Mitsubishi Outlander 2019 review

The Outlander has always been reasonable value, and, with the departure of the Holden Captiva, is probably the best-value seven-seat SUV out there. Though I would argue it already held that title, because the Captiva wasn't much of a car.

The Outlander is probably the best-value seven-seat SUV out there.

Our Outlander model comparison covers the entire range. We'll cover how much each model will cost you using the price list (RRP) pricing. Prices have moved a little bit, and in the case of the PHEV, they've moved a lot - happily, in a southerly direction.

There are 13 distinct models in the MY19 Outlander range, which opens with the manual front-wheel-drive 2.0-litre petrol ES. The ES manual distinguishes itself by being the only of the trim levels to sneak in under the $30k mark, weighing in at $29,290. It's also the only one of the cars with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine under the bonnet. 

It's a bit complicated here in the ES arena - once you're past the bargain-basement manual transmission model, you've a choice of 4x2 and AWD versions, and the answer to the how many seats question is many, with five- and seven-seat versions available. The ES CVT 2WD seven seater is $31,290, the ADAS-equipped CVT five seater is $32,790 (more of ADAS in the Safety section), the CVT AWD seven seater is $33,790 and the CVT 4WD ADAS five seater is $35,290. That's slightly bewildering.

But wait, there's more. The plug-in hybrid PHEV jumps to a much cheaper-than-before $45,990, the one with the ADAS package is $47,990. It seems curious you can't have an ADAS AWD seven-seater, but there you go.

The ES specifications include 18-inch rims, a six-speaker sound system, reversing camera, central locking with automatic door lock, climate control air-conditioner, cruise control, leather gearshift and steering wheel, power mirrors, cloth trim and a full-size spare tyre. When you go for the PHEV, you also pick up reverse parking sensors to soften the extra cost.

Things are a bit less complicated in the LS range. The front-wheel-drive LS CVT starts at $33,790, and the AWD CVT at $36,290. The LS also introduces the 2.2-litre diesel with a proper automatic transmission at $39,790. Lastly, the PHEV version is $50,490.

To the ES spec you can add the ADAS package, auto headlights and wipers, partial leather interior with micro-suede inserts, keyless entry and start with smart key, electric front seats, heated and folding power mirrors and an electrochromatic rear vision mirror.

The premium-packaged Exceed comprises the 2.4-litre petrol, the 2.2-litre diesel and the PHEV.

Next up is the premium-packaged Exceed, which comprises the 2.4-litre petrol ($42,290), the 2.2-litre diesel ($45,790), and the PHEV, which is $53,990 - a handy $1500 cheaper than the MY18.5. version.

You can expect 18-inch alloy wheels, and on top of the LS's spec is a sunroof, full-leather interior, front and side cameras, front and rear parking sensors, LED headlights, daytime running lights, rear privacy glass, power tailgate (a very useful convenience feature), rear spoiler and rear cross-traffic alert. You do, however, lose the spare tyre.

The same multimedia system does duties across the whole range. The ho-hum infotainment software is supported by Apple CarPlay for iPhone and Android Auto. There is also DAB radio, six speakers and bluetooth. There is no radio CD player (but there is AM/FM and digital), and no inbuilt GPS navigation system. The 7.0-inch touchscreen, familiar from the ASX, is of the "it's alright, I guess" approach to touchscreen hardware. Looks good, though.

The accessories list has all the usual things: over-priced floor mats (a choice of carpet and rubber), nudge bar (but no bull bar), nudge bar with integrated light bar, cargo barrier, tow bar, roof rack and boot liner.

Absent from the list are a snorkel, DVD player, subwoofer, winch, tonneau cover, side steps, anything resembling a luxury pack, rear seat entertainment system, heated steering wheel, seat belt extender, lift kit or park assist. No doubt a good chunk of that list is available from aftermarket suppliers.

The same multimedia system does duties across the whole range.

Mitsubishi hasn't gone mad with the colours -  black, red, silver, pearl white, ironbark (brown) and titanium (grey). Only Solid White is a freebie, the rest are $590 extra. If you want blue or orange, you're out of luck.

Where is the Mitsubishi Outlander built? It's built in Japan.

Whether a five or seven seater, the Outlander offers reasonable storage and load capacity. Front and second-row passengers score two cup holders for a total of four, which matches the number of bottle holders. Only the LS and Exceed models get seatback pockets on both sides, which is a bit grim.

