2007 Mitsubishi Outlander Reviews

When launched at the start of 2003 the Mitsubishi Outlander replaced the Mitsubishi iO, a 4WD that had not sold particularly well. Mitsubishi had been in the vanguard of the affordable recreational 4WD market since the 1980s, but the little iO was aimed at the semi-serious 4WD buyer and was relatively expensive.Mitsubishi’s move into the crossover segment with the Outlander changed that way of thinking and it soon began to gather a lot of supporters. It continues to sell well to this day and an all-new model seems sure to further expand interest when it arrives down under in a few months time.We anticipate a surge of trade-ins of Outlanders to buy the new model and this could lead to some excellent deals for used buyers as dealers shift the trades. No promises, though...Styling has long been a much talked about feature of the Mitsubishi Outlander.The initial model had a prominent nose that some liked and others hated. The standout nose was removed in 2006, replaced by a smoother shape with the introduction of a slightly larger new model. The move to the Mitsubishi ‘jetfighter’ front grille in 2009 gained a lot more praise for its radical shape. Interestingly, the upcoming new model has again gone for a more conservative design.Though not really aimed at off-road driving, the 4WD system is reasonably sophisticated for its type and the Outlander can competently cope with rough tracks, beaches and corrugated dirt when driven correctly. On-road the Mitsubishi Outlander is capable and generally quiet and comfortable to ride in. Some owners complain about the amount of tyre noise on coarse-chip roads, others say they don’t really notice it.Inside, there’s space for two adults and three children with good legroom and head space. Three adults can be carried in the back seat, but may find themselves on the squeezy side. The optional third-row seat is strictly for tiny kids and even then isn’t particularly comfortable. It steals most of the luggage area, but that’s hardly unusual in this class of compact vehicle. Otherwise boot space is good and the Outlander is easy to load, even more so from the mid 2004 facelift.The 2004 reworking was interesting in that a lot of the work was done by the engineering team at Mitsubishi Australia for global use. The biggest changes were at the rear, with a wider tailgate and styling mods that gave it more presence in the appearance stakes. Also for 2004, Mitsubishi’s variable valve timing was added to the engine. Capacity of the single-cam, four-cylinder powerplant remains at the 2.4 litres, but stronger torque with a good spread made it enjoyable to drive.Disc brakes, with ABS and EBD were fitted to all four wheels to cope with the added engine output when the four-cylinder engine was upgraded. Previously some had criticised the Outlander for having drum brakes at the rear. The optional 3.0-litre V6 engine, though relatively expensive, is the powerplant of choice amongst those who like to drive. It can be quite thirsty, particularly when worked hard.Transmissions are manual and automatic with the added efficiency of continuously variable transmission being used in the latter from the 2006 model. Some don’t like the sound of a CVT but once you become accustomed to it the audio differences soon become unnoticed. Mitsubishi Australia is a well-established player in the local Australian scene having been here for over forty years. Though the company no longer builds vehicles locally it has a large, well-organised dealer network that’s widespread.Due to the company’s success in the 4WD market with the Pajero and Challenger there are more dealers in country areas than is usual with crossover vehicles that compete with the Outlander. We hear no real complaints about spare part pricing or availability. A good amateur mechanic can do a fair bit of their own work due to the generous under bonnet and under-car accessibility. Safety related items should only be touched by professionals.Insurance rates seem to vary more than normal among the major companies so it’s worth shopping around for the best deal. As always, make sure you are doing accurate comparisons when looking at the various policy features.WHAT TO LOOK FOROutlander is well-built and generally reliable but, as always, recommend a professional inspection after you've done initial checks to the best of your technical knowledge. Though it’s nominally a 4WD few Outlanders are taken off road so if you see any signs of body or under body damage - check the lower corners of the bumpers and the door sills - it’s probably best to look for another one.Engines are strong units in the Mitsubishi manner. A powerplant that’s reluctant to start when cold, or which hesitates at any time is a cause for concern. Check the front of a four-cylinder engine for water stains indicating possible water pump troubles. We have heard of a few problems in continuously variable transmissions. During your test drive it should be quiet and smooth. If unsure, have a Mitsubishi mechanic check it out.Manual gearboxes should be light and smooth in operation. When they eventually wear out, the change down from third to second is usually the first to give trouble. Listen for noises and feel for a reluctance to go into gear. Look over the interior for signs of rough use, particularly in the back seats if kids have run amok.CAR BUYING TIPCrossover SUVs that go seriously off road are rare and it’s probably best to pass them up - unless the price is very favourable.  

