New car models undergo minor updates or more complete redesigns every year. The Mitsubishi Outlander is no different. Compared to the 2021 and 2020 Outlander, the 2022 model is a big change. And it’s not just automotive publications that think so. Consumers took notice of the improvements and rewarded Mitsubishi with higher sales.
A look at the old Mitsubishi Outlander
While 2021 saw the release of a new Mitsubishi Outlander, it was only a slightly updated version of the 2020 plug-in hybrid. The company did not release non-hybrid versions of the 2020 Outlander in 2021. So, to understand the improvements of the 2022 version, first it’s better to take a look at the 2020 model.
The 2020 Outlander was affordably priced with a starting MSRP of $26,090, according to Car and Driver. A conventional compact SUV that seats seven, the 2020 Outlander came with three available powertrains.
The base model was equipped with a 2.4-liter I-4 engine that made 166 hp and 162 pound-feet of torque. There was a 3.0-liter V-6 option that came with GT models and produced 224 hp and 215 pound-feet of torque. And finally, the plug-in hybrid version paired a 2.0-liter I-4 engine with two electric motors, allowing drivers to travel up to 22 miles on electric or 310 miles on full fuel.
Powertrain options were respectable but not spectacular for vehicles in the segment, as were the fuel economy numbers (25/30 mpg city/highway for the 2.4-liter and 20/27 mpg for the V-6). But while the 2020 model seats seven, it was pretty tight.
There was just 10.3 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 34.2 cubic feet with that row down, and 63.3 cubic feet with the second and third rows down. With those rows raised, passengers in the last row wouldn’t have much legroom. The touchscreen also came on a bit small, with a 7.0-inch screen coming standard, with only an 8.0-inch available on taller trims.
The new and improved 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander
according to cars.comUnlike its predecessor, the 2022 Outlander comes with only one powertrain option: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter I-4, offering drivers 181 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a CVT automatic transmission, this engine offers 24/30-31 mpg city/highway, which is solid for the segment and price.
The 2022 Outlander’s powertrain isn’t a notable improvement over its predecessor. Instead, Mitsubishi concentrated its efforts on improving the size and interior of this model. The 2022 third row is still better for kids than adults, but the new Outlander is longer, wider, and taller than the Outlander and offers passengers a bit more legroom.
Inside the Outlander, you’ll find an 8.0-inch infotainment screen and a 7.0-inch instrument screen on base models. A 9.0-inch and 12.3-inch instrument screen are now available options, along with a head-up display. The 2022 model now also offers more advanced safety systems on the base model. Unlike the base 2020 models, all new Outlanders come equipped with lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams.
How consumers are responding to improvements
Despite consumer recession fears and well-documented supply chain problems in the auto sector, the 2022 Outlander appears to be a success. mitsubishi recently announced that Outlander year-to-date sales through the third quarter of 2022 were the second-highest in the vehicle’s history. That’s pretty impressive, considering the current environment.
This year, the Outlander could have sold even more. However, the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian led to port closures which affected sales. While those closures may have depressed sales a bit at the start of the fourth quarter as well, it’s clear the Outlander is on track to be a banner year.
And the improvements to the 2022 model likely have a lot to do with the brand’s sales performance this year. With an affordable starting MSRP of $26,995, the Outlander is a great choice for consumers looking for value and seating capacity in their next daily driver.