An Outlander resurrection
Nissan helps Mitsubishi rejuvenate compact SUV
Redesign, reboot, revamp. Mitsubishi teamed up with Nissan in 2022 to make a last-ditch effort to save the now fourth generation Outlander from extinction, by utilizing Nissan’s compact crossover Rogue platform. In typical Nissan fashion, it did as best as it could, while typical Mitsubishi, the struggle is still real.
The Outlander has a 2.5-liter dual overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. torque. With these numbers you would think power would be more than sufficient, but it is in fact the opposite. It is so underpowered that it actually is on the brink of being unsatisfactory while coming in with a zeroto-60 mph time of just over 8.5 seconds. For Mitsubishi this is normal as it is notorious for cutting every “costcorner” in attempts to keep the price point as low as possible for consumers. In addition to the underpowered four-cylinder engine, we notice the continued failure of the eight-speed continuously variable transmission in the Outlander. The fake shift integration helped with the continuous whine that normally exudes from normal CVTs, but in Grasso’s Garage, we are smarter than that. That snowmobile-like transmission is cheaply designed, exceptionally loud and one that we disapprove of.
Steering is light and responsive with limited body roll which was nicely proportioned; thanks Nissan. The wider platform came with more elbow room and a more spacious interior cabin; one that is comfortable for all passengers. The third row seating also came standard while storage capacity was 78.3 cubic feet overall. Our SEL model was nicely optioned with a 9-inch infotainment system thanks to Nissan and one with navigation. A wireless charging pad was also present. Three trim models are available on the Outlander, beginning at around $27,000. In our SEL model, a touring package was added that included heated steering wheel, 10.8” heads-up display, Bose stereo system and panoramic sunroof. This totaled $2,700.
The 2022 Outlander is light years better than previous generations and with the Nissan team on board, you can tell the look and feel are both better than before, but still targeted for the mass market. The upscale interior was certainly comfortable and nicely designed, which is a win for Mitsubishi as its historic lackluster-produced vehicles struggle with appeal with a limited customer base. Although the Outlander is way better than the third generation, it’s not that nice as the ending result is still blah at best.
If a mass-market compact SUV is your goal and having a family commuter is your need, while maintaining under that $35,000, the 2022 Outlander might be for you.
Grasso’s Garage is here for you! Are you in the market for a new car? I would be happy to provide my honest input. Just email me: marc.grasso@bostonherald. com.