- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 7 seats
- Engine
2.2DT, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
110kW, 360Nm
- Fuel
Diesel 6.2L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4WD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
5 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2014)
Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed Diesel Review
Age is no impediment to success.
Just like Grandpa's axe, Mitsubishi has kept its Outlander at the sharp-end of the family SUV segment with a second mid-life update that features a host of revisions across the range.
Despite first launching in its current generation as long ago as 2013, the Outlander continues to be among the most popular soft roaders in Australia, challenging best-sellers like the Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
New for 2018, the mid-sized model has a new-look front end, revised rear bumper and redesigned alloy wheels to differentiate it from its predecessor while cabin improvements and modifications to the suspension and steering are aimed at making it more comfortable and quieter on the road.
Prices have increased marginally across the extensive line-up, which includes both five- and seven-seat models with either front- or all-wheel drive transmissions and the choice of petrol, diesel or petrol-electric hybrid powertrains.
- Spacious cabin
- Flexible seven-seat configuration
- Top-level safety
- Cheap cabin presentation
- Middle of the road dynamics
- Noisy engine under acceleration
Is it right for me?
With such a vast choice of models, there is an Outlander variant to suit most demands, whether you're on a budget, want to help save the planet or simply cart around more than a nuclear family. All that's missing is a more rugged off-roader, but Mitsubishi has that covered with the Triton ute-based Pajero Sport or larger Pajero.
The Outlander is more an urban runabout in the sense of a modern soft-roader, offering the kind of space and commanding driving position that appeals to soccer mums and suburban dads.
Can I afford it ?
Despite the small price increases for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander - up by $300 across the line-up - the Japanese SUV is right on the money (literally) against its competitors, with a starting price of $29,290 (plus on-roads) for the entry-level ES with a 2.0-litre engine, manual transmission and front-drive configuration.
For an extra $2k, you can get a CVT automatic transmission and larger 2.4-litre petrol motor with seven seats while an advanced safety pack in the EDAS variants costs another $1500 and all-wheel drive transmission is a $2500 premium.
The mid-level LS specification, which starts at $33,790 (plus on-roads) includes the optional safety gear plus leather trim with heated front seats, front fog lights, keyless start and automatic headlights and windscreen wipers.
We're testing the range-topping Exceed trim with the optional 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine that costs $45,790 (plus on-roads) and comes fully loaded with all that Mitsubishi has in its bag of tricks.
What do you get for your money?
That includes the seven-seat layout, full leather-faced trim with powered and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, a sunroof and a 7.0-inch colour touch screen with sat nav, Bluetooth, digital radio and smarpthone mirroring for Apple and Android devices.
It also has the full suite of Mitsubishi's active safety, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera with front and rear parking sensors.
Its exterior has plenty of chrome highlights, there's full LED headlights and it rides on 18-inch alloy wheels with a full-size spare tyre.
How much does it cost to maintain?
All Mitsubishi models, including the Outlander range, are covered by a five-year, 100,000km warranty with the first year including roadside assistance and membership to a state-based auto club, such as the RACV in Victoria or NRMA in NSW.
The Outlander has service intervals every 12 months or 15,000km (which occurs first) and Mitsubishi offers a capped-priced servicing schedule for the first three years. While diesel variants cost more to maintain than the petrol models, each visit is reasonably affordable with minor services at 12 months and 36 months costing $375 each while a major check-up at 24 months will set you back $500.
Is it well built?
The Outlander isn't the flashiest SUV in its segment, but there is nothing to suggest it isn't well screwed together as our test car was fault free with no signs of any squeaks or rattles in the cabin.
There is a bit of a mis-match in some of the materials used throughout, with soft-touch plastic on top of the dash and doors but harder, cheaper plastics in other areas, and even though Mitsubishi claims the leather bits you touch (the cushion and backrest in the seats, the armrests in the doors and the steering wheel) are genuine, it all looks - and feels - like synthetic cow hide.
What are the Standout features?
What can't be argued against, however, is the amount of space inside the Outlander's cabin.
It has always been on the larger side of the medium-sized SUV segment, and, as such, was one of the first to offer an occasional seven-seat configuration that has now been copied by the likes of the Nissan X-Trail, Honda CR-V and forced Mazda Australia to fight for the CX-8 that was initially intended to be exclusive to the Japanese market only.
What does it have that others don't?
In spite of its ageing underpinnings, Mitsubishi has kept the Outlander right up to date with modern safety systems - which is good for families - and doesn't discriminate against offering the latest technology across the entire range.
The Exceed, however, gets the full gammut of gear as standard, and the basic functions like its adaptive cruise control are easy to use and well calibrated while the lane keeping assistance is smooth and not as intrusive - or as binary - as some of its rivals.
