How safe is the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander? 2.5-litre petrol version of midsize SUV gets top marks

The Outlander outperformed every other midsize SUV in Vulnerable Road User tests.

Mitsubishi's Outlander SUV received top marks for safety, outperforming all of its midsize SUV competitors in some tests.

The Outlander received the maximum five-star rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), but for now, the rating extends to naturally aspirated 2.5-liter petrol versions.

But an environmentally friendly plug-in hybrid version due early this year doesn't make it into the rankings.

The Outlander scored 83% in the Adult Occupant Protection section of the tests, with full scores in the side impact and oblique pole tests.

Even though the Outlander is equipped with a front center airbag to reduce injury between passengers, the SUV did not meet ANCAP requirements and was fined.

However, under stringent test protocols for 2020-2022, it received the highest score for protecting children in the car with a score of 92%.

The Outlander also scored the highest of any midsize SUV in the Vulnerable Road User tests with 81 percent.

In the last test category, Safety Assist, the Outlander scored 83%.

The ANCAP said the autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system was responsive to other stationary, braking and decelerating vehicles, and the SUV avoided collisions when turning into the path of an oncoming vehicle. It received full scores for the lane keeping assist test.

Despite high ratings, the Outlander's head-protecting side airbags do not extend beyond the second row to the third row in seven-seat variants. 

Mitsubishi says the seven-seat Outlander is a "5+2" model, with the third-row retractable seats meant for occasional use.

According to ANCAP CEO Carla Horweg, ANCAP evaluates the coverage of side curtain airbags for all rows of seats, including the third row, where the seats are permanent. Folding or removable seats are excluded from the assessment of airbag coverage.

Standard safety equipment fitted to the new generation Outlander includes lane keeping assist, stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, speed sign recognition, wide spectrum AEB and 11 airbags.

Ms. Horweg praised Mitsubishi's efforts to improve the Outlander's safety over its predecessor.

“The new Outlander offers a great safety package and all-inclusive package. Mitsubishi pays special attention to the safety of passengers and other road users in the new Outlander, and this five-star result is commendable.”