The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander reflects the automaker’s hard work to improve its compact SUV. This small crossover sat out the 2021 model year, and in that time, Mitsubishi made good use of its partnership with Nissan and Renault. The goal was to lift the Outlander from the bottom of its segment and make it competitive for the 2022 model year.

In addition to offering the compact Outlander, the brand also sells the subcompact Outlander Sport. But the latter hasn’t seen a redesign since its 2011 debut. Significant differences exist between the two models, and some might surprise you.

A look at the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

One big advantage the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander has is that it’s all-new with more tech features than the Outlander Sport. With the Outlander, you can get a 9.0-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. Mitsubishi says it also has an available 10.8-inch head-up display, wireless device charging, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel.  

In addition, the new Outlander’s cabin has more room and is swankier than Outlander Sport’s interior. The former boasts 28 more cubic feet of passenger space. It’s also available with three rows of seating, giving the Outlander flexibility. However, don’t expect much room in that third row — it’s still a compact SUV.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander also has better safety features than its subcompact sibling. Driver drowsiness monitor, blind-spot monitoring, rear collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alerts are all standard features.

It’s probably no surprise that the new Outlander also has a power advantage over the Outlander Sport. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 181 hp. The Outlander Sport’s most potent engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder making only 168-hp.  

Keep in mind that although the Outlander has more power, acceleration is somewhat leisurely with its continuously variable automatic transmission. 

Surprisingly, both get 27 mpg combined in fuel economy.

Overview of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport may not be as up-to-date as the Outlander, but it’s more affordable. The new Sport starts at $22,335, including destination fees and mandatory packages. The Outlander starts at around $27,150, a more than $4,000 difference between the two models. 

With those savings, you could get a higher Outlander Sport trim or buy more gas. You’ll need it for the foreseeable future.

The Outlander Sport might also be a better choice if you live in the city. It’s 13.5 inches shorter than the Outlander in length. And it’s narrower than the Outlander in width by 3.5 inches. The Sport’s smaller size makes it easier to park and navigate in congested areas. 

So, which Mitsubishi SUV does it better?

The clear winner here is the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander. As an SUV, it offers much more than the dated Outlander Sport. Though the latter costs less and is easier to drive and park thanks to its smaller size, the Outlander boasts more power, space, and features. Plus, it gets similar gas mileage and has updated tech and safety features. 

In addition, it offers more trims: ES, SE, SE Launch Edition, SEL, and SEL Launch Edition. And you can’t beat the optional all-wheel drive for $1,800 and the available seating for seven.

With an impressive number of standard safety and tech features, the standard Outlander ES is fine for most consumers. But if you want more comfort and convenience features, such as heated front seats and a power liftgate, upgrade to at least the SE model.