2022 MITSUBISHI RVR REVIEW

Detailed Review

The 2022 Mitsubishi RVR -also known as the ASX or Outlander Sport in some markets, continues to serve as Mitsubishi’s practical and affordable subcompact SUV, designed for drivers who value reliability, comfort, and urban versatility. With a refreshed exterior, upgraded tech features, and Mitsubishi’s proven drivetrain options, the RVR remains a dependable choice in its class.

The design combines sharp, modern styling with Mitsubishi’s signature “Dynamic Shield” front fascia, giving it a bold and athletic stance. LED headlights and a sculpted front bumper add a premium touch, while compact dimensions make it easy to park and maneuver in tight city spaces.

Under the hood, the RVR offers two petrol engine choices depending on the market: a 1.6-liter and a 2.0-liter MIVEC four-cylinder, paired with either a 5-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission. The 2.0-liter variant delivers steady mid-range power and smooth acceleration, while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency for daily commuting. Optional All-Wheel Control (AWC) enhances traction and stability on rough or slippery roads, giving the RVR mild off-road capability.

For those interested in buying the Mitsubishi RVR, we have prepared a separate Buyer’s Guide with details on what to look out for when purchasing a used model and the common pitfalls to avoid. Click here to purchase the Buyer’s Guide.

2022 Mitsubishi RVR Trim Levels

M (Entry Level):
The base trim emphasizes affordability and simplicity, featuring halogen headlights, fabric seats, manual air conditioning, and a standard infotainment unit with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. It’s ideal for drivers seeking a dependable, low-maintenance compact SUV for daily commuting.

G (Mid-Spec Comfort):
This trim adds LED headlights, alloy wheels, keyless entry with push-button start, and automatic climate control. Inside, you get upgraded materials, a larger touchscreen with smartphone integration, and added safety features. The G trim strikes an excellent balance of comfort, convenience, and value—making it the most popular choice in the RVR lineup.

Black Edition / Active Gear (Sporty Upgrade):
These variants bring a sportier edge with black exterior accents, special alloy wheels, and interior trim enhancements. Some markets include paddle shifters, premium seat upholstery, and LED fog lamps. Perfect for buyers who prefer a stylish and more dynamic look without stepping up to the top grade.

Exceed / GT (Premium):
The range-topping trims feature a panoramic glass roof, leather upholstery, full LED lighting, and advanced safety assists such as forward collision mitigation and lane departure warning. Infotainment upgrades include a larger touchscreen and enhanced audio system. Powered by the 2.0L MIVEC engine with available All-Wheel Control (AWC), these trims deliver both comfort and confidence for long-distance or all-weather driving.

Interior

Legroom & Space

The 2022 Mitsubishi RVR interior emphasizes functionality, comfort, and simplicity, offering a driver-focused layout with solid build quality. The dashboard design is clean and practical, featuring a central touchscreen display (ranging from 7 to 8 inches on most trims) that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with straightforward physical controls for climate and audio functions.

Mitsubishi retains traditional buttons and knobs, which makes operation intuitive and easy to use while driving. The overall cabin feels durable, with a mix of soft-touch materials and hard plastics designed to withstand daily use. Higher trims add premium touches such as contrast stitching, piano-black accents, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel to enhance the upmarket feel.

Passenger comfort is a key strength of the RVR. The front seats offer good bolstering and adjustability, giving drivers a commanding view of the road. Rear-seat passengers enjoy generous headroom and sufficient legroom for a compact SUV, thanks to the RVR’s tall body and wide cabin design. The overall seating position strikes a balance between SUV height and car-like comfort, making it suitable for long drives and daily commutes alike.

The interior layout focuses on practicality and visibility. Large windows and thin pillars enhance outward visibility, while the flat rear floor (on two-wheel-drive versions) helps maximize comfort for the middle passenger. Overall, the RVR’s cabin delivers an easygoing, user-friendly environment well suited for family or city use.

Cabin Storage

The Mitsubishi RVR provides thoughtful storage options throughout the cabin. Front occupants benefit from large door pockets, dual cup holders, and a deep center console bin. The glovebox offers ample space for documents and small items, while convenient USB and 12V outlets are available for charging devices. Rear passengers get seatback pockets and small door bins for additional storage.

Mitsubishi’s practical approach extends to details like a small tray beneath the center stack—ideal for holding a smartphone or wallet. The cabin layout ensures that everyday essentials are within easy reach, reinforcing the RVR’s reputation as a family-friendly and versatile SUV.

Boot Space

The RVR offers a spacious and well-shaped cargo area, with enough room for groceries, strollers, or luggage. With the rear seats upright, capacity is around 430 liters, expanding significantly when the 60:40 split-fold rear seats are folded flat. The wide tailgate opening and low loading lip make loading and unloading effortless.

The square cargo shape ensures maximum usability, and higher trims add a retractable cargo cover for added security. Whether for city errands or weekend adventures, the RVR’s boot space and easy access design make it one of the more practical options in the compact SUV segment.

Exterior

The 2022 Mitsubishi RVR combines a bold SUV presence with clean, contemporary styling that has aged gracefully since its debut. At the front, the RVR wears Mitsubishi’s signature “Dynamic Shield” grille design, framed by sleek LED headlights and chrome accents that convey strength and confidence. The angular bumper lines and sculpted bonnet give it a muscular, modern appearance well suited to urban and off-road settings alike.

From the side, the RVR displays a compact yet athletic stance with defined shoulder lines and slightly flared wheel arches. Depending on the trim, alloy wheel sizes range from 16 to 18 inches, adding to its solid road presence. The black cladding along the lower body and wheel arches reinforces its rugged SUV character, while subtle chrome or gloss-black touches provide a more refined aesthetic.

