The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Makes Its Global Debut In 20 Days

No, stop asking for a new Lancer Evolution - that's just not happening.

It's been a fairly long run, but in just under three weeks we'll be seeing the next generation Mitsubishi Outlander make its global debut. Mitsubishi doesn't have very many models to shout about these days, so when something new comes along it's important to pay attention.

We'll have to accept that they would not be releasing a new Lancer, or an Evolution XI for the foreseeable future. It's not something that Mitsubishi fans would like to hear, but the reality is that the market has moved on from sedans. Crossovers and SUVs are the name of the game, and for a relatively small car maker with a relatively small budget, they have to hedge their bets where the money will be.

Mitsubishi's tagline for the new Outlander is "Tested to be Tough" - which is fair considering it's an SUV that seems like it can actually head off the beaten path. Mitsubishi's heritage lies not only with rally, but with off-roading as well - their Malaysian arm has actively competed in the Borneo Safari for the past few years, and they do field a team in the Paris Dakar as well.

That expertise trickles down to their road-going models as well, and the Outlander is sure to benefit from their understanding of loose and difficult surfaces. It looks like it'll still be a three-row proposition depending on the variant selected, but it will also debut the latest version of the Super All-Wheel Control all-wheel-drive system that gives their models excellent traction in tricky conditions.

What has changed between the previous and current model is the fact that this model comes after the solidifying of their partnership with the Renault-Nissan Alliance, meaning that it may borrow a number of components from the current Nissan Rogue - including the 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle variant is also expected to return.