2021 Mitsubishi Outlander review: Big upgrades boosts appeal

This ageing family wagon has been completely rejuvenated, making it a genuine competitor for machines such as the Toyota RAV4. But one thing is missing.

The new Mitsubishi Outlander looks a million dollars compared to the outgoing model. Finished in pearlescent white with chunky 20-inch wheels, focused lights, broad shoulders and a Range Rover-esque floating roof, it could well be the game-changer Mitsubishi is looking for.

It’s worlds apart from the current model, which debuted locally back in 2012.

The first product of a platform-sharing arrangement with Nissan (whose X-Trail is due here next year), it starts at $34,490 plus on-road costs for the five-seat, front-wheel-drive ES.

The Mitsubishi Outlander is priced from $34,490 before on-road costs.

Standard kit includes 18-inch alloys, a 9-inch infotainment screen, smartphone mirroring, dual-zone climate control, cloth trim and a comprehensive safety package including eight airbags, auto emergency braking, active cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.

Mitsubishi reckons most people will plump for something more premium, such as the higher-grade Aspire priced from $43,990 plus on-road costs.

Mitsubishi thinks most buyers will go for higher grade variants.

Loaded with technology, the Aspire has a 12.3-inch digital dashboard, 10.8-inch head-up display, wireless phone charging, a powered tailgate, front and rear USB ports and a smart key. Luxury inclusions such as heated faux-leather and microsuede seats join adaptive LED headlights, a 360-degree camera and 20-inch wheels, which transform the car’s look.

There are individual air vents in the back, where passengers sit on firm seats and enjoy plenty of leg and headroom.

A sliding second row provides access to a pop-up third-row. Ideal for infrequent use by small passengers (there are no airbags in the third row and leg room is less than generous), the third row misses out on USB ports and air vents found in bigger rivals.

The Outlander’s interior is miles ahead of the previous version.

Though you wouldn’t use it as a people mover regularly, the third row gives Mitsubishi an edge over most class rivals when you need to carry an extra kid or two.

Well-heeled buyers can choose a range-topping Exceed Tourer with massaging seats, a panoramic sunroof, leather trim, three-zone climate control and a Bose stereo for $49,990 plus on-roads.

A low-set driving position, supportive seats and a good range of steering adjustment helps a wide variety of drivers get comfortable behind the wheel.

The result is a shoo-in for the automotive industry’s “most improved” trophy for 2021. It presents as a polished machine with quality materials and all the tech you might hope to find in a modern wagon.

Except under the bonnet.

While rivals such as the VW Tiguan, Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 have sophisticated turbo or hybrid engines, the Outlander makes do with a plain old 2.5-litre four-cylinder motor linked to a CVT auto.

Modest 135kW/245Nm outputs are passable in entry-level models but well-off the pace in variants approaching $50,000, where the hard working motor’s ever-present noise and 8.1L/100km thirst are well off the pace.

The Outlander’s engine is outdated and thirsty.

The engine isn’t exactly groundbreaking, but its simple nature pays dividends with cheap running costs. It costs just $199 per year to maintain for the first five years and $3190 for 10 years. As an added bonus, the car’s warranty extends from five to 10 years if you have it serviced at a Mitsubishi dealership.

A more advanced plug-in hybrid model with all-wheel-drive is on the way next year, though details surrounding the electrified model are thin on the ground.

For now, the Outlander merges outstanding presentation with an adequate driving experience.

The ride on our test car wasn’t as comfortable as most rivals this size.

It slapped over medium-sized imperfections, with the occasional crash on big bumps. Blame the huge wheels for that.

The big SUV’s drive experience isn’t a strong point.

The steering is light on weight and feel and doesn’t feel particularly sporty.

Through corners, it feels a bit like a big American SUV, wallowing over bumps and leaning when changing direction.

The strained engine adds to the sensation that this Outlander feels bigger and heavier than it should, particularly when pressed into action overtaking on country roads.

VERDICT 3.5/5

Sharp looks, generous equipment and seven-seat flexibility work in the Outlander’s favour, but it drops points for an underwhelming engine and driving experience

MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER ASPIRE VITALS

Price: About $48,000 drive-away

Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cyl petrol, 135kW and 245Nm

Warranty/servicing: 10-year/unlimited km, $995 for 5 years

Safety:8 airbags, front and rear auto braking, lane-keep assist and blind-spot assist, radar cruise

Thirst:8.1L/100km

Cargo:478 litres

Spare: Space saver