Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, a vehicle that's been making waves in the compact SUV segment. This review aims to give you the lowdown on everything – from its design and features to its performance and value. So, if you're in the market for a new SUV, buckle up, because we're about to explore whether the 2022 Outlander is the right fit for you. We'll examine all the key aspects, so you can make an informed decision. Let's get started!

Design and Exterior: A Fresh New Look

When Mitsubishi redesigned the Outlander for the 2022 model year, they really went for a head-turning look. The exterior is a significant departure from previous generations, sporting a bolder, more modern aesthetic. Gone is the somewhat dated appearance; in its place is a sleek and sophisticated design that's sure to catch your eye. The dynamic shield front fascia, with its chrome accents and integrated LED headlights, gives the Outlander a strong and confident presence on the road. The sculpted body lines and available two-tone paint schemes further enhance its premium feel.

One of the most noticeable changes is the overall size. The 2022 Outlander is slightly larger than its predecessor, providing more interior space, particularly for passengers in the second and third rows. The addition of a third row is a key selling point, as it's a feature not commonly found in the compact SUV class. This makes the Outlander a versatile option for families who need the extra seating capacity, or even for those who just appreciate the flexibility. The rear end features stylish taillights and a power liftgate (available on higher trims), adding to the convenience and practicality of the vehicle. Overall, the exterior design of the 2022 Outlander is a major step up, signaling Mitsubishi's commitment to making a statement in the competitive SUV market. The design successfully marries form and function, offering both a visually appealing aesthetic and a practical vehicle that is well-suited for everyday use.

Now, let's talk about the details. The front of the Outlander is dominated by that striking dynamic shield design, which isn't just for show. It's designed to protect the vehicle's vital components while also incorporating the LED headlights and daytime running lights, which provides excellent visibility. The side profile shows off a strong shoulder line that runs from the front fenders to the rear taillights, creating a sense of motion and athleticism. The wheels, which come in various sizes and designs depending on the trim level, further enhance the overall look. The rear of the vehicle is equally impressive, with a clean and uncluttered design. The LED taillights are connected by a chrome strip, which adds a touch of elegance. The power liftgate, when equipped, makes loading and unloading cargo a breeze. In summary, the exterior of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is a winner, combining a modern and stylish design with practical features that make it a great choice for a wide range of buyers. The designers clearly put a lot of thought into every aspect, from the front fascia to the rear liftgate, resulting in a vehicle that looks as good as it performs.

Interior and Technology: Spacious and Feature-Rich

Stepping inside the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, you'll immediately notice the significant upgrades in the interior. Mitsubishi has focused on creating a more premium and comfortable cabin experience. The materials used throughout the interior feel more refined, with soft-touch surfaces and high-quality finishes. The design is clean and modern, with a focus on ease of use and functionality. One of the most significant changes is the redesigned dashboard, which features a larger touchscreen infotainment system and a digital instrument cluster in higher trims.

The Outlander offers a surprising amount of space, especially considering its compact SUV classification. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, providing ample legroom and headroom for both the driver and the front passenger. The second-row seats are also quite spacious, easily accommodating three adults. And, as mentioned earlier, the available third row provides additional seating for two more passengers, making the Outlander a true seven-seater. The cargo space is also generous, with plenty of room for luggage, groceries, or whatever else you need to haul. With the second and third-row seats folded down, you get even more cargo capacity, making the Outlander incredibly versatile for various activities. The technology features in the 2022 Outlander are also noteworthy. The infotainment system is user-friendly, with a responsive touchscreen and intuitive menus. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. Higher trims come with a larger touchscreen, a premium sound system, and a host of advanced driver-assistance features. The digital instrument cluster provides important information at a glance, and the various driver-assistance systems help to enhance safety and make driving easier. Overall, the interior of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is a significant improvement over previous models, providing a comfortable, spacious, and technologically advanced environment for both the driver and passengers. It's a great place to spend time, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a long road trip.

Let's break down the details even further. The seats, for example, are designed to provide excellent support and comfort, with options for leather upholstery and heated front seats in higher trims. The dashboard layout is clean and uncluttered, with easy-to-reach controls and a well-placed touchscreen. The infotainment system is a standout, offering a range of features and connectivity options. You can easily connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, listen to music, and make phone calls. The sound system, especially the premium options, delivers excellent audio quality. The digital instrument cluster is another highlight, providing a customizable display with all the information you need, such as speed, fuel level, and navigation directions. The Outlander also offers a range of advanced driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, which help to enhance safety and make driving easier. The materials used throughout the interior feel high-quality, giving the cabin a more premium feel. Mitsubishi has really stepped up their game with the interior of the 2022 Outlander, creating a comfortable, spacious, and technologically advanced environment that's sure to impress.

Performance and Driving Experience: Smooth and Capable

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander boasts a new engine and improved driving dynamics, resulting in a smoother and more capable driving experience. Under the hood, you'll find a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a respectable amount of power for everyday driving. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps to optimize fuel efficiency. While it's not the sportiest SUV in its class, the Outlander provides adequate acceleration and a comfortable ride. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, making for a pleasant driving experience, whether you're cruising on the highway or navigating city streets.

