Mitsubishi Outlander 4×4 (2007 – ) expert review

1. Exterior

While the Mitsubishi Outlander isn’t going to win any style awards and doesn’t have the class of the Land Rover Freelander, it’s an appealing shape. The Juro special edition comes with special 18-inch alloys, dark window tints and some sporty styling tweaks that add to the car’s road presence. The so-called jet-fighter grille is of particular interest, lifted from the highly-recognisable Mitsubishi Evolution X. It looks nothing like a jet fighter’s nose, of course, but it does lend some aggression and distinctiveness to the Outlander. Avoid basic GX2 versions, which don’t get alloy wheels.

Our rating: 3

2. Interior

We’d suggest the Outlander’s is the best interior Mitsubishi does in terms of design, but that’s not saying much. It’s quite similar to the Lancer Evolution X’s and feels solidly built, but there are just too many plain surfaces made of hard, grainy plastics. Most SUVs and crossovers feel of higher quality and look more interesting. That said, its simplicity makes it intuitive and easy to navigate and the driving position is comfortable.

Our rating: 2

3. Practicality

Seven seats are standard, but the rearmost pair is very small and suitable only for children or very short journeys. They’re frustratingly cumbersome to fold, but when stowed reveal an enormous boot with 541 litres of space. The middle-row seats can be folded to open up a huge, flat loading space, though the floor is a limiting, hourglass-like shape because the rear wheel arches encroach into it. Otherwise it’s largely as expected, with a central cubby hole, some dash storage and reasonable door pockets. The glove box is split across two levels.

Our rating: 3

4. Ride and handling

The Outlander resists the sort of wallow suffered by a few big 4×4s, making it quite enjoyable to drive. The sharp steering helps too, although this is ultimately a heavy, diesel-powered car and feels it through quicker corners. Comfort is sacrificed a little because of this sportier setup, and the car can rattle and rumble slightly too harshly over broken road surfaces. Usually it operates in two-wheel drive mode, but will direct power to the rear wheels for extra grip when needed. Whatever’s happening underneath, though, the Outlander feels sure-footed.

Our rating: 3

5. Performance

Two diesel engines are your choice, one with 154bhp and the other with 175bhp. Our test car, equipped with the lower-powered 2.2-litre unit and a six-speed SST automatic gearbox, had more than enough pulling power and in-gear flexibility to hustle the bulk along. It’s all you’ll need – and is quiet both at idle and on the motorway. A six-speed manual gearbox is available too. The SST is a good bet, though, because it’s quick and smooth to change, whether in full automatic mode or using the paddles.

Our rating: 3

6. Running costs

The average economy rating of our Juro 154bhp test car with SST gearbox is 38.7mpg, but realistically something in the low 30s can be expected, which is what we achieved. Not too bad for a large, automatic 4×4. You won’t improve that too much with the manual because SST is so efficient. Mind, 192g/km emissions makes car tax expensive and servicing costs aren’t cheap. This is no different to other 4×4s like the Nissan X-Trail, though, and the Outlander’s insurance groupings (which hover around the mid-twenties) are reasonable. The front-wheel drive 175bhp manual is most economical, with combined economy of 46.3mpg and emissions of 162g/km of CO2.

Our rating: 3

7. Reliability

The Outlander has been subject to an above average number of official recalls – six, in fact, between 2008 and 2010. While most have affected only a few hundred cars, a 2009 brake light failure recall affected 4,307 cars. The Outlander was also involved in a recall of almost 10,000 Mitsubishis for a clutch issue. These issues were covered by warranty.

Our rating: 3

8. Safety

A four-star rating from Euro NCAP is good but could be better. The car scored very well in side impact tests, but less well for child occupant protection, according to the Euro NCAP report. Disappointingly, basic GX2 models only get two airbags – you’ll have to spec up to GX3 or above for side and curtain units. All cars get electronic stability programme and anti-lock brakes.

Our rating: 3

9. Equipment

The GX2 specification is miserly, which is why it carries a temptingly low list price. GX3 cars get 18-inch alloys, privacy glass, a rear spoiler, electric door mirrors, climate control, Bluetooth, iPod connectivity, cruise control and a glove box that can be either warmed or cooled. That’s quite a spec sheet. GX4 adds touch-screen sat-nav, a rear view camera and a nicer set of alloys, which pushes the price up considerably, though it’s still cheaper like-for-like than the Land Rover Freelander, and about on par with Japanese rivals.

Our rating: 3

10. Why buy?

Roomy enough to seat five adults in comfort, good to drive, well equipped (away from the bottom end of the range) and interestingly styled, the Outlander has a lot going for it. Buy it because it’s something rugged but slightly different from the 4×4 norm.

Our rating: 3