How practical is it?
While the Outlander has a big 4WD button in the middle of the centre console, this isn't a hard-core bush basher as it rides on road-biased rubber, only has 190mm of ground clearance and the all-wheel drive system is a part-time transmission without low-range gears.
It will still get you places regular passenger cars won't, and is capable of light-duty off-road work and some beach driving. In that context, it is one of only a handful of vehicles in its class to still offer a full-size spare tyre, which is handy.
Diesel-powered models, like our test vehicle, also come with a higher towing capacity than the petrol alternatives, capable of pulling a maximum load of 2000kg with a braked trailer or campervan.
Where it excels is around the suburbs for everyday work, owing to its flexible seven-seat configuration which gives families the option to shove a few more kids in the back for weekend sports events or birthday parties.
Is it comfortable?
Those in the very last row are treated to as much space as occupants in the front or middle seats, so it's best to consider the Outlander as an occasional seven-seater than a genuine big family SUV.
For those behind the wheel, it offers a commanding driving position with excellent vision through its expansive glasshouse and plenty of adjustment in the seat to suit most sizes. There's big door bins capable of holding 1.5-litre water bottles and a few odds and ends, while a deep centre console can hide away more valuable items. It doesn't have any USB or 12V power outlets in there though, meaning you have to connect mobile devices in the lower portion of the dash and use the cupholders to keep them secure.
Mitsubishi says the front seats have been revised to offer increased side support but they are still fairly flat compared to the best in the class and the short lower cushion lacks support for long legs, which can be tiring over a long distance.
Otherwise, the Outlander is respectably quiet at highway speeds, has a decent audio system, the touch screen has bright graphics and an easy-to-use menu system and the instruments are simple and clear to read in any light.
Easy in, easy out?
As a suburban SUV, the Outlander is neither too tall or too low, allowing easy access for adults and kids to the cabin.
Those in the middle row are treated to a generous amount of legroom in its regular configuration, but the middle bench can be moved forward, and the backrests recline, to accomodate those in the third row when it is in use.
Getting in there is a bit of a task for small kids though, and an adult will need to pull the heavy seat forward before it tumbles open to reveal a small aperture to climb through.
Space and versatility?
With a 60:40 split fold in the middle row, and two individual seats in the back, the Outlander can be configured in a myriad of ways.
With all seven seats in use, the boot space is limited to just 128L - enough for a couple of school bags, basic sporting gear or a small load of groceries. When used as a conventional five-seater, it is much more convenient with 477L of space - although there are holes either side of the flat-folded rear seats that can swallow small items when loose, and there's only a limited number of bag hooks to keep a full load secure.
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What's the engine like?
Our test vehicle is powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel that produces 110kW and 360Nm - numbers that are below the best diesel alternatives in its class.
Uniquely, while all petrol versions of the Outlander except the base-level 2.0-litre variant are equipped with a CVT automatic transmission, the diesel engine has a conventional torque converter auto with six speeds.
It's a sturdy combination that has proven to be reliable and efficient as well as, to be frank, more enjoyable to drive.
It's not the last word in refinement, producing a whooshy soundtrack under acceleration and has some noticeable lag as the turbo charger builds to maximum boost when you ask for full throttle, but it is more energetic than the petrol models when you do with a meaty mid-range surge of power that makes it a little more effortless out on the open road and spritely away from the lights around town.
How much fuel does it consume?
The diesel is more efficient too, with a claimed average fuel consumption of 6.2L/100km. That's still behind some of its rivals but we found it's not that far off in the real world, recording an average of 6.9L/100km with a variety of urban and freeway driving during our time with the Outlander.
Is it enjoyable to drive?
Mitsubishi says it has modified the construction of the Outlander's body to increase its structural rigidity, while also fitting updated 2018 models with a quicker steering rack and larger-diameter shock absorbers to improve its on-road performance.
The reality is the improvements are minor and the Outlander continues to drive squarely down the middle of the road, falling somewhere between the dynamic winners and losers in the family SUV segment.
It's comfortable without being the plushest, it's refined without being the quietest and it corners confidently and securely without being the sportiest.
Does it perform as you expect?
That all proves the Mitsubishi Outlander is ageing gracefully and remains a smart, spacious and safe choice for modern families.
Sure, it's not the most stylish on the outside, and it doesn't look or feel as convincing as rival range-toppers on the inside, but it isn't missing anything on the spec sheet, has the added flexibility of its seven-seat configuration and a grunty - if not a little gruff - powertrain that makes its comfortable to drive and relatively affordable to own.
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed Price and Specifications
Price: From $45,790 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel
Power: 110kW at 3500rpm
Torque: 360Nm at 1500-2750rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, AWD
Fuel use: 6.2L/100km