Mitsubishi makes much more than simply automobiles. This Japanese conglomerate manufactures every thing from TVs and satellites to air conditioners and even nuclear reactors. The triple-diamond model additionally claims to construct the world’s solely spiral escalator. But regardless of the groundbreaking merchandise in different sectors, it has been a very long time since I’ve been capable of advocate certainly one of Mitsubishi’s cars. The 2022 Outlander, nonetheless, is so dramatically improved you must completely add it to your SUV procuring listing.

LikeStandard third-row seatGood gas economyUser-friendly techSuperb inside

Don’t LikeThird-row seat is only for kidsNot as sporty because it looksNeeds extra oomph

Going RogueMitsubishi has been allied with Nissan and Renault since 2016. Being part of this worldwide automotive coalition offers the corporate entry to every kind of cool stuff, like platforms and expertise. This is why the brand new Outlander is essentially a Nissan Rogue beneath. The two automobiles characteristic the identical powertrain and main dimensions, however they don’t seem to be carbon copies. The 2022 Outlander’s tuning is completely completely different and it options distinctive inside supplies. One different main distinction is the nation of origin; the Outlander is assembled in Japan whereas the Rogue is screwed collectively in Tennessee.Styling is one other factor that units this Mitsu aside from its Nissan sibling. The Outlander is barely bigger and much more engaging than earlier than. I’ve bought to say, it is a automobile that appears a lot better in individual than it does in pictures. The entrance finish is much more three-dimensional than it seems on a pc monitor or cellphone display screen.

Have we met earlier than?Excluding the plug-in hybrid variant, which continues to be the previous-generation mannequin (for now, at the very least), only one drivetrain is obtainable within the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with a constantly variable transmission. If you are acquainted with the Rogue, this powertrain mixture ought to be as acquainted. The engine delivers 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, which is not fairly sufficient. Driven usually, this output is completely positive and has no bother motivating the Outlander, however when it is advisable hustle otherwise you’re transporting a full load, some extra zest can be appreciated. At occasions, this Mitsubishi feels a step or three behind its turbocharged rivals, which embody the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5.As for gas financial system, the top-shelf all-wheel-drive mannequin seen right here stickers at 24 miles per gallon metropolis, 30 mpg freeway and 26 mpg mixed. In blended use, nonetheless, I’ve been averaging higher than 30, which is fairly outstanding.

Don’t count on any underhood fireworks right here.
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Part of the explanation this Mitsu is so economical is that it contains a CVT. These transmissions are a huge level of rivalry for lots of fans as of late, and when you might not love them, this one works moderately nicely for what it’s, responding shortly to throttle inputs and simulating gear modifications below heavy acceleration for a considerably extra pure really feel.

One elegant cabinThe redesigned Outlander could also be extra engaging on the skin, however that is solely a part of the story. Slide inside and about 5 seconds is all it takes to understand it is a entire new breed of Mitsubishi, and it is critically good. Seriously.From the clear, elegant dashboard design to the comfy first- and second-row seats to the high-quality supplies liberally employed, this SUV’s cabin is completely attractive. This SEL mannequin with the Touring Package options actual aluminum trim on the middle console, lovely contrast-color stitching and semianiline leather-based. I additionally adore the delicate diamond texture designers added to the window switches, a sample that is echoed on the air vent sliders, audio dials and driving mode selector. Nothing on this SUV seems low cost or feels flimsy, although the comely piano-black accents incessantly appeal to mud and smudges, so pay attention to that and bear in mind to carry some moist wipes.The new Outlander’s inside is fantastically achieved, with a great deal of premium supplies and a gorgeous design.
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The Outlander’s entrance bucket seats are tremendous comfy, supple sufficient to cosset your physique but nonetheless a lot supportive as to not trigger undue fatigue on lengthy journeys. The second row is a lot comfortable, too, although a skosh extra legroom can be good. Setting this SUV aside from the competitors is its commonplace third-row seat. This is a superb characteristic to have, on paper at the very least, but it surely’s tremendous small, one thing Mitsu of us acknowledge. Really, it is meant for youngsters solely, so do not count on to cram your 6-foot, 4-inch uncle again there ‘trigger it ain’t going to finish nicely.Making life a bit simpler, there’s expertise aplenty within the Outlander. Apple CarPlay is commonplace throughout the board, and on SE fashions and up it even connects wirelessly. Naturally, Android Auto is supported, too, although you may need to carry a cable. If you are questioning, USB type-A and type-C ports are provided. Lower-end Outlanders characteristic an 8-inch infotainment display screen, however this instance is fitted with the flowery 9-inch show, which additionally comes with embedded navigation and a wi-fi charging pad. The infotainment system is, for probably the most half, easy and speedy, which is all you’ll be able to actually ask for, so no complaints right here. If you want extra screens in your life, a 12.3-inch reconfigurable instrument cluster is accessible, as is a 10.8-inch shade head-up show.Other out there tech contains options like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and automated excessive beams, however the Outlander might be geared up with loads of different facilities. And one must-have characteristic is Mi-Pilot Assist, principally Mitsubishi’s model of Nissan’s glorious ProfessionalPilot Assist adaptive cruise management system with lane centering. This characteristic works nice, precisely monitoring highway strains and offering a really agency really feel, far more so than competing techniques. This virtually makes the Outlander seem to be a guided missile if you interact the system.This redesigned Outlander has some fairly engaging angles, dontcha assume?
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Refined, not sportyWhen you are not dwelling life at redline, this SUV’s inside is impressively hushed, with minimal wind and highway noise. In truth, it is quiet sufficient to rival some luxurious automobiles, which is fairly stunning for a mainstream SUV.The Outlander’s steering is clean and freed from kickback, plus I like the thick steering wheel rim which is dressed up with perforated leather-based on this instance. My tester’s 20-inch wheels (18s come commonplace on the Outlander) additionally look sharp, but they do not degrade the journey high quality an excessive amount of. This machine is fairly agency however by no means abusive.Mitsubishi is eager to invoice the Outlander as a sportier various to different SUVs, but it surely is not. This automobile is comfy, refined and environment friendly, but it surely actually does not really feel any livelier than competing car-based utility automobiles (particularly if you bury the accelerator), which is simply positive. It drives nicely for what it’s and there is typically little to complain about.The 2022 Outlander is about pretty much as good as anything it competes with.
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Pricing and availabilityYou can search for the 2022 Outlander at Mitsubishi dealerships very quickly. The base worth for a front-drive ES mannequin is about 27 grand, however with the Touring Package, a pair choices and $1,195 in supply charges, this SEL instance checks out for $37,995, which is a bit of change to make certain. Justifying that worth, nonetheless, the brand new Outlander is principally as good as anything in its class and if you throw in a superb five-year/60,000-mile new automobile assure in addition to a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain guarantee, this Mitsubishi turns into all of the extra interesting.Sure, I want the Outlander had a bit extra powertrain gusto and I do not at all times love that CVT, however its refinement, lovely inside and a great deal of user-friendly tech are onerous to argue with. In truth, this SUV could also be higher than the Nissan Rogue it shares a lot with, which is a serious win for the Mitsubishi model.