One of the key strengths of the Outlander is its available all-wheel-drive system. Mitsubishi has a long history of producing capable all-wheel-drive vehicles, and the Outlander is no exception. The system provides excellent traction and stability in various driving conditions, including rain, snow, and off-road situations. This makes the Outlander a great choice for those who live in areas with inclement weather or who enjoy outdoor activities. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The brakes are strong and provide confident stopping power. Overall, the performance of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is well-suited for its intended purpose: providing a comfortable and capable driving experience for everyday use. While it may not be a performance-oriented SUV, it excels in terms of comfort, practicality, and all-weather capability. The new engine and improved driving dynamics make it a more enjoyable vehicle to drive than previous generations. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or embarking on a family road trip, the Outlander is a reliable and capable choice. The combination of a smooth ride, responsive handling, and available all-wheel drive makes it a versatile SUV that can handle a variety of driving conditions.

To dive deeper, the 2.5-liter engine generates sufficient power for most driving situations. It provides adequate acceleration for merging onto highways and passing other vehicles. The CVT transmission works well with the engine, providing smooth and seamless gear changes. The suspension system is well-tuned, providing a comfortable ride even on rough roads. The available all-wheel-drive system is a standout feature, providing excellent traction and stability in various driving conditions. It can automatically distribute power to the wheels with the most grip, ensuring that you maintain control in challenging situations. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver the Outlander in tight spaces and parking lots. The brakes provide confident stopping power, ensuring that you can stop safely in any situation. The overall driving experience is one of comfort and capability. The Outlander is a vehicle that you can rely on to get you where you need to go, whether it's a short trip to the grocery store or a long road trip. Mitsubishi has done a great job of creating an SUV that is both practical and enjoyable to drive.

Trim Levels and Features: Choosing the Right Outlander

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is available in a variety of trim levels, each offering a unique set of features and options. This allows you to choose the Outlander that best fits your needs and budget. The base trim level typically includes standard features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and a suite of advanced driver-assistance features. As you move up the trim levels, you'll find additional features such as a larger touchscreen, a premium sound system, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and more.

Mitsubishi also offers various packages and options to customize your Outlander further. These packages can include features such as a tow package, a sport package, or a technology package. The tow package allows you to tow a trailer or other items, while the sport package adds sporty exterior and interior elements. The technology package typically includes advanced features such as a surround-view camera system, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control. When choosing your Outlander, it's essential to consider your needs and preferences. If you're looking for a basic, well-equipped SUV, the base trim level may be sufficient. However, if you want a more luxurious and feature-rich vehicle, you may want to opt for a higher trim level. The availability of different trim levels and options makes the Outlander a versatile vehicle that can cater to a wide range of buyers. You can customize your Outlander to create the perfect SUV for your specific needs. Researching the different trim levels and options can help you make an informed decision and choose the Outlander that's right for you. Consider what features are most important to you, and don't be afraid to add packages or options to create your ideal SUV.

Let's break down some of the specific trim levels. The base ES trim typically provides a solid foundation with essential features. Moving up to the LE trim usually adds features like larger wheels, upgraded infotainment, and potentially some advanced driver-assistance systems. The SE trim often includes more premium features, such as heated front seats, leather upholstery, and a power liftgate. The SEL trim often offers the most luxurious experience, including features like a premium sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced safety technologies. Mitsubishi also offers various special edition trims, which may include unique styling elements and additional features. It's always a good idea to check the latest specifications and features for each trim level, as they can change from year to year. Make a list of your must-have features, and then compare the different trim levels to find the one that offers the best combination of features and value for your money. Remember to consider your budget and the long-term cost of ownership, including fuel efficiency, maintenance, and insurance costs.

Fuel Economy and Efficiency: Balancing Performance and Savings

Fuel economy is an important factor for many car buyers, and the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander offers competitive fuel efficiency for its class. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is designed to balance performance and fuel savings. The official EPA fuel economy ratings are typically around 24-25 mpg in the city and 30-31 mpg on the highway, depending on the drivetrain (front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive). These figures place the Outlander in the average range for compact SUVs, making it a reasonable choice for those who are conscious of fuel costs.

The fuel efficiency of the Outlander is aided by its continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps to optimize engine performance and fuel consumption. The CVT works by providing a seamless range of gear ratios, allowing the engine to operate at its most efficient speed. While the Outlander isn't the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market, its fuel economy is generally considered to be acceptable for its size and capabilities. When comparing the Outlander to other SUVs in its class, it's important to consider factors such as engine size, weight, and driving conditions. The all-wheel-drive system can slightly reduce fuel efficiency, but it also provides increased traction and stability, especially in inclement weather. The Outlander's fuel economy makes it a practical choice for daily commuting and longer road trips, without breaking the bank at the gas pump. When considering the overall cost of ownership, it's essential to factor in fuel costs, as they can significantly impact your budget over time. By choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle like the Outlander, you can save money on fuel expenses and reduce your environmental footprint. The Outlander strikes a good balance between performance, features, and fuel economy, making it an attractive option for a wide range of buyers.