At the rear, the RVR features LED combination lamps, a tidy tailgate design, and an integrated roof spoiler that enhances both aerodynamics and visual appeal. The high-mounted rear lights and clean bumper design give the SUV a wide, planted look. Updated models also include revised tail light graphics and bumper styling, further modernizing its appearance.

Ground Clearance: approx. 8.3 inches (210 mm)

Safety Features

The Mitsubishi RVR is designed with occupant protection and accident prevention in mind, integrating both traditional safety elements and modern driver-assistance technologies. Standard safety equipment includes multiple airbags (front, side, and curtain), ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Active Stability Control (ASC), and Hill Start Assist (HSA).

Higher trims and later model years feature Mitsubishi’s Advanced Safety Assist package, which adds several intelligent safety technologies such as:

• Forward Collision Mitigation System (FCM)

• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

• Automatic High Beam (AHB)

• Rearview Camera with Parking Sensors

• Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)

The RVR’s body structure incorporates Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) design, which uses high-tensile steel and strategically engineered crumple zones to absorb and redirect impact forces in the event of a collision.

Thanks to its elevated driving position, wide field of view, and robust structural engineering, the RVR offers a secure, confident driving experience. Within the compact SUV category, it remains a well-balanced option for those who value both safety and durability in everyday use.

2022 Mitsubishi RVR Fuel Consumption

1.6L Petrol CVT – approx. 13–15 km/l
1.8L Petrol CVT – approx. 12–14 km/l
2.0L Petrol CVT – approx. 10–12 km/l

2022 Mitsubishi RVR Acceleration

1.6L Petrol CVT: 0–100 km/h in about 12.5 seconds
1.8L Petrol CVT: 0–100 km/h in about 11.5 seconds
2.0L Petrol CVT (4WD): 0–100 km/h in about 10.5 seconds

2022 Mitsubishi RVR Fuel Tank Capacity

63 liters

Service and Maintenance

Spare Parts and Availability

In Kenya, the Mitsubishi RVR benefits from solid spare parts support through official Mitsubishi dealerships and reputable aftermarket suppliers. Routine service parts like filters, spark plugs, and brake components are easily accessible and moderately priced. Body parts and electronic systems can be more expensive but are available through importers and specialized Mitsubishi parts outlets.

Due to the RVR’s long presence in Kenya and its mechanical similarity to the ASX and Outlander, finding replacement parts or service expertise is generally straightforward. This makes long-term ownership practical and cost-effective.

For service parts and body components, Visit: https://yokaspares.co.ke/

Stability and Handling 

The RVR’s chassis setup provides a confident, stable ride that suits both city driving and highway cruising. It uses MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link rear suspension (on 4WD variants) for improved comfort and handling precision.

The electric power steering offers a light, predictable feel, making the RVR easy to maneuver in tight urban spaces. On rough roads, the suspension absorbs bumps effectively, maintaining composure without sacrificing comfort. Models equipped with All-Wheel Control (AWC) add enhanced traction and stability on slippery or uneven surfaces, further boosting driver confidence.

Reliability

The Mitsubishi RVR has a strong reputation for mechanical durability and dependable long-term performance. Its naturally aspirated petrol engines and proven CVT transmission are engineered for simplicity and longevity, provided regular maintenance is observed.

Kenyan owners consistently report reliability and ease of servicing as key strengths, particularly when routine servicing is done using genuine parts. With good fuel economy, readily available components, and Mitsubishi’s robust engineering, the RVR remains one of the most dependable compact SUVs in its class, balancing practicality with peace of mind.

Resale Value: Good

2022 Mitsubishi RVR Competitors:

The Mitsubishi RVR competes in the compact crossover SUV segment alongside:

• Nissan Qashqai

• Mazda CX-5 / CX-30

• Subaru XV (Crosstrek)

• Toyota C-HR

• Honda Vezel

• Kia Seltos

• Hyundai Tucson (lower trims)

What We Like About the 2022 Mitsubishi RVR

• Reliable and proven petrol engines with decent fuel efficiency

• Comfortable ride and composed handling on both city and highway roads

• Available All-Wheel Control (AWC) system adds excellent traction and stability

• Spacious interior with supportive seats and practical cargo space

• Straightforward dashboard layout with easy-to-use controls

• Good ground clearance for light off-road or rural driving conditions

• Affordable maintenance and strong parts support in Kenya

What We Don’t Like

• Interior design and infotainment system feel dated compared to rivals

• CVT transmission can be sluggish under hard acceleration

• Lacks hybrid or turbocharged engine options offered by competitors

• Some trims miss out on advanced safety and tech features

• Fuel consumption on 2.0L models is higher than average

Conclusion

The 2022 Mitsubishi RVR remains a dependable and practical compact SUV choice for Kenyan drivers seeking comfort, durability, and affordability. While it may not be the most high-tech or flashy option in its class, it delivers solid performance, a spacious interior, and the reassuring dependability Mitsubishi is known for.

Its available 4WD system enhances versatility for mixed driving conditions, and maintenance costs remain reasonable thanks to wide parts availability. For buyers prioritizing reliability, comfort, and value over cutting-edge features, the RVR continues to be a smart and trustworthy companion.

For those interested in buying the Mitsubishi RVR, we have prepared a separate Buyer’s Guide with details on what to look out for when purchasing a used model and the common pitfalls to avoid. Click here to purchase the Buyer’s Guide.

If you are looking to import the Mitsubishi RVR to Kenya, click here to fill out our contact form, and we will get back to you immediately, or email us directly via [email protected].

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