Hey guys! Thinking about snagging a Mitsubishi Outlander 2022? You've come to the right place! I'm going to break down everything you need to know about this SUV, from its performance and features to its pros and cons. This is a real-world review, so buckle up and let’s dive in!

What's the Hype About the 2022 Outlander?

The Mitsubishi Outlander 2022 marks a significant departure from its predecessors. It's not just a facelift; it's a complete redesign that aims to elevate Mitsubishi's presence in the competitive compact SUV market. The Outlander boasts a bolder exterior, a more refined interior, and a host of new technologies. But does it live up to the hype? Let's find out.

First Impressions: Styling and Design

Okay, let's be real, the previous Outlander wasn't exactly a head-turner. But the 2022 model? It’s a completely different story! The exterior design is aggressive and modern, featuring Mitsubishi's Dynamic Shield front fascia, sleek LED headlights, and a bold, upright stance. The overall look is much more premium and sophisticated than before. Whether you love it or hate it, you can't deny that it makes a statement.

Stepping inside, you'll immediately notice the improved interior. The materials feel more upscale, the design is cleaner, and the overall layout is more user-friendly. Higher trim levels offer quilted leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium Bose sound system. It's a comfortable and inviting space, especially for longer journeys. The Outlander also stands out with its three-row seating, making it one of the few compact SUVs that can accommodate up to seven passengers.

Performance and Handling: How Does It Drive?

Under the hood, the 2022 Outlander features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Now, I know what you're thinking: CVT. But hear me out! Mitsubishi has done a decent job of tuning the CVT to mimic the feel of a traditional automatic transmission. It's not the sportiest setup, but it provides adequate power for everyday driving.

Around town, the Outlander feels responsive and easy to maneuver. The steering is light and precise, making it a breeze to navigate tight parking spaces. On the highway, it cruises comfortably, but you might find yourself wanting a bit more oomph when overtaking. The engine can get a bit noisy under hard acceleration, which is a common characteristic of CVTs.

The Outlander offers available all-wheel drive (AWD), which enhances traction and stability in slippery conditions. The AWD system features multiple driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Snow, and Tarmac, allowing you to tailor the vehicle's performance to different road conditions. While it's not a hardcore off-roader, the Outlander can handle light trails and unpaved roads with ease.

Interior and Technology: What's It Like Inside?

The interior of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is a massive improvement over the previous generation. The design is modern and stylish, with a focus on quality materials and intuitive controls. The dashboard is dominated by a large touchscreen display, which houses the infotainment system. The system is easy to use and responsive, with crisp graphics and a user-friendly interface. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone.

Depending on the trim level, the Outlander offers a range of tech features, including a digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and a multi-view camera system. These features add a touch of luxury and convenience to the driving experience. The seats are comfortable and supportive, providing ample cushioning for long trips. The second-row seats offer plenty of legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. And of course, there's the third-row seating, which is a unique selling point for the Outlander. However, it's best suited for children or smaller adults.

Safety Features: Keeping You and Your Family Safe

Safety is a top priority for most car buyers, and the 2022 Outlander doesn't disappoint. It comes standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These features can help prevent accidents and keep you and your family safe on the road.

Higher trim levels add even more safety tech, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. The Outlander has also earned good safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), further solidifying its reputation as a safe and reliable SUV.

Fuel Economy: How Thirsty Is It?

The fuel economy of the 2022 Outlander is decent, but not class-leading. The EPA estimates are 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway for the front-wheel-drive model. The all-wheel-drive model gets slightly lower ratings. Your actual fuel economy will vary depending on your driving habits and road conditions. Overall, the Outlander's fuel economy is competitive with other SUVs in its class, but there are more fuel-efficient options available if that's a top priority for you.

Pricing and Value: Is It Worth the Money?

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is priced competitively within the compact SUV segment. The base model starts at around $27,000, while the top-of-the-line trim can reach over $35,000. The Outlander offers a good value for the money, considering its spacious interior, available three-row seating, and long list of features. However, it's important to compare it to other SUVs in its class to see which one best meets your needs and budget.

Pros and Cons: The Nitty-Gritty

Okay, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander:

Pros:

• Stylish Exterior Design: A major improvement over the previous generation.
• Refined Interior: High-quality materials and a user-friendly layout.
• Available Three-Row Seating: A unique feature in the compact SUV class.
• Comprehensive Safety Features: A long list of standard and available safety tech.
• Competitive Price: Good value for the money.

Cons:

• Engine Performance: The engine can feel a bit underpowered, especially when fully loaded.
• CVT Transmission: Can be noisy and lack the responsiveness of a traditional automatic.
• Third-Row Seating: Best suited for children or smaller adults.
• Fuel Economy: Not class-leading.

Alternatives to the 2022 Outlander

If you're not completely sold on the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, there are plenty of other great SUVs to consider. Some popular alternatives include:

• Toyota RAV4: A reliable and fuel-efficient SUV with a spacious interior.
• Honda CR-V: A well-rounded SUV with a comfortable ride and a long list of features.
• Nissan Rogue: A stylish and tech-savvy SUV with a comfortable interior.
• Mazda CX-5: A sporty and fun-to-drive SUV with a premium interior.
• Kia Sportage: A value-packed SUV with a long warranty and a stylish design.

The Verdict: Should You Buy the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander?

So, should you buy the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander? It depends on your needs and priorities. If you need a compact SUV with available three-row seating, a stylish design, and a long list of features, the Outlander is definitely worth considering. However, if you prioritize performance and fuel economy, you might want to check out some of the alternatives. Overall, the Outlander is a solid SUV that offers a good value for the money. Just be sure to test drive it and compare it to other SUVs before making a decision.

Alright guys, that's my honest review of the Mitsubishi Outlander 2022. Hope this helps you make an informed decision. Happy car shopping!