First Impressions
Yesterday we received our very first 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander. The ’22 Outlander is an all-new model with a fresh redesign. Mitsubishi touts this as one of the best vehicles it has ever created. That being the case, I couldn’t wait to drive it around.
Leaving West Mitsubishi’s store in Orland, I headed East on Highway 32 towards Chico, California. I brought along both my iPhone 12 Pro as well as my Samsung S21, because I wanted to test out both Android Auto and Apple Car Play. The Outlander is also set up to handle Amazon Echo Auto, but I didn’t test out that feature because, frankly, I don’t use it.
This entry-level ES model was equipped with a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine. There was still plenty of power to get up and go when I wished to do so. As any traveler of Highway 32 between Orland and Chico can attest, there are almost always going to be opportunities to pass a slower-moving vehicle. The ’22 Outlander handled the task like a champ! And the engine in question allows fuel economy ratings to exceed 30 miles per gallon on the highway.
For part of my drive, I turned off the music completely and drove in silence. The car is well insulated. Most of the outside noise was eliminated, even at Highway speeds. I was also impressed by the way it gripped the street. It does indeed seem like an upgrade from the previous model.
The design of the vehicle finally gives the car a look that’s worthy of the quality put into its build. This vehicle looks like the luxury SUV it happens to be. With one of the longest warranties in the industry – a 10 year / 100,000 mile powertrain warranty – an owner doesn’t have mechanical issues to worry about for a very, very long time.
Speaking of Mitsubishi Quality
What may come as a surprise to some is the fact that JD Power and Associates, in their 2020 initial quality survey, named Mitsubishi as the top Japanese brand, ahead of both Honda and Toyota. That’s really not much of a surprise to the rest of the world: Mitsubishi quality seems better known outside of the USA than inside. That fact seems to be quickly changing, however, and Mitsubishi is finally beginning to receive the recognition it deserves.
This particular Outlander was an entry-level model, but it still came equipped with features such as collision avoidance as well as sensors to help the drive be aware of whether or not another vehicle is in a blindspot. There are also 5 available drive modes.
Legendary Mitsubishi Safety
I haven’t personally been involved in an auto accident while driving or riding in a Mitsubishi. However, one of West Mitsubishi’s managers was involved in such a crash. The crashed vehicle in the photo shown here is a 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. 
It was being driven at 55 miles per hour when an impatient driver pulled out in front. With no time to avoid a collision, the impact was at full speed. Because of the safety features built into all Mitsubishi vehicles, the driver of this Outlander Sport walked away unhurt. The crumple zones did their job, absorbing most of the energy from the crash, and the airbags did what they were designed to do as well.
This is the type of safety that keeps drivers alive, and every Mitsubishi comes equipped with it. Should you be interested in seeing this crashed vehicle for yourself, it is available for your inspection at West Mitsubishi‘s Orland, California location.
Photo Gallery of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander
I have a hard time deciding which photos to keep and which to toss. I’m choosing to simply share every photo I shot of this vehicle. These snapshot were taken on either an iPhone 12 Pro or a Samsung Galaxy S21. The same is true for the videos which follow.
More information about the car can be found on West Mitsubishi’s website: WestMitsubishi.com
Video Gallery of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander
There following videos are raw footage, recorded with the intention of creating one edited, final walk-around video of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander. As more of these new Outlanders roll in, more walk-around videos and review videos will be made available on West Mitsubishi’s official YouTube page. You can also find photos and walk-around videos on West Mitsubishi’s Facebook page.