For those needing three rows of seating without a massive price tag, the Mitsubishi Outlander presents an interesting option. If you’re asking yourself, is a Mitsubishi Outlander a good car, you’re not alone. Many shoppers are drawn to its value proposition but want to know what lies beneath the surface.
This review will break down the Outlander’s strengths and weaknesses. We’ll look at its performance, features, and overall value to help you decide.
Is A Mitsubishi Outlander A Good Car
The short answer is yes, the Mitsubishi Outlander is a good car for specific buyers. It excels as a budget-friendly, feature-packed family hauler. However, it may not be the best choice if you prioritize thrilling driving dynamics or the most refined powertrain.
Its goodness hinges on what you need from a three-row SUV. Let’s examine the key areas that define the Outlander experience.
Pros And Cons Of The Mitsubishi Outlander
Before we get into the details, here’s a quick overview of the Outlander’s main advantages and drawbacks.
Pros
- Strong value for money with a low starting price
- Standard three-row seating in most trims
- Generous standard safety and tech features
- Comfortable and quiet ride quality
- Excellent warranty coverage for peace of mind
Cons
- Underpowered base engine feels sluggish
- Third-row seat is very cramped for adults
- Interior materials feel cheap in lower trims
- Fuel economy is average for the class
- Infotainment system can be slow to respond
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Warning
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering
- Automatic High Beams
- 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty
- 5-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance
- ES: The base trim includes three rows, the 8-inch screen, and the full Mi-Pilot safety suite. It represents exceptional value.
- SE: Adds alloy wheels, a power driver’s seat, and dual-zone climate control.
- LE: Features leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a 9-inch screen.
- SEL: Includes a premium audio system, ventilated front seats, and the 12.3-inch digital cluster.
- GT: The top trim adds a more powerful engine sound, unique styling, and a head-up display.
- Budget-Conscious Families: If you need maximum seating capacity for the lowest possible price, the Outlander is hard to beat.
- Value-Focused Shoppers: You want the most standard safety and tech features without climbing the trim ladder.
- Long-Term Owners: The outstanding 10-year warranty is perfect for those who plan to keep their vehicle for many years.
- City Dwellers Considering a PHEV: The Plug-In Hybrid model is excellent for short commutes and easy home charging.
- You frequently need a usable third row for adults.
- Engaging driving dynamics or quick acceleration are important to you.
- You prioritize the highest-quality interior materials.
- Top-tier fuel economy from a gas-only engine is a major concern.
Performance And Engine Options
The Outlander offers two distinct powertrains, and your choice significantly impacts the driving experience.
Standard 2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder Engine
Most Outlanders come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It produces 181 horsepower. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
For casual around-town driving, this setup is adequate. However, acceleration feels strained, especially with a full load of passengers or when merging onto highways. The CVT causes the engine to drone noticeably under hard acceleration, which some drivers find annoying.
Available Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) System
The Outlander PHEV is the performance star of the lineup. It combines a 2.4-liter engine with twin electric motors for a total system output of 248 horsepower. The difference in acceleration and smoothness is substantial.
This version offers an all-electric range of about 38 miles. For many daily commutes, you could use no gasoline at all. It provides a quieter, more responsive drive and is the Outlander’s best overall powertrain, though it comes at a higher price.
Interior Comfort And Space
Inside, the Outlander focuses on practicality and passenger space. The design is modern, with a high center console and a floating infotainment screen.
Seating And Cargo Capacity
The front seats are generally comfortable for long trips. The second row offers plenty of legroom and can slide and recline. The available captain’s chairs in higher trims add a touch of luxury.
The third row, however, is best suited for small children. Most adults will find it very uncomfortable for any trip longer than a few minutes. With all three rows up, cargo space is minimal. Folding the third row flat creates a useful cargo area, and folding both rear rows yields a large, flat load floor.
Interior Quality And Materials
This is an area where the Outlander’s low price becomes apparent. Lower trim levels use a lot of hard, scratchy plastics on the dashboard and door panels. Higher trims add soft-touch materials, leather upholstery, and nicer finishes, which improve the ambiance considerably.
Technology And Infotainment Features
Mitsubishi packs the Outlander with a lot of standard technology, which is a major selling point.
