Mitsubishi Teams With Amazon to debut the new Outlander SUV.
There’s a first for everything. In Mitsubishi’s case, it teamed with Amazon Live to debut its latest model, the 2022 Outlander. The new vehicle, a compact crossover with room for seven, will be built in Japan and begin arriving in U.S. showrooms in April, followed by other markets.
The 2022 Outlander is new from the ground up, although in some ways the important t parts are borrowed, in this case from Nissan. You see, Nissan, Renault, and Mitsubishi comprise a global partnership or alliance, with Mitsubishi the latest member. The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is the first model derived from that expanded relationship. It appears that it’s based on the Nissan Rogue platform, although we can’t confirm it.
Bold Exterior Styling
What we can say is that the look borrows design elements from previous Mitsubishi models, while striking out in a fresh direction. The front fascia is bold, dominated by LED headlights and accent lighting that help give this crossover a more substantial presence.
It’s a muscular layout with a squared hood, strong shoulders, pronounced body sculpting, and notable signature lines. Buff wheel wells, big wheels, and a crisp rear fascia combine to give the 2022 Outlander a substantial presence. Compact SUVs have come a long way and the top-selling models reflect a more sophisticated stance.
Modern and Handsome Interior
Just as the exterior benefits from significant updates, the interior receives a complete overhaul. Of course, the models featured on Amazon Live were top-end trims with quilted leather interiors and upgraded trim pieces. In any case, the Outlander comes with standard three-row seating, numerous storage compartments and pockets, USB-A and USB-C charge ports, 11 airbags, and 18-inch wheels.
Among the available upgrades are 20-inch wheels, Mitsubishi’s Mi-PILOT Assist driver asst system with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, integrated navigation, a 10.8-inch full-color head-up display, a connectivity suite, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. Further, Mitsubishi offers a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch touch-screen display, wireless charging, Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay.
With standard seating for seven, the 2022 Outlander flies in the face of the five-seat convention common to this segment. Of course, we haven’t been inside the vehicle, but we think the third row will be tight, with limited legroom.
An Inline-Four and a CVT
Powering every model is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission. In the Nissan Rogue, that engine produces an even 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. We think the engine will receive similar tuning in the Mitsubishi, but that remains to be said.
We do know that the Outlander will come in standard front-wheel drive with available all-wheel drive. A drive mode selector comes with both versions. In two-wheel-drive models, it’ll have five distinct settings to six with all-wheel drive.
Flagship Mitsubishi Model
Mitsubishi describes the Outlander as the flagship of the brand’s fleet. Thus, it likely will remain the largest model unless it secures a larger platform from Nissan. We don’t think that’s part of the plan as Mitsubishi is traditionally a maker of small vehicles. The brand will also see its electrification options expand in keeping with an industry trend. Likely, we’ll see a return of the Outlander PHEV, although no mention of that model was made during the reveal.
The 2022 Outlander starts at $25,795, plus a $1,195 destination charge ($1,220 in Alaska and Hawai’i). When the Outlander arrives in April, SE Launch Edition and SEL Launch Edition models will kick things off. Later, SE, SEL, and SEL Touring trims will follow. Seven exterior color choices and a handful of appearance packages will provide customization options for buyers.
Auto Trends will offer more details, including specifications and pricing closer to the Outlander’s release date.
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV
Please click on photos for a full view.
See Also — What’s Up With Mitsubishi?
Photos copyright Mitsubishi Motors of America.