2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Reviews

The third-generation Mitsubishi Outlander mid-size SUV was popular in Australia for good reason, with it offering buyers the choice of five or seven seats, and plug-in hybrid, petrol or diesel powertrains. As a result, it can also make for a good used car.

Petrol-powered cars are expensive to run and spew pollutants. But pure EVs are slow to charge and spark range anxiety. But what if you could have the best of both worlds? Enter the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ES.

Mitsubishi's Outlander is a popular family workhorse, and the addition of a hybrid drivetrain in PHEV versions adds a touch of high-tech sizzle, not to mention dramatically reduced fuel bills.

The Exceed tops the range and is available with three all-wheel-drive powertrains. The 2.4-litre petrol CVT, the diesel with a six-speed automatic and the plug-in hybrid all make an appearance, costing from $42,290 to $53,990.The range-topper comes loaded with 18-inch alloys, a six-speaker sound system, reversing camera, central locking with automatic door lock, climate control, active cruise control, leather gearshift and steering wheel, auto headlights and wipers, partial leather interior with micro-suede inserts, keyless entry and start, electric front seats, heated and folding power mirrors and electrochromatic rear vision mirror.The presence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto makes up for the lack of sat nav. There is also DAB radio, six speakers, USB and Bluetooth. The 7.0-inch touch screen, shared with the ASX, is of the "it's alright, I guess" approach to touchscreen hardware. Looks good, though.Standard on the Exceed are seven airbags, ABS, stability and traction controls, reversing camera, reverse parking sensors, forward AEB, lane-departure warning, active cruise, lane-change warning, lane-change assist, around-view camera, reverse cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning and auto high beam. The Outlander range scored five ANCAP stars in 2014.

The Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle - PHEV - is now available across all three specifications - ES, LS and Exceed. All Outlanders have a minimum spec of 18-inch alloys, a six-speaker sound system, reversing camera, remote central locking, climate control, cruise control, leather gearshift and steering wheel.Step up to the LS and you can add auto headlights and wipers, partial leather interior with micro-suede inserts, keyless entry and start, electric front seats, heated and folding power mirrors and electrochromatic rear vision mirror.And finally, the Exceed offers active cruise control, keyless entry and start, electric heated front seats and a sunroof.The presence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto makes up for the lack of sat nav. There is also DAB radio, six speakers, USB and Bluetooth. The 7.0-inch touch screen, familiar from the ASX, is of the "it's alright, I guess" approach to touchscreen hardware. Looks good, though.Standard across the range are seven airbags, ABS, stability and traction controls and a reversing camera. The ADAS package - optional on ES models, standard on the rest - includes reverse parking sensors, forward AEB, lane-departure warning, active cruise, reverse parking sensors and auto high beam. The ADAS package, which is an option on the ES and standard on LS and Exceed, includes forward AEB, lane-departure warning, active cruise and auto high beam.Step up to the Exceed and you can also expect lane change warning, lane change assist, around view camera, reverse cross traffic alert, blind spot warning and auto high beamThe Outlander range scored five ANCAP stars in 2014.

The LS is the middle specification of the Outlander and easily the best balance of the three. With standard ADAS, a choice of 2.4-litre petrol, 2.2-litre turbodiesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains and a well-judged interior trim, the LS is a nice middle ground between the cheap LS and the not-so-cheap Exceed.On the LS you will find 18-inch alloys, a six-speaker sound system, reversing camera, climate control, active cruise control, leather gearshift and steering wheel, auto headlights and wipers, partial leather interior with micro-suede inserts, keyless entry and start, electric front seats, heated and folding power mirrors and electrochromatic rear vision mirror.The 7.0-inch touchscreen, familiar from the ASX, is of the "it's alright, I guess" approach to touchscreen hardware. Looks good, though. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which makes up for the lack of sat nav. There is also DAB radio, six speakers, USB and Bluetooth.Standard on the LS are seven airbags, ABS, stability and traction controls and a reversing camera, reverse parking sensors, forward AEB, lane departure warning, active cruise and auto high beam. The Outlander range scored five ANCAP stars in 2014.

The entry-level Outlander ES is available with a 2.0-litre engine and five-speed manual gearbox, a 2.4-litre with a CVT, and the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version, running from $29,920 through to $47,990. Along with the engine choices are a choice of five or seven seats, front- or all-wheel drive and the option of an ADAS safety pack.The ES specifications include 18-inch alloys, a six-speaker sound system, reversing camera, remote central locking, climate control, cruise control, leather gearshift and steering wheel, power mirrors, cloth trim and a full-size spare tyre (not on the PHEV).The same multimedia system does duty across the whole range. The ho-hum software is supported by Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which makes up for the lack of sat nav. There is also DAB radio, six speakers, USB and Bluetooth. The 7.0-inch touch screen, familiar from the ASX, is of the "it's alright, I guess" approach to touchscreen hardware favoured by compatriot Toyota. Looks good, though.Standard across the range are seven airbags, ABS, stability and traction controls and a reversing camera. The ADAS package - optional on ES models, standard on the rest - includes reverse parking sensors, forward AEB, lane-departure warning, active cruise and auto high beam. The Outlander range scored five ANCAP stars in 2014.

Mitsubishi must have a thing for old cars. The Lancer, Pajero and ASX are all now much older than most other car companies would tolerate without them being given at least a vigorous going-over, if not replacing them completely. The Outlander is, comparatively speaking, a spring chicken, at just six years since its launch. That said, the pace of improvements has picked up over the past 24 months as new or updated competitors pile into the market.This car has a couple of important things going for it; it’s cheap, and it also has a bang up-to-date plug-in hybrid model, the PHEV.And as the MY19 Outlander has now arrived, virtually straight after the MY18.5, we thought it time for a good old fashioned shakedown.