The base model includes an 8-inch touchscreen. Upper trims get a larger 9-inch or even a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, which is a great convenience.
Some users report the screen can be slow to react to inputs, especially on startup. The menu layout is fairly straightforward, though, and physical climate controls are retained, which is a plus for ease of use.
Safety Features And Ratings
Safety is a strong suit for the Outlander. Mitsubishi’s Mi-Pilot Assist suite comes standard on most models. This includes:
The Outlander has earned good scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It received a Top Safety Pick award when equipped with specific headlights. Its standard safety suite is more comprehensive than many rivals at this price point.
Fuel Economy And Running Costs
The standard Outlander with front-wheel drive gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive models see a slight drop to 24 city/30 highway. These numbers are competitive but not class-leading.
The Plug-In Hybrid model is where you can save significantly on fuel. With its 38-mile electric range, your real-world fuel economy depends entirely on your driving habits and charging routine. If you can charge regularly, you might visit the gas station very infrequently.
Reliability And Warranty Coverage
Mitsubishi’s reputation for reliability is mixed, but the Outlander has shown decent dependability in recent years. It benefits from a very strong warranty, which is a huge advantage.
Mitsubishi offers one of the best warranties in the business:
This extensive coverage provides long-term peace of mind that few competitors can match. It’s a compelling reason to consider the Outlander over other SUVs.
Trim Levels And Pricing
The Outlander is available in several trim levels, each adding more features. The value is evident from the base model upward.
The Plug-In Hybrid model has its own set of trims, starting at a higher price point but offering potential tax credits.
How It Compares To Key Rivals
To truly understand if the Outlander is good, you need to see how it stacks up against popular competitors.
Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is a benchmark for refinement and resale value. It offers a nicer interior, better fuel economy, and a smoother powertrain. However, it doesn’t offer a third row of seating, which is the Outlander’s key differentiator. The Outlander undercuts the CR-V on price and offers a better warranty.
Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Toyota RAV4
Like the CR-V, the Toyota RAV4 is a sales leader known for reliability. It also lacks a third row. The RAV4 has more potent hybrid options and a rugged available trim. The Outlander fights back with more standard safety tech and its unique three-row layout at a lower cost.
Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a closer match, offering three rows in some configurations. It has a more powerful standard engine and a very high-quality interior. The Santa Fe is generally more expensive, but the Outlander’s warranty is longer. This comparison is very close and depends on budget and feature priorities.
Who Should Buy A Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander is an ideal choice for a specific set of buyers.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
You might want to consider other SUVs if:
Final Verdict
So, is the Mitsubishi Outlander a good car? Absolutely, but with clear conditions. It is a smart, pragmatic choice that prioritizes space, features, and warranty coverage over driving excitement and luxury finishes.
It makes the most sense as a budget-friendly family transporter where the third row is for occasional kid duty. The Plug-In Hybrid variant is particularly compelling, offering a better driving experience and potential fuel savings.
If your checklist includes three rows, advanced safety tech, and a low monthly payment, the Outlander deserves a serious look. Just be sure to test drive it with your family to ensure the space and power meet your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?
Recent Outlander models have average to good predicted reliability ratings. Its strongest point is the industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which protects you from major repair costs for a long time.
How many people can the Mitsubishi Outlander seat?
The Outlander can seat up to seven people in its standard three-row configuration. Some higher trims offer second-row captain’s chairs, reducing total seating to six for a more spacious feel in the second row.
What is the difference between the Outlander and the Outlander Sport?
The Outlander Sport is a smaller, older, and less expensive SUV with only two rows of seating. The standard Outlander is larger, newer, and offers three rows. They are distinct models aimed at different buyers.
Does the Mitsubishi Outlander have good gas mileage?
The gas-only Outlander gets competitive fuel economy for its class, around 24 city/31 highway. The Plug-In Hybrid model can achieve excellent effective gas mileage if you regularly charge its battery, potentially using no gas on short trips.
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander being discontinued?
No, the Mitsubishi Outlander is not being discontinued. It was recently redesigned and remains a core model for the brand, especially in its plug-in hybrid form which is very popular in certain markets.