What Is Mitsubishi’s Best Midsize SUV?
Mitsubishi might only have one mid-size SUV, but the Outlander is offered in a gas-powered engine or a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Written by Andrea Barrett
Reviewed by Amy Bobinger
If you’re looking for a mid-size SUV, Mitsubishi only has one option: the Outlander. But with a choice of powertrains, endless options and upgrades, and an NHTSA Top Safety Pick+ award, you can’t go wrong.
Lately, there’s been an increased demand for compact and subcompact SUVs that exude capability and practicality but still fit a tight budget. But for larger families or people who need more cargo space, a mid-size SUV may be a better option. And if you’re looking for practicality and capability with groundbreaking performance technology, look no further than the Mitsubishi Outlander.
With only one mid-size SUV to choose from, you may think you won’t have much choice, but you actually get plenty of customization options with the Outlander. Ready to dive into the details of the Mitsubishi Outlander and find out what makes it such a great mid-size SUV?
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Mitsubishi Outlander insurance costs
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Does Mitsubishi have a midsize SUV?
Yes—but just one! The seven-passenger, three-row Outlander is Mitsubishi’s only mid-size SUV in their lineup. Below it, you’ll find the
Outlander Sport
, a slightly smaller five-passenger version of the Outlander, and the Eclipse Cross
, the brand’s affordable compact SUV. Without a minivan or full-size SUV in their lineup, the Outlander is the largest SUV Mitsubishi sells. What makes a midsize SUV?
When considering a sedan, the definitions of subcompact, compact, mid-size, and full-size are all pretty specific. But when it comes to an SUV, there’s no concrete definition for what differentiates compact from mid-size. But technically speaking, a midsize SUV is bigger than a compact SUV and smaller than a full-size SUV.
So, while the Outlander may be Mitsubishi’s largest SUV, why isn’t it considered full-size? The average length of a full-size SUV ranges from 195 to 205 inches long, but the Outlander is only 185.4 inches in length, making it roughly ten inches shy of a full-size SUV.
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport a midsize SUV?
No—the smaller cousin of the Outlander, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, is a compact crossover SUV, not a midsize SUV. With seating for only five and a shorter wheelbase and length, the Outlander Sport fits between the midsize Outlander and the compact Eclipse Cross.
Outlander: the best midsize Mitsubishi SUV
Now let’s take a closer look at the two options for Mitsubishi’s midsize SUV: the Outlander and the Outlander Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV). These two SUVs are practically identical, but one has a slightly more wallet-friendly advantage over the other.
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander
MSRP range: $28,340 to $36,690
MPG: 26 mpg combined (24 city/30 highway)
Seating for: Up to 7 passengers
The completely redesigned Mitsubishi Outlander sports a sci-fi-like exterior and an upscale cabin, making it a solid contender in the saturated SUV market. Compared to its predecessor, it’s been upgraded just about everywhere—better driving dynamics, better handling, and a quiet and comfortable interior. And while it may not beat rivals in terms of popularity, the Outlander puts up stiff competition.
The Mitsubishi Outlander has two powertrain options: a gas-powered engine or a plug-in hybrid electric (we’ll discuss this more below). Under the Outlander’s hood, you’ll find a 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine capable of generating 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Paired exclusively with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), it takes the Outlander from 0–60 in 8.6 seconds. While front-wheel drive is the standard configuration for the Outlander, all-wheel drive is available.
While the Outlander’s acceleration times are on par with other SUVs in its class, it’s slightly less responsive at highway speeds, which isn’t helped by the gearless transmission. But what it may lack in acceleration power, it makes up for with improved agility and composure. The steering is balanced and controlled, and it offers a taut ride.
Although performance is good, there’s one high point for the Outlander: safety. It earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. It also has the best active safety features, including rear automatic emergency braking, MiPilot Assists, and a multi-view camera.
Inside the Outlander, you’ll find a newly redesigned cabin with upscale materials and modern finishes. Passengers in the first two rows will enjoy the extra hip and legroom, but while the Outlander gains an additional two seats over smaller models, the third row isn’t designed for people with long legs.
However, cargo space is plentiful in the Outlander, with a total of 79.7 cubic feet with the second and third-row seats folded. You’ll also find standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as available features like a 10-speaker Bose audio system, wireless device charging, and the subscription-based Mitsubishi Connect app with remote services.
