Family Express: take the new Mitsubishi Outlander for a test drive

The Mitsubishi model range is no longer as wide and diverse as it was 15-20 years ago. However, recently the situation began to improve because after entering into an alliance with Mitsubishi, Renault and Nissan, the Japanese brand began to update its product range with the support of new partners. The first fruit of such collaboration was, unsurprisingly, the new Mitsubishi Outlander; This is the most popular modern model of the brand. It was this crossover that was tested Focus.

Original and eye-catching – Mitsubishi Outlander design

The appearance of the Mitsubishi Outlander may cause different sensations, but it is worth admitting that the crossover has become much more impressive than its predecessor. The design has become more athletic with sculpted sidewalls and flared fenders. The hood and window line were made higher and the rear roof pillars were thicker.

The wide radiator grille is curved and chrome trim distinguishes it from the “double-decker” headlights. The width of the rear is emphasized by rectangular lights, and the upper glass is covered by a spoiler. The top-end Ultimate edition comes with 20-inch wheels.

The new Mitsubishi Outlander is the sibling of the Nissan X-Trail because it uses the same platform. However, it is slightly larger than both it and the previous generation Outlander.

Dimensions of Mitsubishi Outlander 2024:

• length – 4710 mm;
• width – 1862 mm;
• height – 1740 mm;
• wheelbase – 2706 mm.

Salon of Mitsubishi Outlander

In the interior of the Mitsubishi Outlander 2024 you can find some switches from the Nissan X-Trail, but in general its design is original. Interior trim materials have become significantly better than the previous model. The upper version uses diluted leather with silver and black shiny inserts. It is also worth paying attention to the soft upholstery of the front panel and door cards.

The four-spoke steering wheel is quite wide and trimmed with perforated leather, but the gear lever has become much more compact. Now all Mitsubishi Outlanders in Ukraine will be equipped with a digital instrument panel, the configuration and graphics of which can be changed.

Above the central panel is an 8.0-inch touchscreen. The multimedia system menu is simple and clear, but the graphics already look a little outdated in 2024. Of course, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported.

At the same time, many physical buttons have been preserved, although some are still small. Below are USB ports and wireless smartphone charging.

The Mitsubishi Outlander crossover has a medium-sized glove compartment and a rather large box in the front armrest. There are also large door pockets and original compartments on the sides of the center console.

Enough space

Finding a comfortable driving position is not difficult, because the steering wheel adjustment range is quite wide and the driver’s seat in all Mitsubishi Outlanders is electric. In the more expensive Ultimate version, the front passenger also has electric drive and a settings memory function is also added.

The front seats are elastic and have good lateral support. They are heated like a steering wheel. The driver’s seat slides back for ease of entry and exit.

Seating position in the Mitsubishi Outlander is quite high, even by crossover standards. Visibility is limited due to the high hood and thick rear pillars, but versatile cameras save the day.

The roomy second row is the Mitsubishi Outlander’s trump card. There’s plenty of leg and head room here. Plus, the cabin is roomy enough to ensure three passengers won’t feel cramped. The chairs have horizontal adjustment, and the angle of the backrests also varies.

The middle part of the backrest folds and turns into an armrest. Additionally, rear passengers have a separate climate control zone, retractable curtains and USB ports, and the Ultimate version has heating.

But the third row is cramped even for short adults and is designed primarily for children. There are no USB ports here, but there are cup holders.

With all three rows of seats in place, the 163-litre boot remains in place. Its volume is 478 liters in the five-seat configuration and 2256 liters in the two-seat configuration.

The tailgates of all Mitsubishi Outlander in Ukraine are equipped with an electric drive with an opening sensor. The rear seats fold very easily to create a flat floor. There is a niche underneath to accommodate the trunk curtain and head restraints of the third row seats. The spare wheel is located at the bottom of the car.

There’s already a lot on the “base” – Mitsubishi Outlander equipment

The new Mitsubishi Outlander has a very rich equipment with the basic Intense version such as three-zone climate control, parking sensors, camera, cruise control, light and rain sensors.

The Ultimate version has a panoramic roof, cameras on all sides and Bose acoustics with 10 speakers. In addition, this crossover received a number of safety systems – automatic braking, lane keeping, monitoring blind spots and driver fatigue.

“Old style” – Mitsubishi Outlander engine

Under the hood of the Mitsubishi Outlander is a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine with direct injection, which can also be found in American Nissan Rogues. This is what those who don’t want a turbo engine due to reliability concerns need.

The 184-horsepower four can be called an old-school engine. Unlike turbo engines, the revs need to be increased because it “wakes up” after 3000 rpm and the peak torque of 244 N∙m is available at 3600 rpm.

However, the crossover has enough dynamics, but it still cannot be called impressive. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes 10.6 seconds and the top speed is 187 km/h. Overtaking on the highway is quite easy.

The engine is very quiet and can only be heard at high speeds. The variator is well tuned and reacts quite quickly, simulating 8 gears in manual mode.

Claimed fuel consumption is 10.5 l/100 km in urban cycling and 6.8 l/100 km on the highway. During the test, we consumed approximately 10.6-11 liters of fuel per 100 km in the city and 7.3-7.5 l/100 km outside the city.

It is worth noting that the series includes a much more powerful and economical plug-in hybrid Mitsubishi Outlander with 302 hp, which can travel more than 80 km on electric power.

Driving Mitsubishi Outlander

The new Mitsubishi Outlander is a crossover that is not afraid of off-road conditions. The S-AWC four-wheel drive system is complemented by asphalt, gravel, snow and mud modes. It also has high ground clearance (210 mm) and Hill Descent Control system.

Crossover prioritizes comfort. The soft suspension copes well with bumps and the ride is smooth, even with 20-inch wheels. In addition, the underbody sound insulation of the Mitsubishi Outlander 2024 has been improved, so that bumps are absorbed without any problems. But the body roll is not very large.

The crossover’s steering is quite accurate, although it requires more knowledge. Understeer is not very noticeable – the traction vectoring function helps. Outlander is well suited for long journeys; Directional stability at high speeds is good and the cabin is very quiet.

Price of Mitsubishi Outlander

The price of the basic Intense version of the new Mitsubishi Outlander in Ukraine starts from 1,615,000 hryvnia, and the top-end Ultimate version starts from 1,803,000 hryvnia. It can be said that this is an average price for this segment.

Decision Focus

The concept of Mitsubishi Outlander has remained unchanged in principle compared to its predecessor – a comfortable family model. The crossover has become more spacious, more modern and richer equipped, but a more powerful version could still come in handy.

Pros of Mitsubishi Outlander:

• spacious interior;
• rich equipment;
• comfortable suspension.

Cons of Mitsubishi Outlander:

• limited visibility;
• Traction power is low at low revs.

Technical specifications of Mitsubishi Outlander