The updated Mitsubishi Outlander has arrived, and while it may not look drastically different from its predecessor, there have been significant changes under the skin. Mitsubishi has listened to feedback from Australian customers and media to improve the driving experience offered by the Outlander, and the result is a more refined and capable SUV.
One of the major updates to the Outlander is the Australian ride and handling retune. Mitsubishi has tested and developed the new model on hilly rural roads south of metropolitan Adelaide, where the brand has a history of vehicle development and production. This tuning has resulted in improved suspension, electric power steering, and reduced noise and harshness levels inside the cabin.
The exterior of the Outlander features tweaked front and rear bumpers, new wheel designs, and a new Moonstone Grey signature paint color. Inside, there are new screens, a reconfigured center console, different color options, and a premium sound system developed in collaboration with Yamaha. The overall interior layout has been redesigned based on customer feedback, making it more practical and user-friendly.
In terms of performance, the Outlander is powered by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The powertrain delivers 135kW of power and 244Nm of torque, providing smooth acceleration and acceptable performance. The updated electric power steering system has been recalibrated for better on-center feel and steering response, enhancing the overall driving experience.
Safety features in the Outlander include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera system. The SUV has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, with strong scores in adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, vulnerable road user protection, and safety assist.
The Outlander is available in five trim levels, each offering a range of standard features and equipment. Pricing for the range starts at $39,990 for the base model and goes up to $57,990 for the range-topping variant. The SUV is backed by a 10-year, 200,000km warranty if serviced by a Mitsubishi dealer, with standard warranty coverage of five years or 100,000km.
Overall, the updated Mitsubishi Outlander is a compelling choice in the mid-size SUV segment, offering a blend of comfort, performance, and value for money. The improvements in ride and handling, interior refinement, and safety features make it a strong contender against rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5. If you’re in the market for a practical and reliable SUV, the Outlander is definitely worth considering.
