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

Mitsubishi’s Outlander SUV has been given top marks for safety, topping all of its medium SUV rivals in some tests.

The Outlander achieved the maximum five-star rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), but for now, the rating covers the 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol versions.

But the eco-friendly plug-in hybrid version, due early this year, is not covered by the rating.

The Outlander scored 83 per cent for the Adult Occupant Protection section of the tests, with full marks for side impact and oblique pole tests.

Despite the fact that the Outlander is fitted with a front centre airbag to help reduce occupant-to-occupant injury, the SUV didn’t meet ANCAP’s requirements and was penalised.

It did however achieve the highest score for Child Occupant Protection under the strict 2020-2022 testing protocols, with a 92 per cent score.

The Outlander also scored the highest out of any medium SUV so far for the Vulnerable Road User tests with 81 per cent.

In the final test category, Safety Assist, the Outlander ended up with 83 per cent.

ANCAP said the autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system reacted to other stationary, braking and slowing vehicles, and the SUV avoided crashes when turning into the path of an oncoming vehicle. It was awarded full points for the lane keeping aid test.

Despite the high scores, the Outlander’s head-protecting curtain airbags do not stretch beyond the second row to the third row in seven-seat variants. 

Mitsubishi says the Outlander seven-seater is a “5 + 2” model and that the stowable third-row seats are for occasional use.

According to ANCAP chief executive officer, Carla Hoorweg, ANCAP assesses side curtain airbag coverage for all seating rows, including third row, where the seating is permanent. Foldable or removable seats are excluded from airbag coverage assessment.

Standard safety gear fitted to the new-generation Outlander includes lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, speed sign recognition, broad-spectrum AEB and 11 airbags.

Ms Hoorweg praised Mitsubishi’s efforts to improve safety in the Outlander compared with its predecessor.

“The new Outlander offers an excellent safety package and is a comprehensive offering. Mitsubishi have clearly prioritised the safety of both vehicle occupants and other road users in the new Outlander, and should be applauded for this five-star result.”