Highlights include:
- Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
- Heated seating
- Push-button ignition
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Advanced driving aids: Forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, rear parking sensors, driver attention warning
Weaknesses include:
- Pokey powertrain at high speeds
- Cramped third row (not fit for adults)
- Voice controls aren't helpful
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
MSRP range: $38,290 to $43,990
MPG: 26 mpg/74 MPGe
Seating for: 5 passengers
You’ll also find the Outlander in a more fuel-friendly, plug-in hybrid. While the 2022 model year didn’t receive the same facelift as the gas-powered version, you will find a redesigned model for 2023. The Outlander PHEV is a good consideration for anyone who likes the Outlander but wants something a little more wallet-friendly.
Many of the features are similar to the regular Outlander, but the PHEV does have the obvious advantage of electric-only driving, and the new battery pack extends the electric range to about 24 miles. The 2022 model also received upgrades that minimize noise, making for a quieter and more comfortable ride.
But unlike the Outlander, the Outlander PHEV has Mitsubishi's all-wheel-drive as a standard feature. If you have a big family, note that the PHEV does lose the third-row seats. Still, it packs a good amount of cargo space, with 62.8 cubic feet behind the front seats, slightly less than the Outlander’s 79.7 cubic feet.
While the Outlander PHEV has a long warranty and DC fast charging capability, it does come with a rather expensive price tag for what you’re getting, especially compared to its main rival, the
Toyota RAV4 Prime
. Highlights include:
- DC fast-charging capability
- Heated side mirrors
- Proximity entry and push-button start
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable, heated front seats
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
- Advanced driving aids: Forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, rear parking sensors, driver attention warning
Weaknesses include:
- Dodgy build quality
- Slow acceleration
- No third row
- Small gas tank
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs. 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV comparison
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander | 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | |
|---|---|---|
Starting MSRP | $28,340 | $38,290 |
Seating capacity | Up to seven | Five |
Fuel economy | 26 combined mpg | 26 combined mpg/74 MPGe |
Base engine | 2.5-liter four-cylinder (181 hp, 181 lb-ft of torque) | 2.4-liter four-cylinder (126 hp, 147 lb-ft of torque) + battery |
Total cargo volume | 79.7 cubic feet | 62.8 cubic feet |
Maximum towing capacity | 2,000 lbs | 1,500 lbs |
NHTSA safety rating | Five stars | Five stars |
Reliability scores | 77/100 (U.S. News), 72/100 (J.D. Power), 57/100 (Consumer Reports) | N/A (U.S. News), N/A (J.D. Power), N/A (Consumer Reports) |
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The bottom line
The Mitsubishi Outlander has a lot of strengths and offers good value for the money. For anyone looking to save on fuel bills, the PHEV might be an enticing offer—but the reviews aren't as good, and it loses the third row, even though it’s cramped. If you’re looking for more cargo space, good fuel economy, and a smooth and comfortable ride, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is a solid pick.
And even if you’re not keen on shelling out an arm and a leg, the SE trim is worth it. For just a small price jump, you get all the features of the base ES, plus a power liftgate, keyless entry, and Mitsubishi's Mi-Pilot collection of driver assistance systems.
Best midsize SUV competitors
The Outlander may be Mitsubishi’s only mid-size SUV, but it’s not the only good midsize SUV available. If you’re considering the Outlander, some of its rivals may also be worth checking out:
- 2022Toyota RAV4($28,310 starting MSRP): The RAV4 combines comfort, practicality, and style at an affordable price—and it comes in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
- 2022Volkswagen Tiguan($27,785 starting MSRP): With sporty handling, a spacious cabin, and available third-row seating, the Tiguan offers excellent flexibility and value.
- 2022Nissan Rogue($28,655 starting MSRP): With the perfect mix of practicality and value, the Nissan Rogue is a solid, well-rounded crossover SUV.
How to save on Mitsubishi insurance
While the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Outlander PHEV may have a lot in common, there’s one big place they differ:
car insurance
rates. Thanks to the higher cost of repairing the hybrid powertrain, insurance tends to fall on the pricier end for the Outlander PHEV. So, while you may be saving a few dollars on gas, you may be better off sticking to the slightly less-efficient Outlander. But no matter which option you choose, you can still save when you shop around with a comparison app like
Jerry
.Our
trustworthy insurance comparison app
broses rates from over 55 top insurers to find you the most competitive quotes in seconds. Whether you’re looking for a new policy to cover your Outlander or upgrade your current one to save costs, Jerry has your back. “I honestly didn’t think I could be so satisfied with a car insurance service, butJerryeasily saved me $125/month. I was looking for Progressive and Jerry found a great plan for me!” —Brianna L.
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