Despite its relatively long history in the automotive industry, Mitsubishi doesn’t have a reputation as remarkable as competitors like Toyota, Honda, and Subaru. That’s especially the case with Mitsubishi’s current crop of offerings, which are unpopular with buyers and critics alike. Consumer Reports shares that opinion — the review site doesn’t recommend a single 2022 model from the Japanese automaker. Here’s how the lineup performed when CR tested the latest offerings.
Mitsubishi badge on a car’s grille | Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
2022 Mitsubishi Mirage
With a below-average score, the Mitsubishi Mirage received the lowest overall rating of all 2022 Mitsubishi models that Consumer Reports tested.
According to CR, the Mirage is decently affordable, with a $14,645 starting price.
Also, this subcompact car offers excellent fuel economy at 37 mpg. That number is significantly better than what drivers get with class-leading models such as the highly rated Nissan Versa and Hyundai Accent.
Make an appearance in the 2022 Mirage G4.The sleek exterior design will turn heads as easily as it turns into parking spaces. https://t.co/CQtlbDoVij#MitsubishiMotors #Mitsubishi #MirageG4 pic.twitter.com/fqqkUU32lt
— Mitsubishi Motors USA (@mitsucars) December 17, 2021
However, the 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage performed dismally on Consumer Reports’ road test, getting an abysmal score. Reasons for this low rating are an underpowered engine, noisy cabin, clumsy handling, and poor driving experience.
Thanks to those problems and a few other issues, most buyers probably wouldn’t be satisfied with the car; hence a below-average predicted owner satisfaction rating.
Finally, although CR predicts the 2022 Mirage’s reliability won’t be outstanding, it won’t be terrible either. So an average predicted reliability rating seems fair for this subcompact.
2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
With a middling overall score, the 2022 Eclipse Cross performs significantly better than the Mirage, especially on Consumer Reports road tests, where it scored decently.
According to CR’s road test report, the Eclipse Cross has some creditable features. They include a roomy back seat, easy access, and safety technology such as auto emergency braking and forward-collision warning.
Nevertheless, Consumer Reports notes the driving experience isn’t worth bragging about. The front visibility, front-seat comfort, acceleration, and agility are mediocre or substandard.
In addition, CR’s member surveys imply that just over half of current Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross owners would consider purchasing the vehicle again. The rest are dissatisfied, so this crossover’s predicted satisfaction rating mirrors the Mirage’s at just below average.
As for predicted reliability, Mitsubishi’s reputation comes into play, resulting in an above-average score.
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander
Another compact SUV, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander earned the same overall score as the Eclipse Cross. That’s despite performing better on the road test. Mitsubishi enlisted the help of Nissan in redesigning the Outlander, which boasts a few notable improvements.
For instance, the handling is decent, it comes with a third row of seats as standard (surprising for an SUV of its size), and the transmission is responsive. But CR notes a problem with the steering wheel’s quick turn-in response in cornering situations. Other issues that prevent the Outlander from getting a higher score include wind noise in the cabin and choppy ride quality.
Nonetheless, the positives are enough to increase the predicted overall owner satisfaction. Thus, the Outlander gets an above-average score in that area. However, its below-average predicted reliability rating is one of the main reasons the 2022 Outlander doesn’t score well overall. It’s worth noting CR’s predicted reliability rating is spot-on because the vehicle has already seen a few recalls since its release.
2022 Outlander Sport
Last is the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, a subcompact version of the Outlander. In addition to being smaller, the former is also cheaper. With its smaller chassis, the vehicle can navigate cramped parking lots well, which is a positive.
Because Consumer Reports hasn’t tested the 2022 Outlander Sport, its road test score is unavailable. However, CR already provided the predicted reliability and owner satisfaction scores of just above average.
Keyword: Not 1 Mitsubishi Model Is Recommended by Consumer Reports