The Mitsubishi Outlander cuts a sleek and bold silhouette, and, during our recent drive of the Japanese brand’s new flagship SUV, ignited curiosity and admiration wherever it went. Ours was not just a routine test drive, but an invitation to experience the pinnacle of Mitsubishi’s engineering prowess, and a chance to immerse in the brand’s future.
The all-new Mitsubishi Outlander isn’t merely another addition to the brand’s line-up; it’s the flagship that sets new standards in interior functionality, comfort, and performance. Its arrival had been eagerly awaited, and for good reason. The previous generation Outlander has not been available in South Africa for some time, and with promises from Mitsubishi that the new Outlander is designed to redefine what a modern SUV could offer, we were ready to see if the new car lives up to this hype.
For a start, Mitsubishi developed the new Outlander from the ground up on their all-new modular CMF-CD platform. The new platform, which it shares with the new Nissan X-Trail, allows for the integration of cutting-edge technologies, including advanced all-wheel-drive systems and hybrid drivetrains.
Although the fourth-generation Outlander was co-developed with Nissan (after the latter acquired a 34% stake in Mitsubishi Motors), the Outlander has received multiple awards (From the prestigious iF design award to recognition for its safety features) since it was first introduced in 2021. The accolades showered upon the all-new Outlander weren’t just for show, but also speak to the car’s exceptional design, safety innovations, and forward-thinking engineering.
COMMANDING EXTERIOR
The new Outlander is a sophisticated-looking car from every angle, and draws its design inspiration from the Japanese concept of ‘I-Fu-Do-Do’, meaning authentic and majestic. Its bold, horizontal proportions exuded confidence, while elements like the Dynamic Shield design and LED lighting add to its significant road presence.
At 4.7 metres, it is longer than most segment rivals – including the VW Tiguan, Peugeot 3008, and its Nissan X-Trail cousin. The Outlander is also taller, wider, and heavier than the same competitors.
POWER AND PERFORMANCE
Under the hood, the Outlander is powered by a normally aspirated 2.5-litre VVT DOHC engine (that it also shares with the X-Trail), with consequently equal amounts of power (135 kW) and 245 Nm of torque. Given the 60 kg weight difference between them, it is understandable that the Outlander manages a slightly dearer 8.1 l/100 km official fuel consumption figure to the X-Trail’s 7.8 l/100 km.
Paired with a simulated eight-speed CVT transmission, the Outlander delivered seamless acceleration and refined driving dynamics (a nod to its surprisingly silent CVT ‘box) during on-road portions of our test drive.
The large Mitsubishi’s off-road prowess should also not be underestimated. With multiple drive modes (including Eco, Normal, and specialised modes for different terrains) and 210 mm ground clearance, its Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system promises, and delivers, on almost any terrain. From the short but insightful off-road stretch we managed during the time we had the Outlander on test, it was clear that the full weight of Mitsubishi’s well-established rally experience, including several successful stints in the Dakar Rally, was employed when developing the Outlander’s all-wheel-drive system.
LUXURY REDEFINED INSIDE
The Outlander continues its forward-thinking exterior design theme inside the cabin with a suitably modern and luxurious interior. Soft touch surfaces and premium materials are everywhere that matters, with features like quilted leather door inserts and a leather-wrapped steering wheel creating an ambience of opulence.
Technological innovation is seamlessly integrated, with a 12.3” digital instrument cluster delivering all the necessary driving information in crisp clarity, while the 9” infotainment touchscreen is simple to use and includes smartphone mirroring functionality via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Retaining the seat layout from the previous Outlander, albeit with more leg- and headroom than before, means that up to seven passengers can be transported in style. The all-black interior leather is exquisitely functional and practical, offering 655 litres of luggage space with all seats in place. A large panoramic sunroof is also included in the Aspire model.
From a safety perspective, the Outlander’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body forms the bedrock of the offering. It incorporates ultra-high tensile strength steel around the passenger compartment, a high impact-absorbing front body structure, and a high-durability, low-deformation passenger compartment.
In addition, all Outlander models are fitted with ABS brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, an emergency stop signal system, hill-start assist and hill descent control, and active stability and traction control.
Active safety technology includes advanced driver assistance features such as dusk-sensing LED headlights that automatically adjust the headlights’ illumination range and brightness.
LAST WORD
Returning the keys after a week with the Outlander was not an easy task. For my family, as it would be for yours, this SUV was more than a means of transportation; it was a glimpse into the future of Mitsubishi cars. With its keen pricing, captivating design, advanced technologies, and commitment to safety, the Outlander makes a statement that is hard to match.
| MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER | ENGINE | POWER (kW @ r/min) | TORQUE (Nm @ r/min) | TOP SPEED (km/h) | 0-100 KM/H (seconds) | FUEL (l/100 km) | PRICE |
| Mitsubishi Outlander 2.5 Aspire | In-line 4-cyl; 2,488 cc | 135 @ 6,000 | 245 @ 3,600 | 187 | N/A | 8.1 | R759,995 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4TSI 110kW R-Line | In-line 4-cyl; 1,395 cc turbo | 110 @ 5,000-6,000 | 250 @ 1,500-3,500 | 200 | 9.2 | 7.7 | R753,700 |
| Peugeot 3008 1.6T GT | In-line 4-cyl; 1,598 cc turbo | 121 @ 6,000 | 240 @ 1,400 | 201 | 8.9 | 7.0 | R754,900 |
| Honda CR-V 1.5T Executive | In-line 4-cyl; 1,498 cc turbo | 140 @ 5,600 | 240 @ 2,000-5,000 | 200 | 9.3 | 6.7 | R755,900 |
Report by BRYAN KAYAVHU | Images © MITSUBISHI SOUTH AFRICA
