What's the difference?
In the realm of family friendly mid-size SUVs, few names have the same reputation as Mitsubishi’s Outlander.
While this new one looks almost identical to the previous version, it’s hiding some serious, Australian-flavoured changes under the skin.
But in a segment now full of not only upgraded mainstream rivals, but also new cut-price alternatives from China, does such a modest upgrade to the Outlander do enough to deserve your consideration in such a crowded market?
We went to its Australian launch to find out.
Toyota’s smallest SUV has picked up a few subtle styling and tech tweaks as part of a minor model year update.
It goes up against familiar names like the Nissan Juke and Kia Stonic in the light SUV segment, as well as hybrid rivals like the newer Suzuki Fronx and Chery Tiggo 4.
But does the Toyota still have enough appeal this late in its life cycle?
Mitsubishi has leaned into its strengths with this Outlander update, spending its money in subtle areas to upgrade what was already a widely appealing mid-size SUV.
The local tuning has made a notable difference to the refinement and comfort of this version, while subtle updates to the software and interior trim help to refine things even further.
If you’ve had an Outlander before, you’ll love this one, although it doesn’t help the brand to challenge new players on the value front. This leaves you with the decision of whether to pick a brand with the reputation and network of Mitsubishi, or roll the dice on a far more affordable new player.
For what it’s worth, it’s genuinely tough to pick a sweet spot here. I think the best picks are at either end of the spectrum, with the ES being outstanding value, and the Exceed being particularly plush.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.
The Toyota Yaris Cross Urban is a city-savvy SUV that’s easy to park, nimble in traffic, and relatively fun to drive. It’s cute as a button on the outside, but the cabin doesn’t quite match the price, and some of the tech feels a little behind the times compared to rivals. The hybrid powertrain definitely earns it points but is it worth the jump in price over its rivals? A hesitant yes, because who doesn't like efficiency? But it needs a cabin upgrade to stay truly competitive in our market.