Tribune, PerformanceBMW, and others. He’s an automotive writer and founder/managing editor of TractionLife.com, focusing on digital marketing & SEO for the past ten years (backed by a marketing degree, go figure). Find him travelling, spending time with his kids and family. Or golfing, poorly.