Graham Smith reviews the 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander as a used buy.

About the only thing the ZG Outlander shared with its predecessor was its name, which was probably a pretty good thing.

There is a bold but stylish rendition of the familiar Mitsubishi family nose, strong profile lines and a tapered rear roof line that helps distinguish the Outlander from me-too rivals.It remains one of the more handsome offerings in this class. And, for a time, the Outlander with its optional V6 was one of those with an advantage over the likes of Toyota's RAV4 and the Honda CR-V.That has changed since Toyota added a V6 to the RAV4 range, but the Outlander may still lay claim to being one of the first in this soft-road business of confusing those lines between compact and medium SUV segments.To further its case as a “big compact” the Outlander is now available with seven seats, even if that third row is suitable only for the smallest of passengers.This second generation machine is a little bigger than the first. It is 4.6 metres long and 1800mm high, enough for decent accommodation for four adults in the first two rows and room for luggage (packed tight) sitting above a space saver tyre.The four-cylinder Outlander has been quite capable in its own right, providing an easy drive around town or down the track.But the three-litre V6 with its 24 valves and variable valve timing is the one for a sporting blast down an old dirt road.The V6; mated here to a Continuously Variable Transmission; runs out to 162kW at 6250rpm. The shift to maximum power and highway (or back road) speeds can be helped along by flicking through the six-step transmission; with the help of paddle shifters placed behind the steering wheel or the traditional transmission shift lever.The only downside to taking full advantage of this willing, and fun, engine-transmission combination is a little extra fuel. Mitsubishi say the V6 Outlander should deliver 10.9 litres per 100km, but spirited driving will see that blow out to more like 13 litres per 100km.The VRX version is the smartest, most expensive of the Outlander mob.It misses out on little, from nine-speaker stereo with sub-woofer to 18-inch wheels, automatic airconditioning plus side and curtain airbags.That comes on top of the Outlander's standard gear including keyless entry and engine start, cruise control, roof rails, ABS and Mitsubishi's Active Select all-wheel-drive system. This system allows for two-wheel drive from the front, automatic all-wheel drive with sensors telling the electronics to send drive to the rear if traction is found wanting, and all-wheel drive locked with torque shared around the four wheels.As in most systems these days, this is a pretty painless, unobtrusive business.The auto-mode is a useful piece of work for running along a bush track where surfaces may vary instantly and constantly.It is also handy for pulling back out of washaways or away from slow and loose corners.The VRX also arrives with stability control, another piece of technology, which allows a driver to make the most of the V6's willingness to have a go.The Outlander has a MacPherson front strut and trailing arm, multilink set-up on the rear. The front track is a fair 45mm wider than before, while the rear end scores mono-tube shock absorbers similar to that found in Mitsubishi's hotter Lancers.The result of all this mechanical and electronic business is a compact wagon, which can be hustled along with confidence, for the Outlander's on and off-road manners are among the best in this business.While lighter than its predecessor, the Outlander's body is stronger and more rigid. All this helps the suspension and the electronics make the most of their jobs.The cabin stands up to the rest of the pack with good fit and finish, a comfortable front cabin, plenty of storage spots and good driving position. There is now a handbrake lever, unlike the previous wagon's foot-operated parking brake.Speedometer