To put it in perspective, achieving the EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings often depends on your driving habits and the conditions you encounter. Aggressive driving and frequent stop-and-go traffic can reduce fuel efficiency. Using the air conditioning also impacts fuel economy, particularly in hot weather. However, with consistent driving habits and proper vehicle maintenance, you should be able to achieve the advertised fuel economy. To maximize fuel efficiency, you can also take some simple steps. Maintaining the correct tire pressure, keeping your vehicle properly tuned, and avoiding unnecessary idling can help to improve fuel economy. Combining these tips with the Outlander's efficient engine and CVT transmission will help you get the most out of your fuel budget. Compare the Outlander's fuel economy ratings to those of its competitors to see how it stacks up. When making your final decision, consider the overall cost of ownership, including fuel costs, maintenance, and insurance. The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander provides a competitive balance of performance, features, and fuel efficiency, making it an excellent choice for a wide variety of customers.

Safety Features: Keeping You and Your Passengers Safe

Safety is a top priority for any vehicle, and the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features to help protect you and your passengers. The Outlander received good safety ratings from both the IIHS and the NHTSA, further reinforcing its commitment to safety. Standard safety features include a forward collision mitigation system with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. These features are designed to help prevent accidents and mitigate the severity of a collision if one occurs.

Additional safety features are available on higher trim levels, such as blind-spot monitoring with lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. These features provide added convenience and peace of mind, making it easier to navigate in various driving situations. The Outlander's robust safety features, combined with its solid build quality, make it a safe and reliable choice for families. Mitsubishi has a long-standing commitment to safety, and the 2022 Outlander is a testament to this commitment. The Outlander is designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision, with features such as airbags, side-impact protection, and a reinforced body structure. With its comprehensive safety features, the Outlander provides drivers and passengers with the confidence to travel safely on the road. The inclusion of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) further enhances safety by alerting the driver to potential hazards and providing assistance to prevent accidents. The overall goal is to make driving a safer experience for everyone.

Let's delve into some specifics. The forward collision mitigation system with pedestrian detection uses sensors to detect potential collisions with vehicles and pedestrians. If a collision is imminent, the system can provide a warning and even apply the brakes automatically to help prevent or mitigate the impact. The lane departure warning system alerts the driver if the vehicle is drifting out of its lane. The adaptive cruise control system maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle in front, which is particularly helpful for long highway drives. Blind-spot monitoring with lane change assist alerts the driver if there is a vehicle in their blind spot when changing lanes. Rear cross-traffic alert warns the driver of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space or driveway. The surround-view camera system provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle's surroundings, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces. All of these safety features work together to provide a comprehensive layer of protection and contribute to the overall safety of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander. By offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, Mitsubishi is demonstrating its dedication to safety and offering drivers and passengers peace of mind.

Value and Verdict: Is the 2022 Outlander a Good Buy?

So, is the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander worth buying? The answer is a resounding yes, especially when you consider its features, design, and value proposition. The Outlander offers a lot for its price point, making it a competitive choice in the compact SUV segment. With its stylish design, spacious interior, advanced technology, and comprehensive safety features, the Outlander is a well-rounded vehicle that caters to a wide range of buyers. The availability of a third-row seat is a significant advantage, setting it apart from many of its competitors.

The Outlander also offers a good value proposition, with competitive pricing and a variety of trim levels to choose from. The base trim level offers a lot of standard features, while the higher trim levels add even more luxury and technology. The Outlander's fuel efficiency, combined with its overall reliability, makes it an economical choice for both daily commuting and longer road trips. When comparing the Outlander to other SUVs in its class, it's important to consider all the factors, including features, performance, and value. The Outlander excels in terms of its design, interior space, and available features. While it may not be the sportiest SUV on the market, it offers a comfortable ride and a capable driving experience. Overall, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is a solid choice for anyone looking for a well-equipped, stylish, and practical compact SUV. It offers a good balance of features, performance, and value, making it an attractive option for a wide range of buyers. If you're in the market for a new SUV, the Outlander should definitely be on your shortlist. It's a vehicle that's sure to impress with its combination of style, practicality, and value.

To summarize our final thoughts, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander represents a significant step forward for the brand. Its bold new design, spacious interior, and improved technology make it a compelling choice in the competitive compact SUV market. While the performance might not be the Outlander's strongest suit, its overall value and practicality are undeniable. The addition of a third-row seat, a feature not commonly found in this class, provides added versatility for families. With its comprehensive safety features and competitive fuel economy, the Outlander delivers a well-rounded package that's hard to beat. If you're looking for an SUV that's stylish, comfortable, and practical, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is definitely worth a closer look. So, go test drive one, and see for yourself why this SUV is gaining so much attention. You won't be disappointed! That's all for today's review. Thanks for hanging out, and happy driving, guys!