The Outlander was updated a while ago: here's the details.
Mitsubishi updated its 7-seater crossover SUV in early 2017. This refresher saw the Outlander equipped with Mitsubishi's latest "Dynamic Shield" frontal styling, a new wheel design, and an effective upgrade to the CVT gearbox that gave it six simulated steps in the transmission, enabling it to act more like a conventional automatic gearbox. Just the one model is offered, the Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4 GLS Exceed.
1. CVT gearbox up-graded
The upgrade to the CVT ‘box included large paddle shifters to easily activate those transmission steps and nullify the single-pitch engine noise that CVT gearboxes are sometimes noted for.
Being a Mitsubishi, the Outlander GLS Exceed comes with a well-engineered all-wheel-drive system, and you can opt for four-wheel-drive with variable power splits between the front and rear axles, full-time four-wheel-drive, or 4X4 lock, which locks the central differential for more serious off-road work.
The Outlander is profiled more towards a family car capable of handling poor dirt roads, rather than radical off-roading. It is ideal for those family trips away to game lodges or the mountains, where rough dirt roads may be encountered. It has a rugged suspension that deals well with ruts and potholes, and yet on the open road the ride is reasonably poised.
2. The engine is dated
The engine used in the Outlander is dated, however. It is a naturally-aspirated 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, developing 123 kW between 6 000 and 6 500 rpm. The engine uses Mitsubishi’s traditional counter-rotating balance shafts to smooth out vibrations and it’s fairly smooth, but hardly cutting-edge when compared to modern turbocharged smaller-capacity engines, or turbocharged diesels.
3. Consumption is on the heavy side
Due to the old-school engine tech, consumption is on the heavy side. The official rating is 8.2 litres/100 km, but you are likely to be living with real world consumption in the 10,5 to 11,0 litres/100 km range. It is a pity that Mitsubishi doesn’t offer one of its excellent diesel engines in the Outlander.
4. Cabin space is still competitive.
The Outlander offers useful 7-seater accommodation. The rear seats will be a bit cramped for adults, but useable for short journeys. For children they are perfect, and the middle row of seats slides forward to provide reasonable leg room for the third row of seats. Even with the third row of seats upright, there is still a reasonable amount of luggage space available, rated at 477 litres.
5. Equipment
The Outlander is equipped with a moderate touchscreen infotainment pod, and offers Bluetooth compatibility for phone pairing, and cell phone charging, but navigation is not offered as standard. A useful reverse camera is included, and a quality Rockford Fosgate sound system is part of the deal, as is a handy overhead DVD player with infrared headsets. Ideal for alleviating boredom for the kids in the back! There are a number of 12V power outlets scattered about the Outlander to cater to families with an overload of electronic gadgets.
6. Verdict and pricing
Mitsubishis have an outstanding reliability record, and the fact that the Outlander uses such proven mechanicals should mean that hundreds of thousands of trouble-free kilometres are on offer. The price is competitive at R559 995, and this includes a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan.
The Competitors
Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace
The Tiguan is often considered as the benchmark vehicle in the Cross Over SUV segment and the Allspace is an extended-body version of the Tiguan to accommodate 7 seats. The Tiguan Allspace comes in seven model variants and the model that compares closest to the Mitsubishi Outlander is the Tiguan Allspace 2.0 TSI 4Motion Comfortline R-Line. It is priced at R571 650, right in the Outlander’s ballpark.
The Tiguan 2.0 Allspace TSI has a sense of modern sophistication for which other contenders in this segment strive. Its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine produces 132 kW and 320 Nm of torque, giving it a thrust that the Outlander can’t match.
However, despite its all-wheel-drive, on rough roads the Tiguan can’t match the Outlander’s sense of nonchalance, as it is much more configured for highway high-speed stability. Gearbox-wise, the 7-speed DSG gearbox is state-of-the-art in terms of its operation. . But there is a proviso here. Long-term, Volkswagen DSG gearboxes are known to be troublesome, and very expensive to repair. So keep an eye on the expiry dates on the 120 000 km/3-year warranty and the 90 000 km/5-year service plan!
Related: Volkswagen Tiguan AllSpace 2.0 TDi 4Motion – When you just need more space
Peugeot 5008
The newly-launched Peugeot 5008, takes cabin Euro-sophistication to a new level. Its combination of a tiny truncated steering wheel, excellent ride quality and precise suspension control makes this one of the most pleasant Cross Over SUVs we’ve experienced on tarmac. Only offered in front-wheel-drive, it’s not really configured for rough dirt roads, being more at home on the highway. But its interior offers an aura of modernity that is difficult to match.
A full 7-seater, equipment-wise it offers the latest in touch-screen tech including navigation as standard equipment, and a raft of electronic safety features to go with 6 airbags. Items we like include corner-illumination lights, lane departure warning and LED headlights.
The Peugeot 5008 is offered in four models and the one that equates most closely to the Outlander’s price is the 1.6 GT Line. This model uses the very smooth 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine developing 121 kW and 240 Nm of torque. Gearbox is a conventional six-speed automatic. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.0 litres/100 km and you should manage a real-world figure of 8.5 to 9.0 litres/100 km quite easily. Price is R579 900 and this incudes a 5-year/100 km warranty and 5-year/100 000 km service plan.
Related: Read our Peugeot 5008 (2019) review here.
Our Verdict
The Mitsubishi Outlander has a lot of charm, and also exudes a great sense of mechanical integrity and reliability. Its suspension is also the best of this trio if you do a lot of rough dirt-road travelling. However, it is a rather dated package overall, and our choice would then centre around the Tiguan Allspace and the Peugeot 5008. These two European offerings are both highly refined, and in Europe the 5008 is already highly sought-after.
The Peugeot offers a different approach to a Cross Over, being more car-like in its operation in terms of the handling precision it offers from behind the wheel. Add to that its impressive standard spec, it’s ultra-modern interior and a sense of very good build quality and, somewhat surprisingly, we found ourselves leaning further and further in the direction of the Peugeot 5008. It’s close, but the 5008's extra charm wins the day for us.
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