and tachometer are big and clear, sitting either side of digital read-outs for other functions, including average fuel consumption and average speed.It is all very sporting in style, even if there may be debate about that red-tinged illumination to the instruments.Aside from the questionable (even if ubiquitous) use of a temporary spare wheel for an SUV, today's ZG Mitsubishi Outlander has some decent attributes over the original ZF model and some current, if sometimes cheaper, rivals.It is not a tough off-roader, but it is a very capable soft roader with presence and, in V6 guise, a decent amount of performance well handled by its chassis engineering.Mitsubishi Outlander VRXPrice: $43,190-$47,990Body: 4-door wagonEngine: 3 litre V6Power: 162kW @ 6250rpmTorque: 276Nm @ 4000rpmTransmission: 6-speed autoWheels: 18-inchDimensions (MM): 4640 (l), 1800 (w), 1720 (h), 210 (clearance)Weight: 1640kgTowing: 1600kgPrice: $43,190 to $47,990 for seven-seater 

Don't you just love marketing? It tailors a campaign, not a product in order to attract a market. The product, good or bad, remains the same. Only the campaign changes. And so it is with car marketers selling the spirit of adventure.As if to compensate for any lack of off-road ability in the great outdoors, marketers simply give the car a great ourdoorsy name.So we end up with vehicles like the Mitsubishi Outlander that has, at best, a rice paper-thin relationship with anything outdoors.This may not surprise, but the Outlander is selling its socks off and is Australia's fourth top-seller in the compact SUV segment.So, clearly, I know nothing about marketing. But I do appreciate a good all-wheel-drive wagon.The Outlander is a well-built, trimly proportioned and attractive five or seven-seater wagon with a choice of two engines and a competitive price.It is built on the same platform as the upcoming Lancer sedan, here later this month and hence its impotent ability to survive a trip into the outdoors.But what it can do is become the caravan for your children's excesses, the conveyance for your kayak or mountain bike, the carriage for Sunday picnics and the transport for work and school. It does all these things very well because the Outlander is a very simple vehicle.The V6 in the Outlander VRX tested may seem a bit excessive in terms of power and fuel use. But that's only because you haven't driven the alternative a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder that is pleasantly competent with one person aboard, but asthmatic and noisy when loaded. The three-litre V6 has been shared around the Mitsubishi model range and still stacks up as a responsive unit.Mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, it's also not as thirsty as you may think.The test route included a bit of gravel, some highway and lots of city work, and used a commendable 11.7 litres/100km. Country touring should snip that back to about 10 litres/100km which gives a range of 600km, a bit too short for an SUV.It handles the roads with ease, thanks to an all-wheel-drive system that allocates power to the axles depending on demand.As such, it rates high in the safety stakes. The VRX version enforces that with electronic stability control, ABS brakes and six airbags.The Outlander has a default to front-wheel-drive and will drive all wheels only when it senses a loss of traction or when the driver engages 4WD via a dashboard switch.The 4WD system can also be locked for low-speed work. The cabin is attractive with a clean dash layout, a fantastic array of storage bins and for the VRX a range of features, including a sensational Rockford Fosgate sound system.It seats five, though there is a seven-seat option that will accommodate two children, but take up most of the boot.The cargo area can be extended by folding down the rear seats and while spacious, is narrower than most rivals.This is a good car. The V6 costs about $6000 more than the four-cylinder version, but is the better choice. 

