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Mitsubishi Outlander (2012 – 2021) Review

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Mitsubishi Outlander (2012 – 2021) Verdict

3/5

+Easy to drive. Most variants have seven seats. Economical diesel engines. Large and practical boot. Five star Euro NCAP rating.

-Interior isn't as plush as rivals.

Find out more about the Mitsubishi Outlander (2012 – 2021)

New prices start from £24,984
Insurance Groups are between 22–27
On average it achieves 76% of the official MPG figure

With mature styling, a practical cabin with space for seven and real 4x4 ability the Outlander is a smart choice of rural workhorse in 2.2-litre diesel form. Official economy is 55.3mpg for the GX2 manual and – rather unusually - it’s actually almost achievable in real world driving.

The Outlander is also comfortable and spacious. The cabin may lack somewhat in style and sophistication but it is durable and offers plenty of space in both the front and rear. There’s a large boot and all but the entry-level GX2 model, come with seven seats, the back two of which are surprisingly roomy. Folding all of the seats flat frees up a huge 1680 litres of space.

All models come with all-wheel drive as standard. The system is aimed at genuine off-road driving instead of just helping out on a patch of on-road slush. The differential can be locked and the gearbox set to low range, so on undulating, muddy or gravel-covered surfaces there is plenty of traction. Paired with a braked tow-weight of 2000kg, the Outlander is an ideal car for towing horseboxes or caravans.

It drives well too – the controls are nicely weighted, although the steering could be a little more precise, but the suspension does a good job of absorbing the worst lumps and bumps, even if body roll is a problem at higher speeds on particularly twisty roads. That said, the Outlander has plenty of grip and always feels safe, stable and secure.

The Outlander offers the complete 4x4 package. It’s large, practical and capable, yet it has real off-road and poor weather capability, plus it manages reasonable fuel economy. Inside it may lack the the polish and upmarket ‘feel’ of some rival cars, but if rugged durability is what you value above all else then the Outlander is worth a look. 

Road Test 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander

Long Term Test Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Long Term Test

Reviews for Mitsubishi Outlander (2012 – 2021)'s top 3 rivals

Subaru Forester
3/5
Well-equipped as standard. Impressive roadholding even in poor weather. Spacious interior.
Kia Sorento
4/5
Strong diesels including impressive 2.2-litre. Comes with seven seats. New six-speed automatic. More...
Citroen C-Crosser
4/5
Excellent handling. Reasonable 2.2 turbo diesel. Respectable off-road ability. Well equipped.

Mitsubishi Outlander (2012 – 2021) handling and engines

The Mitsubishi Outlander is available as a PHEV plug-in hybrid which is covered in its own review. The only other engine offered is a 2.2-litre diesel with 149PS. Peak torque is 380Nm and it comes it nice and low down the rev range at 1750rpm, making the Outlander a flexible and easy-to-drive car.

The power is delivered smoothly and the gear change is slick and precise. The automatic option is reasonably smooth although it can hang on to gears a little when accelerating hard. But it’s a smart transmission, adapting to your driving style over time and changing shift patterns to suit.  Once up to speed it’s easy to amble along without too much effort thanks to the torque output, so for A-roads and motorways the Outlander is ideal.

The Outlander feels quite heavy though despite its light power steering. Indeed there is a noticeable amount of body roll, although that doesn’t translate to a lack of grip. The Outlander is safe, planted and secure and all models come with all-wheel drive, which helpa in wet weather or snow. It's also capable in tougher off-road situations thanks to a low-range gearbox setting and selectable differential lock. Paired with a braked tow-weight rating of 2000kg that makes the Outlander a good choice of tow car, whether for horse boxes, caravans or trailers.

Rough roads are taken care of with fairly comfortable suspension. It’s not the very last word in smooth serenity but it’s not bad at all over potholes or speed bumps. The Outlander is big, so town drivers might struggle, but a high-up driving position makes visibility good and a reversing camera helps out with tight parking spaces if you choose a GX4 or GX5 model.

Emissions and economy depend on the trim level and transmission. The higher trim levels are heavier and so emit more CO2 and consume more fuel, but figures are reasonable across the board. Emissions range from 138-153g/km and economy ranges from 53.2mpg for the GX2 manual to 48.7mpg for the GX5 auto. Unusually those figures are reasonably accurate and can be achieved in real world driving.

