Mitsubishi Outlander Range: Everything You Need To Know
Is the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander a good car? Let’s find out by taking a closer look at the current model in South Africa and by exploring the new Mitsubishi Outlander which has been launched in overseas markets. We will also answer some popular questions about this modern, stylish, robust and award-winning SUV.
Mitsubishi Outlander Range
While the new Mitsubishi Outlander has a 135kW/245Nm 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the South Africa variant is slightly different.
It has a 2.4-litre MIVEC DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine delivering 123 kW @ 6,000rpm and 222 Nm @ 4,100rpm. There is also talk of launching a new plug-in hybrid variant but there is no confirmation yet whether it will be available locally.
What’s New On The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Using Mitsubishi’s “Dynamic Shield” design style, the new Outlander looks tough as nails but without losing any curb appeal. The sleek design lines and modern finishing coupled with good ground clearance and an aggressive front grille give this SUV a muscular appearance.
On the outside, the latest Outlander has horizontal grille bars, a large six-element with LED headlights that you can’t help but admire. At the rear are jet tail fin pillars which took inspiration from the vertical tail of aeroplanes. Apart from adding to the overall look, it’s an expression of the vehicle’s powerful and nimble road performance.
Like many luxury cars today, the new Mitsubishi Outlander does come with a sunroof but only certain variants. Abroad, the Outlander Exceed and the Exceed Tourer models come standard with a sunroof.
The Mitsubishi Outlander Interior
Adding to the streamlined exterior is the plush, luxurious and feature-rich interior with great attention to detail. The four-spoke, the multi-function steering wheel is a real hit while the window switches, scroll wheels, and drive mode knob is designed with quality and function in mind.
The new Mitsubishi Outlander has auto-electric windows on all four doors and quilted leather in the top-end model. As you’d expect from a car of this calibre, the start button is in an easy-to-reach position on the dashboard and the gear lever doesn’t wiggle as it often does in many other cars.
For the price, it feels like you are getting more than you bargained for.
“With the powerful, chiselled bodywork and a premium cabin, it is totally reimagined and will be highly competitive in the mid-sized SUV class,” explained Jeffrey Allison, Mitsubishi Motors South Africa’s general manager of marketing.
Is The New Mitsubishi Outlander A 7-Seater?
While the Mitsubishi Outlander does have a third row of seats, it may be a tight fit for adults compared to the previous model. However, there is more than enough head and legroom for the driver, front passenger and those in the second row along with sufficient cargo space for groceries, school bags and other goodies.
Can The New Mitsubishi Outlander Go Off-Road?
The new Mitsubishi Outlander range offers a choice of AWD with 4×4 on demand, or front-wheel drive (FWD). This means that AWD models operate mostly as front-wheel-drive cars to save on fuel, but they can also send torque to the rear wheels when extra traction is needed.
With 4×4 on demand, drivers get the option to keep the car in constant AWD when going off-road or know you will come across difficult driving conditions such as mud, sand or snow. Speaking of snow, the Outlander’s snow mode performs exceptionally well, provided you fit good quality tyres.
The system responds quickly when remapping the throttle, transmission, and stability control responses. This makes the new Mitsubishi Outlander seem more stable and controlled despite inclement weather or rough terrain.
Is the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander a safe car?
Not only is the new Mitsubishi Outlander a good-looking SUV but it also has a five-star safety rating from independent assessor ANCAP. With dual frontal, side chest-protecting and side head-protecting curtain airbags, as well as a centre airbag and a driver’s knee airbag, it achieved the following scores:
- 92% for ‘child occupant protection’
- 83% for ‘safety assist’ and ‘adult occupant protection’
- 81% for ‘vulnerable road user protection’
It’s not surprising that the new Mitsubishi Outlander received such high safety ratings since all of the models in the range have eight airbags and many other standard safety features, including
- autonomous emergency braking
- reverse camera
- front and rear parking sensors
- lane-departure warning
- lane-keep assist
- adaptive cruise control
- blind-spot monitoring with braking support
- traffic-sign recognition
- driver attention alert
Is The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Economical?
The most fuel-efficient model in the Outlander range is the five-seater ES FWD. Mitsubishi claims that it uses 7.5 litres/100km on a combined cycle. It is slightly more economical than the current Mitsubishi Outlander in South Africa with 8.2 litres/100km.
Has The Mitsubishi Outlander Won Any Awards?
For the first time since 1954, Mitsubishi was featured on the awards list, winning the iF DESIGN AWARD 2022. This award recognised the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV for its form, function and differentiation.
The all-new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the automaker’s flagship model which combines the best in electrification and all-wheel control technologies. It also utilises a new-generation platform and a wide range of advanced technologies.
That’s not all as the new Outlander has also won the Japan New Car Assessment: Performance (JNCAP) Safety Award.
Mitsubishi Outlander In South Africa
Considering the new look and luxurious interior with loads of safety and comfort features, the new Outlander is a worthy contender in a tough segment. While several models have already been launched in overseas markets, there is no confirmation yet of what we can expect to see in South Africa.
One thing is certain; we love this creative energy shown by Mitsubishi and will keep you posted on any developments in this space. Until then, contact our experienced sales team in Kuils River to find out more about the Mitsubishi Outlander and all the other models in our showroom.