They've fixed the hawkish looks of the previous model, provided some decent engines to chose from and even thrown in a six-speed CVT auto for good measure.It even comes with a lockable centre diff that gives it an edge over some competitors when it comes to going off road.Dynamically there's no doubting new Outlander is very good.If only Mitsu had done something more to dress up the interior, with its generic grey felt and thinly disguised hard plastic surfaces.Our test vehicle was the base model, four cylinder five seat LS priced from $31,990.That includes an auto and you can add in a third row of seats, but that's going to cost you another $2800.The LS is powered by a new 2.4-litre 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder MIVEC engine, with variable valve timing.The four cylinder engine develops 125kW of power at 6000rpm and 226Nm of torque at 4100rpm.Fuel consumption is rated at a creditable 9.5 litres/100km, thanks to the CVT.But in reality it used well in excess of that during testing.For those wanting more power, there's a 3.0-litre V6 model.The 2.4-litre four is hooked up to a new INVECSIII Sport Mode 6-speed Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT).The continuously variable transmission incorporates six manual change points but is designed to optimise economy and perform- ance.Outlander can be driven in two or four wheel drive depending on terrain and weather conditions.Or you can simply leave it in auto mode which makes the decision for you.V6 models also get electronic stability control.The advantage of being able to select two- wheel drive is better fuel economy.You can chose from two-wheel, four-wheel drive auto and four-wheel drive lock via a large round knob located between the front seats.With the auto setting torque is allocated to each of the four wheels individually according to their traction on the road surface.Performance from the CVT transmission is deceiving.You don't get that surge of power near the top end of a gear that you normally get with an auto.It's just one long zoom as the transmission continuously adjusts, giving the impression it is taking forever to change gear - there's also no drop off in performance that normally accompanies a change.Two airbags and ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) is standard across the range.Standard equipment includes air conditioning (with ducting to the rear compartment), power windows and mirrors, cruise control, steering wheel mounted audio controls, integrated fascia with AM/FM audio with CD, MP3 and WMA, leather-wrapped steering wheel, gearshift knob and handbrake lever, and a multi-function information display.The 60/40 split rearseat tumble and folds automatically at the touch of switch, one for each side either side at the rear.Too bad it doesn't return the seats to their upright position again. 

As a result, we came to this roadtest with great expectations. We were anticipating a vehicle that had taken a step forward to stand alongside the best in class, if not surpass them, and to be writing about it in glowing terms as a "saviour for the struggling Mitsubishi".Sadly, it is not. Despite some excellent design and engineering work, and the inclusion of dual front airbags, ABS brakes, air-conditioning, cruise control and a trip computer as standard, we were struck by the cost-cutting evident in the base model Outlander LS tested here.For starters, there seems to a serious lack of sound-deadening material across the vehicle given the amount of noise that reverberates through the cabin across all but billiard-table surfaces.The Yokohama Geolandar tyres roar across bitumen sealed with coarse stones and there is a din from within the wheel arches and underneath the vehicle when loose sand and gravel are on the road. Chopped-up surfaces can send unwanted noise and vibration into the cabin, and the new 2.4-litre engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT) combination, too, becomes a source of irritation with the noise created from around 4000rpm.The LS has lightweight, tinny, resonating doors. The cabin is cheaply finished, using an inordinate amount of hard and easily scratched plastic trim, and exposing bare metal with some shortfalls in floor coverings. A hole in the passenger's footwell trim on our test car left wiring exposed, and the removable section of cargo floor failed to fit properly.The front suspension also produced a loud, disconcerting knock at the first tight downhill corner, and did so on two other occasions during our test.So, for all the improvements made with the Outlander's design, packaging and performance, issues arose that detracted from the experience.The steering rack can produce some rattle, and the steering wheel will writhe in the driver's hands when the vehicle travels through rough corners. When accelerating on loose and uneven surfaces (in 2WD mode), the tiller will also tug with the telltale signs of torque-steer.This is not as bad as it all sounds, for to some extent it reflects the sports orientation of this small sports utility. Indeed, the Outlander remains one of the most dynamically competent in its class.Despite being longer, wider and taller than the previous ZF series, Mitsubishi claims this new ZG model — which is based on an all-new platform developed (in a defunct technical alliance) with DaimlerChrysler — is stiffer, stronger, around 20kg lighter, has a wider track, a lower centre of gravity and a revised