“I get by with a little help from my friends,” is a line from a basic Beatles music. It might additionally apply to Mitsubishi — a member of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance — that makes use of the Nissan Rogue framework for the 2022 Outlander.
Sharing has its advantages, comparable to spreading improvement prices over a wider buyer base. The trick is to create totally different sufficient identities for the Rogue and the Outlander in order that there’s purpose to purchase one or the opposite, whether or not it comes right down to fashion or functionality or model loyalty.
The new Outlander largely succeeds on this entrance with touches that make it appear to be a Mitsubishi.
Compared with the outgoing Outlander, the brand new mannequin is barely longer, 5 centimetres wider and 4 centimetres taller. The wheelbase — the gap between the centrelines of the entrance and rear wheels — will increase 3.5 centimetres. Most of those dimensions are an identical or carefully much like the Rogue’s.
That’s solely a part of the story, although. The new Outlander’s rugged presence is much superior to the earlier model’s considerably dated design. The entrance finish can also be extra huge trying than the Rogue’s, particularly the grille and headlight surrounds. The remainder of the bodywork differs barely from the Nissan’s.
The Outlander is bigger than earlier than, most noticeably within the width division. The key dimensions are understandably shut the Nissan Rogue’s for the reason that two are based mostly on the identical platform. PHOTO: MITSUBISHI
The Outlander’s inside additionally differs in seating capability. As earlier than — and in contrast to the Rogue — a two-person third row is normal, though the tight quarters means it’s finest for infrequent use or babies. Both second- and third-row seats are cut up folding, which lets you configure a wide range of passenger and cargo preparations. Front-row of us get a beautiful dashboard and management panel that’s fronted by a dominant touch-screen.
The Outlander makes use of an almost an identical 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine to the Rogue that makes 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. For the Outlander, that’s a pleasant little bump over the earlier base four-cylinder that produced 166 horsepower and 162 pound-feet. The beforehand elective 3.0-litre V-6 with 224 horses and 215 pound-feet has been put out to pasture.
The 2.5 in all fairness muscular and considerably growly below arduous acceleration, nevertheless it offers simply 2,000 kilos (910 kg) of towing capability in contrast with 3,500 kilos (1,590 kg) for the outgoing V-6-powered mannequin.
The Outlander is definitely fairly massive, though not fairly massive sufficient to do justice to a third-row seat. PHOTO: MITSUBISHI
The Outlander’s repeatedly variable transmission comes with eight built-in steps that considerably copies a standard geared automated. All-wheel-drive is normal for all trims.
Fuel consumption is rated at 9.7 l/100 km within the metropolis, 7.9 on the freeway and eight.9 mixed. That’s barely increased than the Rogue’s 9.2/7.2/8.3 numbers (with AWD). The Nissan is a bit lighter, which could account for among the distinction.
All Outlander fashions include Eco, Normal, Tarmac (pavement), Gravel, Snow and Mud settings that adjust the engine, transmission and steering programming.
The base ES — one in every of 5 totally different variants — lists for $33,900, together with vacation spot charges. Included within the value is dual-zone local weather management, six-speaker audio system, 8.0-inch show plus quite a lot of active-safety applied sciences comparable to blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert that assists when backing up.
The Outlander SEL’s quilted upholstery is a pleasant high-end contact even when they distinction a reasonably featureless stretch of dashboard. PHOTO: MITSUBISHI
Depending on the trim, the remainder of the sector comes with objects comparable to a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated entrance seats, 9.0-inch touch-screen with navigation, and a multi-view digital camera.
The range-topping GT ($45,100) comes with tri-zone local weather management, quilted leather-based seat covers, a power-adjustable passenger seat and a 12.3-inch digital driver’s info show.
By mid-2022, Mitsubishi says it can launch a brand new Outlander PHEV (plug-in hybrid) with added energy and electrical vary than the present carryover model.
The bolder-looking Outlander is a big enchancment from the earlier mannequin in practically each respect, though experience high quality over bumps and damaged pavement is a bit jarring and the transmission permits the engine to really feel prefer it’s free-wheeling below arduous acceleration. But the redesign is the sort of jolt the nameplate must compete with the class’s heavy-hitters, together with the Rogue.
PHOTO: MITSUBISHI
What you need to know: 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander
Type: All-wheel-drive midsize utility car
Engine (h.p.): 2.5-litre I-4 (181)
Transmission: Continuously variable (CVT)
Market place: The first Mitsubishi car that’s a product of the Renault alliance does an admirable job of separating itself from the Nissan Rogue, which is on a shared platform. Thus the Outlander turns into a section contender.
Points: New styling considerably resembles the Nissan Rogue’s, solely bolder. • Interior is extra premium-looking, particularly the upper trim ranges. • The plug-in hybrid model is anticipated by mid-2022. • The four-cylinder engine is aggressive on this class. • Third-row seat isn’t appropriate for adults or bigger kids; there’s simply not sufficient room.
Driver help: Blind-spot warning with cross-traffic backup alert (std.); energetic cruise management (choose.); entrance and rear emergency braking (std.); driver-attention alert (std.); lane-departure warning (std.); pedestrian detection (std.)
L/100 km (metropolis/hwy): 9.7/7.9
Base value (incl. vacation spot): $33,900
BY COMPARISON
Honda CR-V
- Base value: $32,700
- Cabin has loads of room for 5. Standard turbo I-4 makes 190 h.p. AWD is choose.
Volkswagen Tiguan
- Base value: $35,150
- One of the bigger fashions in its class has 184 hp. AWD, third-row seat are elective.
Toyota RAV-4
- Base value: $30,800
- Standard 203-hp I-4. Two hybrids, together with a plug-in, can be found. AWD is choose.
– written by Malcom Gunn, Managing Partner at Wheelbase Media
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