Overview of the Mitsubishi Outlander
Mitsubishi was already famous for its Mitsubishi Pajero off-roader when, in 2003, the Japanese brand tackled the suburbs with the compact Outlander SUV. It has since become one of the most popular models in the medium-SUV segment. Initially available only as a five-door, five-seater vehicle, later models added a seven-seater option that's not common in its competitive set. The Outlander has led the way technologically, too, with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant that teams electric and petrol power together for ultra-low fuel economy.
MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER GENERATIONS (SINCE 2003)
2003-2006
2006-2012
2012 onwards
RUNNING COSTS
Fuel Consumption
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV): 1.7 litres per 100km
2.0L 4-cylinder: 6.7 to 7.0 litres per 100km
2.4L 4-cylinder: 7.2 litres per 100km
2.2L 4-cylinder turbo diesel: 6.2 litres per 100km
= Highly economical.
= Good economy.
= Average fuel use.
= Heavy consumption.
Servicing
Every 15,000km or 12 months, whichever is sooner. Each service currently costs between about $280 and $500 (2017 onwards) or between about $200 and $700 (2016 prior). Mitsubishi Outlander parts and accessoriescan be found on Gumtree.
SIMILAR MODELS TO MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER
Honda CR-V
Hyundai Tucson
Mazda CX-5
Subaru Forester
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER (2013 ON)
Interior plastics can become scratched by the normal day-to-day uses the average SUV is put to. Make sure the interior isn't too worn out.
Watch for oil leaks from the engine, particularly around the rocker cover.
The CVT transmission has been criticised for sometimes taking lots of time to get the vehicle up and running. In extreme cases, this could be a problem in fast-moving traffic and, in fact, the Outlander was recalled to address this.
Another recall was to address a problem that other cars with early versions of active cruise-control have also experienced. When driving close to a concrete barrier or some other roadside structure, the Outlander could interpret that barrier as an oncoming car and whack on the brakes to avoid a collision that was never going to happen.
The consequences of that behaviour in traffic are pretty obvious.
