If you’re shopping for a family SUV, you’ve likely asked, is mitsubishi outlander a good car? The Mitsubishi Outlander makes a case for itself with standard three-row seating and a strong warranty, appealing to budget-conscious families seeking practicality. This article will give you a clear, detailed look at its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide.
We’ll cover everything from performance and fuel economy to interior space and safety. By the end, you’ll know exactly who this SUV is for and if it fits your life.
Is Mitsubishi Outlander A Good Car
To answer the core question directly, the Mitsubishi Outlander is a good car for specific buyers. It excels as a value-oriented, practical family hauler. Its standout features are its generous standard third row, one of the best warranties in the business, and a comfortable ride. However, it falls short if you prioritize powerful acceleration, a luxurious interior, or engaging driving dynamics. For the right person—someone who needs maximum space for the money and values peace of mind—the Outlander is a very compelling choice.
Key Strengths Of The Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander’s advantages are clear and significant in the competitive SUV market.
- Standard Three-Row Seating: Almost every trim comes with a third row, a rare feature in its class without a major price jump.
- Excellent Warranty: Mitsubishi’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is a huge benefit for long-term ownership.
- Strong Value Proposition: You get a lot of standard features for a lower starting price than many rivals.
- Comfortable Ride Quality: It soaks up bumps well, making it relaxed for daily commuting and road trips.
- Good Fuel Efficiency: The front-wheel-drive models achieve respectable MPG for a three-row vehicle.
Notable Weaknesses Of The Mitsubishi Outlander
It’s important to understand the trade-offs you make for that value.
- Underwhelming Engine Performance: The base 2.5-liter engine feels underpowered, especially when the vehicle is fully loaded.
- Modest Interior Materials: While design has improved, some plastics feel cheap compared to segment leaders.
- Cramped Third Row: The back seat is best suited for small children or very short trips for adults.
- Average Infotainment System: The screen response and software can feel a generation behind some competitors.
Mitsubishi Outlander Performance And Driving Experience
Driving the Outlander is more about comfort than excitement. The standard 181-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This combination provides adequate power for city driving but struggles during highway merging or climbing hills with passengers. The steering is light and vague, which is good for parking but offers little feedback on the road. The suspension is tuned for comfort, effectively isolating the cabin from road imperfections. It’s a vehicle designed to be easy and undemanding to drive, not thrilling.
Powertrain Options
For the latest model years, Mitsubishi offers two primary powertrains. The standard setup is the 2.5-liter four-cylinder. For those seeking more power and all-weather confidence, the available plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant is a standout. It combines a 2.4-liter engine with electric motors for more punch and impressive electric-only range, though at a higher cost.
Fuel Economy Ratings
The front-wheel-drive Outlander with the 2.5L engine gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. All-wheel-drive models see a slight drop to 24/29 mpg. These figures are competitive for a non-hybrid, three-row SUV. The PHEV model, of course, offers much higher efficiency for short commutes where you can utilize its electric range.
Mitsubishi Outlander Interior, Comfort, And Cargo
Step inside the Outlander, and you’ll find a modern, clean dashboard layout. Higher trims feature a digital gauge cluster and a large 9-inch touchscreen. The front seats are generally comfortable for long drives, and outward visibility is good. The second row offers ample legroom and can slide and recline. The third row, while a great bonus, is very tight for anyone beyond elementary school age. Cargo space is a strong point with the third row folded, offering plenty of room for groceries, sports gear, or luggage.
- Front Seats: Supportive and offer a commanding view of the road.
- Second Row: Spacious for two adults, okay for three; includes USB ports and climate vents.
- Third Row: Best used occasionally for children; access is somewhat awkward.
- Cargo Space: Behind the third row, space is minimal. With it folded, you get a large, flat load floor.
Technology And Infotainment Features
Every Outlander comes with an 8-inch touchscreen (9-inch on higher trims) featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This standard smartphone integration is a major plus. The system itself is functional but can be slow to respond at times. Available upgrades include a premium audio system, a head-up display, and a larger digital instrument cluster. Driver assistance tech is also widely available, which we’ll cover next.
Safety Features And Crash Test Ratings
Safety is a strong suit for the Outlander. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), its highest honor. Standard safety features are generous and include:
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Warning
- Adaptive Cruise Control with a stop-and-go function
- Automatic High Beams
Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system. These comprehensive features provide excellent peace of mind for families.
Reliability, Warranty, And Cost Of Ownership
This is where Mitsubishi shines. The Outlander comes with one of the best warranties available: a 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. This extensive coverage significantly reduces long-term financial risk. Predicted reliability scores from various outlets have been average to above-average. Routine maintenance costs are in line with other Japanese brands, making the overall cost of ownership quite reasonable, especially when you factor in the warranty protection.
How It Compares To Key Competitors
To truly understand the Outlander’s place, you need to see it next to its rivals.
Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is a segment benchmark. It offers a nicer interior, more refined driving manners, and better resale value. However, it does not offer a third-row seat at all. The Outlander fights back with more standard seating, a better warranty, and a lower starting price.
Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is another top seller known for its rugged styling and stellar hybrid option. Like the CR-V, it lacks a third row. The RAV4 feels more robust to drive and has a stronger reputation for reliability, though Mitsubishi’s warranty is longer. The Outlander offers more family-focused space as standard.
Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a closer match, offering three rows in some configurations. It features more powerful engine options and a very high-quality interior. Hyundai also offers a great warranty (though not quite as long on the powertrain). The Outlander often undercuts it on price and maintains a slight warranty edge.
Who Should Buy The Mitsubishi Outlander?
The Mitsubishi Outlander is an ideal fit for a specific set of needs. You should strongly consider it if:
- You need a third-row seat for occasional use but have a strict budget.
- You plan to keep the vehicle for many years and value the long warranty coverage.
- Your driving priorities are comfort, practicality, and fuel economy over performance.
- You want a comprehensive suite of modern safety features without paying extra.
Final Verdict: Is The Mitsubishi Outlander Recommended?
Yes, the Mitsubishi Outlander comes with a solid recommendation for the right buyer. It is not the best SUV in the class for driving enjoyment, luxury, or brand prestige. However, it delivers exceptional value, practical space, and outstanding warranty security. If your checklist prioritizes family utility and long-term ownership costs over driving thrills, the Outlander deserves a top spot on your test-drive list. It proves that a good car doesn’t have to be the most expensive or powerful one; it just has to fit your life perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?
Recent model years of the Mitsubishi Outlander have shown average to good reliability. Its strongest point is the incredible 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which protects you against major repair costs for a decade.
How many people can the Mitsubishi Outlander seat?
The Mitsubishi Outlander can seat up to seven people with its standard third-row seating. It’s important to note that the third row is quite small and is best used for children or on very short trips.
What is the fuel economy of the Mitsubishi Outlander?
The front-wheel-drive Mitsubishi Outlander with the standard engine gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel-drive model is rated for 24 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
Does the Mitsubishi Outlander have all-wheel drive?
Yes, Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system is available on most trims of the Outlander. It’s a competent system that provides better traction in slippery conditions, though it’s not designed for serious off-roading.
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander a good used car?
The Mitsubishi Outlander can be a very good used car buy, particularly if the remaining factory warranty is still transferable. You get a lot of space and features for the money on the used market, but be sure to check vehicle history and get a pre-purchase inspection.