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
2.0 38 mpg 11.6–13.3 s 169–171 g/km
2.0 DI-D Automatic - - 171 g/km
2.2 DI-D 52–53 mpg 10.2 s 139–140 g/km
2.2 DI-D Automatic 49 mpg 11.6–11.7 s 153–154 g/km
2.2 DI-DAutomatic - 11.7 s -

Real MPG average for the Mitsubishi Outlander (2012 – 2021)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

76%

Real MPG

30–49 mpg

MPGs submitted

83

Mitsubishi Outlander (2012 – 2021) interior

Dimensions
Length 4655–4695 mm
Width 1800–1810 mm
Height 1680–1710 mm
Wheelbase 2670 mm

Full specifications

The cabin of the Outlander is neatly laid out and feels very well screwed together, but it lacks panache. Spartan though it may be, it’s certainly comfortable, with plenty of legroom and headroom for front and rear seat passengers. The seating position is high up and commanding, while huge door mirrors give a good view back, making the Outlander confidence inspiring to drive despite its size.

All models, with the exception of the entry level GX2, come with seven seats as standard and the rearmost pair are surprisingly useful and very easy to fold up and down. They are easily capable of seating a child even when the middle row is occupied with adults. When the back two seats aren’t in use they fold flat into the boot floor, giving a sizeable 591 litres of load space. The load deck is flat, but it is quite high for loading heavy items.

Mitsubishi supplies a flimsy, annoyingly tricky-to-use load cover but when not in use, it does stow neatly under the boot floor. For those who carry large items the middle row folds completely flat, giving a usefully large 913 litres in seven-seater models or 1022 litres in five-seat GX2 versions.  It’s a bit of a fiddle to drop the seats flat first time around, but once you figure it out it's not a problem.

Standard equipment is good enough. Entry level models get an audio system with aux/USB-in, along with cruise control, electric windows, keyless entry and climate control. Moving to a higher trim level adds extras like satellite navigation, leather upholstery, heated seats, a power tailgate and a reversing camera.

Standard Equipment:

GX2 models come with lockable all-wheel drive, five seats, 16-inch steel wheels, daytime running lights, keyless entry, iPod/USB/AUX connection, six-speaker audio system, climate control and electric windows.

GX3 trim adds additional row of two, fold out seats, plus 18-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, folding, heated door mirrors, auto wipers, Bluetooth, leather gearknob and steering wheel, dua-zone climate control, underfloor storage in boot and parking sensors.

GX5 adds a sunroof, reversing camera, electrically operated tailgate, keyless start, HiD lights with washers, DAB radio, satellite navigation, leather seat trim, electrically adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats.

Mitsubishi Outlander (2012 – 2021) models and specs

Dimensions
Length 4655–4695 mm
Width 1800–1810 mm
Height 1680–1710 mm
Wheelbase 2670 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1540–1610 kg
Boot Space 128–913 L
Warranty 3 years
Servicing 9000–12500 miles
Spare Wheel
Standard Space-saving spare wheel
Costs
List Price £24,984–£34,735
Insurance Groups 22–27
Road Tax Bands E–H
Official MPG 37.7–53.3 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall 5

Currently on sale

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
2.0 Design Auto 5dr - - 13.3 s
2.0 Exceed Auto 5dr - - 13.3 s

On sale until June 2021

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Black DI-D 147 Auto 5dr - - -

On sale until November 2019

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
2.0 4 Auto 5dr £29,680 37.7 mpg 11.6 s
2.0 Black Auto 4Drive 5dr - - -
2.0 Juro Auto 5dr £27,680 37.7 mpg 11.6 s
2.2 DI-D 3 Auto 5dr £30,485 48.7 mpg 11.6 s
2.2 DI-D 4 5dr £32,820 53.3 mpg 10.2 s
2.2 DI-D 4 Auto 5dr £34,735 48.7 mpg 11.6 s
2.2 DI-D Juro 5dr £29,770 53.3 mpg 10.2 s
2.2 DI-D Juro Auto 5dr £31,585 48.7 mpg 11.6 s

