When you’re looking for a three-row SUV, you likely have a lot of questions. One of the biggest is, is the Mitsubishi Outlander a good car? Shoppers comparing three-row SUVs often evaluate the Mitsubishi Outlander for its warranty and feature content. This review will give you a clear, straightforward look at its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide.
Is The Mitsubishi Outlander A Good Car
The short answer is yes, the Outlander is a good car for the right buyer. It stands out with an exceptional warranty, a comfortable interior with three rows of seating, and a lot of standard technology for the money. However, it may not be the best choice if you prioritize powerful performance or the most refined driving experience in its class. Its value proposition is its strongest asset.
What Are The Key Strengths Of The Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander has several compelling advantages that make it a strong contender. These benefits are focused on long-term ownership, family practicality, and getting features without a high price tag.
Industry-Leading Warranty Coverage
Mitsubishi’s warranty is arguably the Outlander’s single biggest selling point. It provides peace of mind that few competitors can match.
- 10-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty: This covers the engine, transmission, and drivetrain for a full decade.
- 5-Year/60,000-Mile New Vehicle Warranty: Comprehensive bumper-to-bumper coverage.
- 7-Year/100,000-Mile Anti-Corrosion Warranty: Protection against rust perforation.
- 5-Year/Unlimited Miles Roadside Assistance: Towing, lockout service, and more.
Spacious And Well-Equipped Interior
Step inside, and the Outlander feels more upscale than its price suggests. The materials are generally good, and the layout is user-friendly.
- Three Rows of Seating: It can technically seat seven, though the third row is best suited for small children or occasional use.
- Generous Cargo Space: Behind the third row, you get about 11.7 cubic feet. Fold both rear rows flat, and it opens up to over 78 cubic feet.
- Standard Tech Features: Even base models come with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of safety systems.
Strong Value For Money
When you compare features to price, the Outlander often undercuts rivals like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Santa Fe. You get more standard equipment for a lower starting MSRP, which makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious families.
What Are The Main Weaknesses Of The Mitsubishi Outlander
No vehicle is perfect, and the Outlander has some notable drawbacks. Being aware of these will help you set the right expectations.
Underwhelming Engine Performance
The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine feels adequate for daily driving but struggles under heavier loads. Acceleration is modest, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) can make the engine feel noisy when you need quick power, such as merging onto a highway or passing.
Fuel Economy Is Just Average
For a compact SUV, its EPA ratings are middle-of-the-pack. You can expect around 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive models see a slight dip. Some competitors offer hybrid options with significantly better efficiency.
Third-Row Space Is Very Limited
While having a third row is a bonus, it’s extremely cramped. Legroom and headroom are minimal, making it unsuitable for adults or older children on anything but the shortest trips. It’s truly an emergency-only seating area.
Detailed Review Of The Mitsubishi Outlander By Category
Let’s break down the Outlander’s performance in key areas to give you a complete picture.
Driving Experience And Comfort
The Outlander prioritizes a soft, comfortable ride over sporty handling. It absorbs bumps well, making it pleasant for commuting and road trips. The steering is light and easy, which is great for parking but offers little feedback on winding roads. Cabin noise isolation is decent, though engine drone from the CVT can be intrusive.
Interior Quality And Technology
The cabin design is modern and clean. Higher trim levels add appealing features like a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 9-inch touchscreen, and a premium Bose sound system. The infotainment system is intuitive, but some physical buttons for climate control would be welcome. Overall, the interior feels like a good value for the price.
Safety Features And Ratings
Safety is a strong point. The Outlander comes standard with Mitsubishi’s MI-PILOT Assist, a suite of driver aids that includes:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Centering Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Forward Collision Mitigation
It has earned good ratings from the IIHS, including a Top Safety Pick award when equipped with specific headlights.
Reliability And Ownership Costs
While long-term reliability data for the latest model is still accumulating, Mitsubishi as a brand has shown average to above-average dependability in recent studies. The phenomenal warranty drastically reduces financial risk for the first decade of ownership. Routine maintenance costs are par for the segment, and insurance premiums are typically reasonable.
How Does The Mitsubishi Outlander Compare To Key Competitors
It’s essential to see how the Outlander stacks up against other popular three-row and compact SUVs.
Mitsubishi Outlander Vs. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is a segment leader for a reason. It offers a more refined hybrid powertrain, better fuel economy, a more practical and spacious interior (though without a third row), and superior resale value. The Outlander fights back with a lower price, a longer warranty, and availability of a third row, even if it’s small.
Mitsubishi Outlander Vs. Toyota RAV4
Similar to the CR-V, the Toyota RAV4 excels with multiple efficient powertrain choices, including a plug-in hybrid, and legendary reliability. Its interior is more utilitarian, and it lacks a third row. The Outlander’s advantage again lies in its warranty, its more upscale cabin feel in higher trims, and its seven-seat configuration.
Mitsubishi Outlander Vs. Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a closer match as a three-row midsize SUV. It offers more powerful engine options, a much more usable third row, and also has a strong warranty (though not as long as Mitsubishi’s). The Outlander is often priced lower and can feel like a more premium product inside on equivalent trims.
Who Is The Mitsubishi Outlander Best Suited For
The Outlander is an excellent fit for specific types of drivers. Consider it if you:
- Prioritize warranty coverage and long-term peace of mind above all else.
- Need a third row only for very occasional, short-distance use by small passengers.
- Want a comfortable, feature-rich cabin without paying a luxury price.
- Do mostly city and highway driving where maximum power isn’t a critical need.
- Are on a strict budget but want a new SUV with modern safety tech.
You might want to look elsewhere if you frequently need to use all three rows, desire engaging performance, or plan on maximizing fuel economy with a hybrid system.
Final Verdict And Recommendations
So, is the Mitsubishi Outlander a good car? For the right buyer, it absolutely is. It delivers outstanding value, exceptional warranty security, and a pleasant, well-equipped interior. Its main compromises are in powertrain performance and third-row usability.
If you decide the Outlander is for you, here are our trim recommendations:
- SE AWD: The sweet spot for most buyers. It adds all-wheel drive, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, and a larger touchscreen over the base model.
- SEL: Adds significant luxury like leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and the 12.3-inch digital cluster for a reasonable price increase.
- PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid): If your commute is short, the Outlander PHEV offers about 38 miles of electric-only range, making it incredibly efficient for daily use.
Always take a thorough test drive. Pay attention to the engine noise during acceleration and try to sit in the third row if you plan to use it. Compare the out-the-door pricing with competitors to see where the best value truly lies for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Mitsubishi Outlander Reliable?
Recent models show promising reliability, and the extensive 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty provides significant protection. Historical data suggests Mitsubishi vehicles are generally dependable, ranking around average or slightly above in many industry surveys.
How Is The Mitsubishi Outlander On Gas?
Fuel economy is average for the class. The front-wheel-drive model gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The all-wheel-drive model is rated at 24 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The plug-in hybrid variant offers much better efficiency for short trips.
Does The Mitsubishi Outlander Have A Third Row?
Yes, the current Mitsubishi Outlander features a standard third-row seat. However, it is very compact and is best reserved for small children or very occasional use due to limited leg and headroom. Some competitors offer more spacious third rows.
What Is The Main Problem With Mitsubishi Outlander?
The most common critique of the current Outlander is its underpowered standard engine and noisy CVT transmission, especially during acceleration. Some owners also note that the infotainment system can be slow to respond at times.
Is The Mitsubishi Outlander Worth Buying?
It is worth buying if you value a long warranty, a well-equipped interior, and a comfortable ride for a competitive price. If you need a powerful engine or a truly functional third row, you may want to consider other options in the segment.