Mitsubishi Outlander: Versatile Crossover SUV Overview

Introduction to the Mitsubishi Outlander

The first generation of the Mitsubishi Outlander came about in the early 2000s and was based on the same platform as that of the Lancer sedan. With the Compact Crossover segment burgeoning with multiple choices (sometimes from the same manufacturer), buyers often have a variety of options presented to them. However, among many other automakers from America, Japan, and Korea, Mitsubishi has had a respectable position in the segment, despite not being at the cutting edge of automotive innovation.

Mitsubishi Outlander Generations

Third Generation Overview

The third generation of the Outlander made its debut back in 2012 and was now being built on a revised platform (GS architecture). Just a few years after it was released, Mitsubishi brought out a thoroughly facelifted model of the Outlander in 2015, with the latest facelift performed just last year in 2018. The latest iteration of one of Mitsubishi’s most in-demand crossovers has been received quite well by people across the globe and can be bought as:

• A strict five-seater (with up to 477 liters of boot space)
• A family-friendly three-row version (with a minimum cargo capacity of 291 liters)

In countries such as the United Arab Emirates, the Mitsubishi Outlander goes up against formidable opponents such as the:

• GMC Terrain
• Ford Escape
• Nissan X-Trail
• Toyota RAV4

Variants and Engine Options

In the UAE, Mitsubishi currently sells five different variants of the new Outlander. The base version is only available with five seats, while the remaining four are offered with seating for seven people. Furthermore, another aspect that differentiates the Outlander trims is the choice of engines fitted under the hood:

• The majority of variants are powered by a 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder (4J12) engine.
• Only the GLS High car features the punchier 3.0-liter naturally-aspirated six-cylinder (6B31) motor.

In terms of power:

1. The four-cylinder engine produces 165hp at 6,000 rpm and up to 222Nm of torque at 4,100 rpm.
2. The V6 powerplant delivers 227hp at 6,250 rpm and 292Nm of peak torque at 3,750 rpm.

Performance and Transmission

Irrespective of which variant you choose, all Mitsubishi Outlanders sold in the UAE come equipped with the brand’s electronically-controlled 4WD system. It’s important to note that it’s not a proper four-wheel-drive system as found in the Pajero or Montero Sport, as there’s no dedicated transfer case that’s found in those SUVs. The variants powered by the four-cylinder come fitted with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the V6-powered Outlanders utilize a regular 6-speed automatic gearbox.

The slowest variant is the entry-level Outlander GLX, which manages a 0 to 100 km/h runtime in 11 seconds and has a top speed of 195 km/h. However, if you regularly carry seven people in your Outlander (along with occasional long trips or airport runs), the 3.0-liter V6 model makes far more sense, as it can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in about 8.7 seconds and can reach a maximum velocity of over 200 km/h.

Features and Amenities

The Mitsubishi Outlander comes equipped with a range of nifty features, where even the base variant includes:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• All-round disc brakes
• Cruise control
• Acoustic windshield
• Tilt & telescopic adjustment for the leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel
• Paddle shifters
• Split-folding rear seats
• Keyless entry
• Dual-zone climate control
• Parking sensors with a rearview camera

Top variants come with additional features such as:

• Leather upholstery
• Premium Rockford Fosgate sound system
• Touchscreen display with navigation
• LED headlamps with auto-leveling
• Power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Power sunroof