On sale until November 2018

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
2.2 DI-D 3 5dr £28,670 53.3 mpg 10.2 s
2.2 DI-D 3 Auto 5dr £30,485 48.7 mpg 11.6 s
2.2 DI-D 4 5dr £32,820 53.3 mpg 10.2 s
2.2 DI-D 4 Auto 5dr £34,735 48.7 mpg 11.6 s
2.2 DI-D Juro 5dr £29,770 53.3 mpg 10.2 s
2.2 DI-D Juro Auto 5dr £31,585 48.7 mpg 11.6 s
2.2 DI-D Keiko 5dr £29,870 53.3 mpg 10.2 s
2.2 DI-D Keiko Auto 5dr £31,685 48.7 mpg 11.6 s

On sale until October 2018

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
2.2 DI-D 2 5dr £25,920 53.3 mpg 10.2 s

On sale until April 2017

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
2.2 DI-D 2 5dr £25,184 53.3 mpg -
2.2 DI-D 3 5dr £28,084 53.3 mpg -
2.2 DI-D 3 Auto 5dr £29,789 48.7 mpg -
2.2 DI-D 4 5dr £32,084 53.3 mpg -
2.2 DI-D 4 Auto 5dr £33,739 48.7 mpg -
2.2 DI-D 4WD GX2 5dr £24,984 53.3 mpg 10.2 s
2.2 DI-D 4WD GX3 5dr £27,784 53.3 mpg 10.2 s
2.2 DI-D 4WD GX3 Auto 5dr £29,489 48.7 mpg 11.6 s
2.2 DI-D 4WD GX4 5dr £31,684 53.3 mpg 10.2 s
2.2 DI-D 4WD GX4 Auto 5dr £33,139 48.7 mpg 11.6 s

On sale until October 2015

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
2.2 DI D GX3 147 5dr £26,599 52.3 mpg 10.2 s
2.2 DI D GX3 Leather 147 Auto 5dr £29,749 - 11.7 s

On sale until September 2014

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
2.2 GX5 147 Auto 5dr £33,999 48.7 mpg 11.7 s

Model History

March 2012

Third generation Outlander unveiled at Geneva Motor Show

On sale in Europe from late 2012. Similar in size to the previous model, the 2012 Outlander followed a clear design brief where in true Mitsubishi fashion, key directions were for an “engineer’s car” with a “Solid – Safe – Simple” shape, blending substantial look with clean surfaces. Its 7 seat configuration with space for two small children in the rearmost seats continues.

High grade materials inside (padded surfaces, soft-touch finish, silver accents, gloss black appliqués…) gracing a dashboard designed for better driver concentration, including ergonomic steering wheel controls as well as high-resolution and easy-to-read instrument displays.

In Europe, the New Generation Outlander offered at launch the choice between two low impact engines (whether in 2WD or 4WD): 2.0 l MIVEC petrol or 2.2 MIVEC Clean Diesel (MMC’s own 4N14 engine) Depending on market, model, engine and specifications, Auto Stop & Go will be available, as well as an all-new 6-speed automatic gearbox.

As part of its novel technical package, the 2012 Outlander was also equipped with an “eco-friendly driving system” that notifies the driver when she/he is driving at maximum efficiency. Accordingly, the driver can choose to drive at maximum efficiency to enhance actual fuel consumption of the vehicle – availability according to model & market.

After the Geneva unveiling, the 2012 Outlander was launched first in Russia in summer 2012, prior to Europ (late summer 2012), Japan, Oceania, China and North America.

From 2013 in Europe, MMC also took advantage of the built-in possibilities of Outlander’s versatile architecture to add an EV-based plug-In hybrid powertrain - a fully integrated solution, based on MMC’s EV technology and making the best use of MMC’s extensive 4-Wheel-Drive expertise as well. When fitted to Outlander, the Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid EV system will allow for a range and very low emissions similar to that of the MITSUBISHI Concept PX-MiEV II (over 800 km and a target of below 50 g/km).

August 2018

Outlander 2.0-litre petrol launched

Powered by a 2.0-litre MIVEC petrol engine producing 150PS and 195Nm of torque, the new Outlander Petrol is equipped with an advanced CVT automatic transmission that offers the stepped shifting of a conventional automatic. For additional control and driving pleasure, there are also paddle shifters for a more manual control.

