Outlander Leads Mitsubishi Revival

29 November 2021

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By Paul Gover.

It’s good to be driving a Mitsubishi that – after far too long – is genuinely new.

Touted as the best-equipped newcomer in the company’s history, and creating more showroom interest than anything for more than five years, the Outlander is a mid-sized SUV that is more than just a fresh face.

It’s also a significant update and upgrade in cabin design and quality, drives far nicer than something like Mitsubishi’s ASX price fighter, and still comes with the company’s excellent warranty coverage that starts at five years but can be extended to 10 years for warranty and capped-price servicing.

The new Outlander comes with everything from a new mechanical platform and chunky new body to an updated four-wheel drive system, more safety than any previous Mitsubishi, and a 5+2 cabin that means its fine for regular family use and occasional trips with a big load.

Power comes from a 2.5-litre petrol engine, fed to a constantly-variable transmission – hugely popular with Japanese carmakers but no-one else – and a four-wheel drive system with pre-set modes for different conditions. It’s a a package that promises reasonable weekend escape work, although the Outlander is a long way short of the towing prowess or off-road ability of a Pajero.

After suffering – and that’s the right word – through a number of Mitsubishi models in recent years, the Outlander is a welcome change.

It looks good, more boxy than lots of other mid-sized SUVs but still with a touch of style, and the driving is also good.

It’s easy to park with a good turning circle, it’s quiet and pretty good on fuel with official consumption figures starting at 7.5 litres/100km.

The biggest changes are obvious in the cabin, where it’s a big step up from the previous price fighters. The infotainment screen is big, the digital gauges are big and clear – with a heads-up display in the fully-loaded Aspire test car – and the materials and finishing are very good.

The Outlander is relatively strong on acceleration, rides nicely over all surfaces, and has good grip for cornering and braking.

Its 5-star safety systems do their job without getting over-zealous with flashing lights and alarms, and there are some nice touches like folding mirrors for tight parking spots.

It works well as a five-seater but the back row for seven is pretty ordinary. The space is cramped, there are no aircon outlets, and it’s cave-like with small windows in the very back.

So the Outlander is good and the starting price make it good value.

The problem is the arrival of the all-new Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson this year. They, too, are are competing in the five-seater SUV space and they have re-set the standard for the whole class.