Outlander

Make
Mitsubishi
Segment
SUV

After revealing the refreshed Eclipse Cross as well as the updated 2021 Mirage and 2021 Outlander Sport, Mitsubishi is continuing its new product onslaught with the reveal of the all-new 2022 Outlander: the first vehicle to debut on Amazon Live. But in a world where SUVs continue to dominate auto sales, the Outlander needs to do more than that to stand out from the crowd and give the Japanese automaker a stronger presence in America.

Redesigned from the ground up, the new Mitsubishi Outlander incorporates the Japanese automaker's new Dynamic Shield design language applied to other recent models featuring a larger grille, muscular fenders, and split headlights with slim LED running lights inspired by the Mitsubishi Engelberg Tourer Concept.

Sharp character lines and a new subtle roof spoiler give the SUV a bolder look than its predecessor, while the new horizontal t-shaped taillights enhance the body's wide stance. Mitsubishi designed the new Outlander based on the concept "I-Fu-Do-Do," which means authentic and majestic in Japanese.

Eight exterior colors are available, including a new special Black Diamond finish featuring three coats that make the SUV appear jet black when not lit and emit a radiant shine when struck by light.

Under the hood, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT. Power and torque outputs haven't been confirmed as yet. 4WD models feature five drive modes: Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud. Except for the Mud mode, these driving modes also carry over to the 2WD model.

Inside, the new Outlander's spacious three-row interior offers seating for up to seven occupants and is upgraded with more premium materials than before. Available in light gray or black, the seats for the SEL trim are finished in genuine leather, while the shift panel is trimmed in real aluminum. Semi-aniline leather seats are also available for the SEL model along with a Saddle tan accent color for the trim and stitching. The SE trim features black suede combination seats and piano black interior trim, while the ES trim offers light gray or black fabric seats and piano black interior trim.

Since the new Outlander is two inches wider than the previous model, the space between all seats has increased. Legroom has also increased by one inch in the front seats and 1.1 inches in the second row thanks to the SUV's longer wheelbase.

A new folding mechanism enables the second-row seats to be folded up with one action, increasing the luggage space from 66.4 inches to 80.3 inches when the second- and third-row are folded up.

For the first time, the Outlander is available with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.8-inch head-up display. A large nine-inch screen is available for the infotainment system that supports Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay or an eight-inch screen is offered as standard. Wireless smartphone charging is also available. Three-zone automatic climate control is provided for the driver's seat, front passenger seat, and rear seats while other available equipment includes a power panoramic sunroof and a 10-speaker Bose audio system.

Thanks to an upgraded suspension system, the roll angle during cornering is decreased by 14 percent compared to the previous model and the suspension rigidity has also increased to improve stability. To match the larger 20-inch wheels and tires, the brake discs have been increased to 13.8 inches at the front and 13 inches at the rear. 18-inch wheels are fitted as standard.

Available safety tech includes Mitsubishi's MI-PILOT Assist system with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, automatic high beam, hill descent control, trailer stability assist, forward collision mitigation system, predictive forward collision warning, driver attention alert, and a multiview camera.

While the Mitsubishi Outlander has struggled to stand out in the crowded SUV segment, it's always offered great value for money, and the new model is no exception. Arriving in US dealers this April, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander starts at $25,795 excluding the $1,195 destination charge.