Driving Mitsubishi’s mid-size Outlander SUV today, the company’s best seller and the second best selling mid-size SUV behind Toyota’s RAV4. I’m driving the top spec 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol CVT automatic Outlander Exceed 4WD at $57,420 driveaway.
On first impression, a roomy plush interior - in fact its interior space gives the impression you’re driving a much larger SUV and you can see why it is very popular with large families. And this is its best benefit over the RAV 4 the fact that it has seven seats.



So how does it drive – the naturally aspirated petrol engine with 135kW and 244 Nm of torque is adequate, it’s no fire breather however the continuously variable transmission taps the power and torque well but push it hard and it tends to surge a little like most CVT transmissions, however for the heavy work it has 8 pre-set manual gear ratios you can access via the steering wheel mounted shift paddles.




The suspension is set up for one or seven passengers, as such it’s not sporty but provides a very comfortable ride and driving experience while the steering offers the ability to add more assistance if needed. The drive experience also aided by six drive modes – three, normal, eco and sport that adjust steering and transmission settings plus three offroad modes that give the Outlander a more adventurous spirit.

All three rows also offer climate control air with separate controls in each. Although the third row is best sized for kids. Equipment comprehensive – a wireless phone charger, power tailgate. leather seats with memory function up front, a head up display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, pull up sun blinds for the second-row seats and 10-speaker Bose sound.

Mitsubishi’s 10-year/200,000km warranty is a real buyer benefit but is based on you returning to a Mitsubishi dealer for each service. Servicing, every 12 months or 15,0000kms, the first five years costing a reasonable $1,700. Towing is listed at 1600 kilos braked and here the 2.5-litre four-cylinder would struggle with a heavy load. Good economy though – on 91 octane petrol I managed 8.7L/100 with a mix of urban and country driving. And it carries a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

As a family carrier there’s much to like with Mitsubishi’s Outlander Exceed and little to criticise.