The cabin is a very decent size given the car's modest footprint. Its interior dimensions mean you can get seven people in, although comfort is relative. I've had four adults and two teenagers ensconced without major problems, although the trip will want to be short. 

Third-row access is fraught and made more difficult by the overly complex middle-row folding mechanism, and legroom is tight to say the least. The middle row is not at all bad for leg and headroom, though.

Luggage capacity is dependent on the number of seats in use. With all three rows upright, the boot is a measly 128 litres. That number rises to 477 litres with the third row folded and is the same for a five-seat Outlander. Once both rear rows are stowed - and it's an annoyingly tricky process to fold the second row - you have a hefty 1608 litres. 

All loaded up, gross vehicle weight ranges from 1985kg for the 1410kg kerb weight ES manual through to 2370kg for the comparatively chunky PHEV (1860kg kerb weight).

Across the range there is a choice of four engine specs. 

The ES manual starts off with a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol motor developing 110kW and 190Nm of torque. It's the same engine as the smaller ASX and is just as uninspiring. The only Outlander with a clutch, the five-speed manual feeds power to the front wheels only.

The 2.4-litre petrol produces 124kW and 220Nm. Power reaches the road by either the front wheels or all four tyres, and no matter what, you'll need to like a continuously variable transmission. Or not care.

The 2.2-litre turbo diesel grinds out 110kW and a more respectable 360Nm. The diesel only comes with all-wheel drive and, according to Mitsubishi, a six-speed “sport” automatic.

Across the range there is a choice of engine specs starting with a 2.0-litre petrol motor.

Finally, the PHEV uses both a 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 87kW and 186Nm and two 30kW electric motors that bring the total combined power outputs to 120kW and 332Nm. A 12kWh/40Ah battery hides under the boot floor and takes around six hours to charge. Power goes out via all four wheels and a single speed automatic. 

As to whether the 4B11 petrol engine uses a timing belt or chain, it's the latter.

None of the Outlanders have startling 0-100 acceleration figures - despite being a relative lightweight in the class, the horsepower isn't there for strong performance. Amusingly, however, I have it on good authority that Wakefield Park race track occasionally sees a brave Outlander owner cutting laps.

For any reported automatic transmission problems, or general problems, complaints or feedback, keep an eye on our owner's page.

You might expect the smallest engine size to use the least fuel, and you'd be right - but only just. The sole 2.0-litre engine-equipped Outlander will use 7.0L/100km according to the official fuel ratings figures.

The 2.4-litre petrol consumption figure is 7.2L/100km in AWD and front-wheel drive guises. Either way, we didn't see less than 11.2L/100km from a 50/50 split of highway and suburban running in a two-wheel drive LS. 

The 2.2 diesel fuel consumption figure is listed at 6.2L/100km. Our time with an Exceed diesel saw us almost double that figure in a mix of highway and suburban running.

If fuel mileage is your overall goal, the PHEV is for you - the official figure of 1.7L/100km is scarcely believable, but that's partly to do with the way the figure is calculated. You can expect, in normal driving at least, a 4.0-5.0L/100km result, which isn't bad at all. Charging from a the plug consumes 9.8kWh (so about $3 per charge at 30c/kWh) and Mitsubishi says you'll cover 54km on a charge.

Fuel tank capacity is 63 litres for front-wheel-drive cars, 60 litres for most AWDs and 45 litres for the PHEV.

There is no LPG version or one with a supercharger.

Towing capacity varies. The PHEV can manage 750kg unbraked and 1500kg braked. The 2.0-litre petrol can "only" tow 740kg unbraked and shares the same 1600kg braked ratings as the other petrols. The diesel can haul 2000kg.

The Outlander range scored a five-star ANCAP safety rating when it was last tested in 2014.

Standard across the range are seven airbags, ABS, stability and traction controls and a reversing camera. The ADAS package - optional on all ES models, standard on the rest - includes reverse parking sensors, forward AEB, lane departure warning, active cruise and auto high-beam. 

The Outlander range scored a five-star ANCAP safety rating when it was last tested in 2014.

The Exceed also includes lane change warning, lane change assist, around-view camera, reverse cross-traffic alert and blind spot warning.

It seems you can only put a baby seat in the second row. On offer are two ISOFIX and three top-tether child seat anchor points.