Mitsubishi Outlander Review

Gumtree Rating

4.0 rating

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a big, seven-seater family car that offers real practicality and convenience. Since its third-generation hit the market in 2012, it’s become a common sight on UK roads. Taking it for a spin on rougher terrain is also an option, thanks to its solid four-wheel-drive system. And though it’s not the prettiest or most powerful car in its class, it’s competitively priced. You’ll also have the opportunity to save on running costs – opting for the Outlander PHEV will get you an impressive petrol-hybrid engine, which offers the best fuel efficiency of any SUV on the market.

Take a look at our available Mitsubishi Outlander models.

What we think about the Mitsubishi Outlander

A premium family SUV, the Mitsubishi Outlander has plenty of space and is ideal for buyers concerned about fuel efficiency.

Pros

+

Decent handling, particularly off-road

+

Spacious interior

+

Petrol-hybrid engine offers some of the best fuel economy figures of any SUV

Cons

Petrol engine is slow and noisy

Design is a little basic

The Mitsubishi Outlander comes in six trims. The entry-level Design has a 2.0-litre petrol engine, which will provide around 32 miles to the gallon. Meanwhile, the top-spec Exceed offers a 2.5-litre petrol/plug-in electric hybrid with added luxuries, such as leather seats and satnav.

Driving performance of the Mitsubishi Outlander

Our Driving Rating7 / 10

Handling the Outlander poses very few problems, but it’s not the most exciting beast to lug around town. Steering is accurate and well-weighted, and the braking is strong – but there’s very little engagement or fun in taking corners. The suspension is decent, but you’ll definitely feel a bit more jiggle from uneven roads than you would in competing SUVs. If you want to really make the most of the Outlander’s off-roading capabilities, you should opt for the petrol version, which is the only model to offer genuine all-wheel drive.

Safety and reliability of the Mitsubishi Outlander

Our Safety Rating8 / 10

The Outlander achieved a full five-star rating in Euro NCAP safety tests, although it hasn’t been put through its paces since back in 2013. It scored 88% for how well it protected adult passengers, and 84% for the protection of children on board. You can expect good safety tech: seven airbags come as standard, along with ABS and traction control. You can also pay a little extra to get adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and a forward collision mitigation system.

Under the bonnet of the Mitsubishi Outlander

Our Engine Rating7 / 10

The Mitsubishi Outlander’s entry-level engine is a 2.0-litre petrol unit, which can provide around 148 bhp. It’s a little sluggish and underpowered, reaching 60 mph from standing in around 13 seconds, and eventually peaking at a top speed of 118 mph. Shelling out a little extra for the 2.4-litre petrol-hybrid is definitely worth your while, and not just for the great fuel economy. This engine provides around 133 bhp and more torque than the basic petrol, as well as helping to charge the battery. It’s not significantly faster, but it does run more smoothly and quietly.

What you'll find in the Mitsubishi Outlander

Our Design Rating7 / 10

The Mitsubishi Outlander has a streamlined look with a slim, sporty front grille and chrome detailing. But it isn’t the most eye-catching design out there, leaning more towards simple functionality than panache or presence. Its size and body shape positions it somewhere between a standard hatchback SUV and a boxier four-by-four. But The Outlander does feel pleasingly solid, and its 105-inch wheelbase gives it a nice level of elevation from the road, which makes it stand out. Newer models of the PHEV also have colour-matched bumpers.

Comfort and interiors in the Mitsubishi Outlander

Our Comfort Rating7 / 10

Inside the Mitsubishi Outlander, everything is well laid out and organised. However, the design and materials aren’t particularly sophisticated. The best part about the cabin is how roomy and practical it is, offering a huge amount of space for all seven passengers to sit comfortably. The cargo space is also generous, with a total of 780 litres available if all the rear seats are folded down. The extra space required for batteries means that the PHEV version of the Outlander has quite a lot less than this – around 463 litres.

Grey Mitsubishi Outlander

What features you'll find in the Mitsubishi Outlander

Our Features Rating6 / 10

The Outlander’s cabin has climate control, Bluetooth and a six-speaker sound system as standard, but the rest of its tech is a little dated and basic. The infotainment system is presented through a low-resolution touchscreen, with clunky controls and relatively poor graphics. If you opt for one of the more expensive packages, you can get leather seats with diamond-pattern quilted covers, as well as a heated steering wheel. Satnav is also available for a little more money, as well as a 360-degree parking camera.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Mitsubishi Outlander

Our Fuel Consumption Rating8 / 10

The Outlander PHEV’s petrol-hybrid engine makes it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs currently available. It’ll give you around 139 miles to the gallon, and its CO2 emissions figures are satisfyingly low, around 40g/km. It can run purely on electric power for a range of 28 miles, which is slightly lower than average for a hybrid. It you opt for the petrol engine, on the other hand, the Outlander’s economy isn’t all that impressive, giving you 30 miles to the gallon.

Running costs of the Mitsubishi Outlander

Our Cost Rating8 / 10

If keeping running costs down is a concern, the Outlander PHEV is definitely a car that will appeal to you. It’s one of the cheapest family cars when it comes to long-term expenditure, as you’ll be making huge savings on fuel. You’ll also get a discount on your road tax for the extra efficiency of the eco-friendly hybrid engine. Another important factor to consider is the generous manufacturer’s warranty, which will cover you for parts and repairs for up to five years.

Our verdict of the Mitsubishi Outlander

4.0 rating

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

An extremely competitive and practical people-carrier, the Outlander is safe and roomy. Plus, its petrol-hybrid version offers some of the best fuel economy of any SUV.