Redesign, reboot, revamp.
Mitsubishi teamed up with Nissan in 2022 to make a last-ditch effort to save the now fourth generation Outlander from extinction by utilizing Nissan’s compact crossover Rogue platform. In typical Nissan fashion, it did the best it could, while for Mitsubishi, the struggle is still real.
The Outlander has a 2.5-liter dual overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. torque. With these numbers, you would think power would be more than sufficient, but it is in fact the opposite. It is so underpowered that it actually is on the brink of being unsatisfactory while coming in with a zero-to-60 mph time of just over 8.5 seconds. For Mitsubishi this is normal as it is notorious for cutting every “cost-corner” in attempts to keep the price point as low as possible for consumers. In addition to the underpowered four-cylinder engine, we notice the continued failure of the eight-speed continuously variable transmission in the Outlander. The fake shift integration helped with the continuous whine that normal CVTs exude, but don't be fooled. That snowmobile-like transmission is cheaply designed, exceptionally loud and nothing to approve of.
Steering is light and responsive with limited body roll, which was nicely proportioned. (Thanks, Nissan.) The wider platform came with more elbow room and a more spacious interior cabin, one that is comfortable for all passengers. The third-row seating also came standard while storage capacity was 78.3 cubic feet overall. My SEL model was nicely optioned with a 9-inch infotainment system (thanks, Nissan) and one with navigation. A wireless charging pad was also present. Three trim models are available on the Outlander, beginning at around $27,000. In my SEL model, a touring package was added that included heated steering wheel, 10.8” heads-up display, Bose stereo system and panoramic sunroof. This added $2,700 to the price tag.
The 2022 Outlander is light years better than previous generations, and with the Nissan team on board you can tell the look and feel are both better than before but still targeted for the mass market. The upscale interior was certainly comfortable and nicely designed — which is a win for Mitsubishi, as its historic lackluster-produced vehicles struggle with appeal with a limited customer base. Although this Outlander is way better than the third generation, the end result is still blah at best.
If you want a mass-market compact SUV, and you need a family commuter at under that $35,000, the 2022 Outlander might be for you.
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander
MSRP: $33,745
As tested: $38,590
MPG: 24 city, 30 highway, 26.6 as tested