As with all Mitsubishi Outlanders, the new Outlander Petrol is also equipped with electronically-controlled 4WD as standard which combines with Active Stability Control to offer excellent traction and stability even in the most challenging of conditions. The standard Drive Mode Selector lets you easily select the most appropriate drive mode when desired: 4WD ECO mode for maximum economy, 4WD AUTO mode for normal driving conditions or 4WD LOCK mode for rough terrain or low-grip conditions.

The Mitsubishi Outlander Petrol is available now with the Juro version priced from £27,680 OTR and the range-topping Outlander 4 adds leather seats with electric driver’s seat adjustment, a 360° camera, heated steering wheel, power tailgate, blind-spot warning with rear cross traffic alert along with LED headlamps with LED high beam and LED front fog lamps. The Outlander 4 is priced from £29,680 OTR.

Version

OTR Price (Aug ‘18)

Outlander Juro Auto 4WD

£27,680

Outlander 4 Auto 4WD

£29,680

January 2019

Mitsubishi Outlander Black Edition on sale now

Mitsubishi has introduced new Black Edition variants of the ASX, Outlander Petrol, Eclipse Cross and L200 pick-up models. Black Edition versions are distinguished by their black alloys wheels and black detailing, and are only offered in one of three colours – black, grey or white.

The Mitsubishi Outlander Black Edition is based on the top Outlander 4 petrol variant but is enhanced with black 18-inch alloy wheels, a black radiator grille, black front skid plate and black door mirror covers. Along the flanks the door rubbing strips are also finished in black along with the roof rails and black rear skid plate. The interior is finished with a black roof lining and sporty “C-TEC” upholstery. The Outlander Black Edition is limited to 150 units and priced from £31,560.

October 2019

Mitsubishi Outlander Petrol updated

Enhancements for 2020 include a reduction on CO2 emissions to 169g/km, reducing its first-year VED rate by £325, as well as improved equipment specification including a new, eight-inch infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, including Bluetooth, DAB digital radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto compatibility and a rear-view camera as well as a built-in TomTom satellite navigation system on top versions.

The climate control panel has also been redesigned for 2020, meaning the whole dashboard has a fresh look, while the driver’s seat now features power lumbar support and rear seat comfort has been improved with additional, ergonomic padding. The latest Outlander Petrol is now available with Mitsubishi signature Red Diamond paint finish as well. In line with the rest of the Mitsubishi range, the naming of the trim levels also changes for 2020. The entry-level Outlander Petrol will be the Design version and in addition to seven seats, four-wheel drive, an automatic transmission and the new eight-inch infotainment system as standard, it is also equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels; heated front seats; Keyless Operation System; electronic parking brake; electric, folding heated door mirrors; front fog lamps, automatic lights and wipers; cruise control, dual-zone climate control and privacy glass. The new top version, now called the Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed, adds leather upholstery with electric driver’s side adjustment; a 360° camera; built-in TomTom navigation; LED headlamps, high beams and fog lamps; heated steering wheel; power tailgate; Blind Spot Warning with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and twin rear USB ports. The Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed is priced from £30,385.

What to watch out for

12-08-2015:

Reader quoted £7,800 by Mitsubishi dealer to replace the satnav in a 2014 Outlander after a passenger accidentally cracked the screen.

16-03-2017:

Timing chain failure reported on 2014 Outlander 2.3 diesel at 45,000 miles: D eveloped a knocking sound from the engine a week before the warranty ran out at is MoT. Could not book it in to the Mitsubishi dealer until 2 weeks later so out of warranty. T old they would strip the engine as they suspected it was the crankshaft or timing chain. They then submitted their report to Mitsubishi to check if the warranty would cover it. They said this would depend on the services and if these had been kept up to date. The car had 3 services (one a year) but because it had done 45000 miles it should have had 5 (one per 9000 miles). Apparently this is a known fault on high mileage police traffic patrol cars. But because of the missed service Mitsubishi refused to contribut to the £3,000 cost of repairing the engine.

11-05-2018:

Report of multiple chipping to windscreen of 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander, the screen of which seems to be especially vulnerable.

14-12-2018:

Report of clutch failure on 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander after 6 months and 5,000 miles.