front strut/rear multi-link suspension.Those 215/70 R16 Yokohamas offer reassuring grip levels, the body control is excellent, the steering is accurate, braking performance is strong from the 292mm-diameter front disc and 300mm rear "drum in disc" brakes, and the upgraded four-channel, four-sensor ABS bites vigorously into loose dirt surfaces.The turning circle has shrunk from 11.4m to a far-better 10.6m, and, while the ride is firm, compliance levels are acceptable across a range of road surfaces.On gravel, the Outlander behaves with more confidence and composure in automatic 4WD rather than 2WD mode and this change can be made on the run, using a large and tactile dial on the centre console. Under auto 4WD, an electronically controlled coupling enables up to 60 per cent of torque to be delivered to the rear wheels.All this occurs in a seamless fashion, while drive can also be "locked" in a 50:50 front/rear torque split which can be beneficial in tougher, lower speed off-road conditions. Although not really designed for situations such as these — the owner's manual, for example, warns against "driving on steep slopes" — we found the Outlander could make good progress along forest trails.It does not have low-range gearing and the like, however it does offer decent traction on uphill climbs and useful (210mm) ground clearance.Engine performance has also improved on the Outlander, which now uses an all-alloy 2.4-litre DOHC four-cylinder unit derived from a three-way alliance with DaimlerChrysler and Hyundai. Featuring "Mivec" variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust valves, the engine produces 125kW at 6000rpm and 226Nm at 4100rpm.These are minor increases in output over the previous engine, however the combination with a CVT (which has a sequential-manual shift mode) makes for a very different driving experience. With the vehicle unladen, acceleration from standstill is smooth and swift, and at higher speeds and low revs it provides an immediate and energetic burst of pulling power whenever the driver steps on the "loud" pedal.The trouble is, while CVTs can sometimes be noisier under acceleration than conventional automatics (by virtue of constantly rising in revs), this one is excessive. And while it should be more fuel-efficient than a regular auto, the Outlander returned a disappointing 14.3 litres per 100km over our test.That is a substantial increase over the sub-10l/100km figure Mitsubishi quotes, and reflects the fact that in real-world conditions the engine is often working hard in the medium-to-high end of the rev range as the driver extracts the desired level of performance. A manual gearbox is expected later in 2007.Inside, Mitsubishi has relocated the gearshift from the dash to the centre console, and the park brake has also changed from being foot-operated to a conventional handbrake.The driving position is typically upright and compromised a little with the absence of steering reach adjustment. The seats feel cheaply upholstered, have no lumbar adjustment and could do with more bolstering under the ribcage and thighs, although outright comfort is acceptable over long-distance tours.The steering wheel spokes have stereo and cruise switches, the centre dash stack controls are well placed and simple to operate, and the instruments are easy to read at a glance. The main problem is the absence of a conventional coolant temperature gauge, which forces the driver to scroll through the trip computer to check its status. Storage and accessory power needs are well catered for.There is lots of room in all directions across the back seat of the five-seat Outlander. The seat can slide fore and aft, and amenities include door bottle holders, a pull-down centre armrest (with cup holders) and a front seatback map pocket. Air vents or a power socket are nowhere to be seen, though, and dust sticks like glitter-glue on all the dark plastic. Side and curtain airbags are available for $1500.Adults will appreciate the high rear seatback and adjustable head restraints, parents will welcome the seatbelt locking mechanisms and convenient child restraint anchor point placement, and children will be fascinated — and their carers possibly horrified — by the electric seat-fold mechanism which, with the touch of a button, slams a section of the 60/40 seatback down onto its cushion and then tumbles forward in a fast, almost violent, manner.This "feature" will not operate unless a rear door or the tailgate is open, but there is no occupant or impediment sensor to avert a nasty accident (we tested it using a kid's toy, which got pulverised). Returning the heavy seats back to their original position is also a cumbersome job.Without the "occasional use" third row installed, which is a $2800 option, there is plenty of luggage space — a volume of about 1000 litres with the rear seat up and 2000 litres when down. A retractable blind, tie-down hooks, a power socket and small-item storage areas are all provided, however a temporary spare wheel is located under the vehicle.Rather than hang a full-size spare on the tailgate, Mitsubishi has developed a twin-section tailgate comprising a conventional hatch and a lower fold-out ledge that creates a low, flat loading (and sitting) area.Design features like this leave a positive impressive with the new Outlander. The question is, can Mitsubishi build more quality into the vehicle while hanging on to its current level of pricing and equipment?

