Yes, the Mitsubishi Outlander is a good compact car, especially if you’re after a practical, safe, and tech-equipped seven-seat family SUV. It ticks several boxes that Australian families care about: decent fuel economy, generous standard safety features, flexible row seats, and all-around everyday comfort.

Led by veterans with over 40 years of combined experience in the automotive and finance industries, at Vehicle Solutions Australia, we’ve seen firsthand how popular the Mitsubishi Outlander has become, especially in the family SUV space.

So, how does it really stack up in today’s crowded compact SUVs market? Let’s look at the features, pros, cons, and surprising details that could help you make the call.

Mitsubishi Outlander Review: Is It Really a Good Family Car?

If you’re looking at the Mitsubishi Outlander, chances are you’re comparing it to other family SUVs like the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V, or Nissan X-Trail. What sets the Outlander apart is its seven-seat configuration in most variants, a big thing for growing families or anyone who carpools often.

Under the hood, the new Mitsubishi Outlander now shares its platform with the Nissan X-Trail, thanks to the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance. That’s helped Mitsubishi ramp up refinement and safety tech across the board.

What makes the Mitsubishi Outlander a good car

  • Adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning are now standard on most trims
  • Optional heated leather seats, panoramic sunroof, and remote keyless entry
  • Both all wheel drive and front wheel drive versions on the market
  • Decent fuel consumption of around 7.5L/100km (petrol) or 1.5L/100km for the Outlander Plug In Hybrid

That’s not all.

Fuel Economy and Performance

The fuel economy of the petrol Mitsubishi Outlander ranges from 7.5 to 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres. That’s not class-leading, but fairly standard for a mid-sized seven-seat SUV. The real surprise is the Outlander PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), which sips as little as 1.5L/100km when driven efficiently.

And if you’re eligible for a novated lease on the hybrid under the Australian Government’s FBT exemption, you could be driving it 100% tax-free. That’s serious value for high-mileage drivers.

Bonus Insight:

According to the Green Vehicle Guide by the Australian Government, the Outlander PHEV Exceed Tourer emits just 35g CO₂/km, which is better than average. Compared to 174g/km from the regular petrol variant, this makes it a standout choice for emissions-conscious drivers.

Interior Comfort and Practicality

One of the big wins in the latest Mitsubishi Outlander review is cabin comfort. The newer models are well-appointed even in base trim levels.

  • The front seats are wider and more supportive than in previous versions.
  • An optional heated steering wheel and leather seats on higher trims.
  • The third row seats are best suited for kids, but they fold flat to free up boot space when needed.
  • Smart layout of the steering wheel buttons and infotainment screen (now up to 12.3 inches in higher variants).

Additionally, the space-saver spare wheel is now standard, making it handy for country drives where flat tyres aren’t just an inconvenience.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety is where the new Mitsubishi Outlander pulls ahead of its past reputation. It now includes features previously only found in premium cars.

Standard features across most trims:

  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Lane departure warning
  • Cruise control with stop/go functionality
  • Multiple airbags and a strong crash safety structure

ANCAP awarded the 2022 model a full 5-star rating after it aced independent safety tests, receiving the highest score ever awarded in the child occupant protection category. That puts it on par with the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sportage, which are often seen as safer picks.

Driving and Handling

It’s not a sports car, but the Mitsubishi Outlander drives better than many expect.

  • The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) has been reworked for smoother shifts.
  • Choose between front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on your driving needs.
  • It’s got decent clearance for light off-roading, think gravel tracks or country trips.

The ride leans towards comfort rather than tight handling, which is what most families want.

Outlander Plug-In Hybrid: Is It Worth It?

If you’re eyeing a plug-in hybrid, the Outlander PHEV is one of the few in the mid-size SUV class. It comes with dual motors (one front, one rear) for full-time all-wheel drive, and an EV-only range of up to 84 km.

For most Australian city drivers, that covers their weekday commute on electric power alone. Additionally, with a novated lease, you’re likely eligible for government FBT exemptions, further reducing costs.

Servicing and Running Costs

Keeping your Outlander serviced is straightforward. Mitsubishi offers a 10-year/200,000km warranty and capped-price servicing for the same period, one of the best support plans in the Australian market.

This extended support makes the Mitsubishi Outlander a solid long-term investment, especially if you’re taking advantage of a novated lease with routine servicing included.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is a Mitsubishi Outlander a reliable vehicle?

Yes. Mitsubishi is known for reliability, and the Outlander has proven durable with regular servicing. Older models have logged over 300,000km with minimal mechanical issues, provided they’re not neglected.

Do Mitsubishi Outlanders last long?

Absolutely. With proper maintenance, many Outlanders last well beyond 250,000km. The CVT in newer models is more durable than early iterations, and an 8-year battery warranty backs the hybrid tech.

How does the Outlander compare to the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage?

The Outlander offers seven-seat flexibility, which both the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage lack. However, Tucson edges ahead in ride refinement, while Sportage offers slightly better infotainment. If seats and boot space are key, Outlander wins.

Is the Mitsubishi Outlander a good car for towing?

Yes, the Outlander has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500kg (braked) for the PHEV, and 1,600kg for the petrol versions. That’s good enough for light trailers, jet skis or small caravans.

Does the Mitsubishi Outlander have good resale value?

While Mitsubishi hasn’t always led in resale, newer models, especially the Outlander PHEV, are holding value better due to fuel efficiency and rising demand for hybrid SUVs.

So, Is the Mitsubishi Outlander a Good Car?

Yes, it’s a good car and a great family SUV. Whether you opt for petrol or plug-in hybrid, you’ll get strong safety tech, flexible seating, and a reliable drive. And if you lease it via Vehicle Solutions Australia, the cost of ownership drops significantly through salary packaging benefits. Explore our online tool to compare the Outlander SUVs with our partner platform, Motorbuys.