The crossover wagon is the first of a new fleet of Mitsubishi models casting light on the Japanese company's dark times.The previous all-wheel-drive Outlander arrived in Australia in 2003, but didn't make much impact. It didn't do anything better than its rivals and it looked awkward.Then there was the fact it had only a four-cylinder engine, unlike rivals such as the Mazda Tribute with an option of four or six.Mitsubishi learned a lesson and developed a new model that is larger, has the choice of a four or six-cylinder and can be ordered with seven seats. It is also much easier on the eye.The four-cylinder engine is the familiar 2.4-litre MIVEC with 125kW and 226Nm.It has continuously variable automatic transmission. The V6 is a 3.0-litre with 162kW and 276Nm, linked to a six-speed automatic. There is no manual option for either engine.The four-cylinder's official fuel economy figure is 9.5 litres for 100km of city and highway driving; the six is 10.9 litres.Both Outlanders have a standard AWD system, which the driver can electronically control. It can run in two-wheel-drive mode, which means the engine feeds power only to the front wheels and saves fuel.In automatic mode, the drive is sent through the front wheels, but will switch into AWD mode if the drive wheels start to slip.Then there is constant AWD mode, which means the car feeds power to all four wheels.The new Outlander is larger than the previous model, which competed with the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, but still smaller than models such as the Ford Territory.Four models make up the range and all can be ordered with five or seven seats.The range starts with the LS five-seater at $31,990.It is standard with airconditioning, cruise control, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, roof rails and a trip computer. It has 16-inch steel wheels.Standard safety gear for the LS includes anti-skid brakes and driver and passenger airbags. Side airbags cost an extra $1500. Electronic stability control is unavailable on four-cylinder models.The $37,490 XLS four-cylinder adds 18-inch alloy wheels, tinted windows, paddles shifters, climate-control airconditioning, six-CD stacker, rear-parking sensors, fog lights, Bluetooth phone preparation, cargo cover, a chilled storage box and keyless entry.The V6 range starts with the $37,890 VR model, which has the same gear as the LS but adds paddle-shift transmission control, traction control and electronic stability control, tinted windows and twin exhausts. Top of the range V6 VRX costs $43,190 and comes with the same equipment as the XLS, plus side-curtain airbags, traction control, electronic stability control, premium sound and twin exhausts.Adding a third row of seats costs $2800 for the LS and VR models and $4050 to $4800 for the XLS and VRX, which also have a rear-seat entertainment unit.All models have a space-saver spare tyre and the towing capacity is 1500kg for the four and 1600kg for the V6.ON THE ROADYOU could be forgiven for thinking the new Outlander simply follows on from the first model, but it really is so fresh Mitsubishi could well have justified changing the name.It now feels more car-like, is roomier, has more power and looks better.There are some minor issues, but this is an impressive car.The four-cylinder engine is adequate and works well enough with the continuously variable transmission, but the new V6 is the best choice if you can afford it.The six has plenty of punch and is fairly smooth.It works well with the new automatic transmission that has a tall top gear.That means the engine is at 1600 revs when the car is doing 100km/h, which is better than one that buzzes along.Even so, the V6 is fairly thirsty despite having six cogs to choose from and the test car rarely dips below 10 litres for 100km and often creeps to 13 and 14 litres/100km around town.It's not a sporty-sounding engine, but doesn't sound unpleasant either. Tyre and road noise on several surfaces including coarse chip tarmac is a problem and spoils a nice drive.It almost seems that someone has forgotten to fit some of the sound-proofing.Most time of the time was spent in a V6 VRX, with 18-inch wheels, which handles country roads well.The suspension is not troubled by a bumpy test route and feels well tied down and has limited body roll.The Outlander sits low to the ground and feels more car-like but with a slightly higher driving position than an AWD wagon.It might have paddle-gear shifts, but no one is going to mistake the Outlander for a sportscar especially with woolly steering that doesn't encourage you to push.The AWD system, when locked in, works well on gravel.Most families will appreciate the extra space and the improved interior.The optional two extra seats are next to useless because the bases have no padding.The second row of seats fold easily, but the third row is clumsy and hard to move.The other downside is the lack of a full size spare, which should be standard.