2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Review

Detailed Review

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a medium-sized SUV manufactured in Japan since 2001. The first generation was sold as Airtrek in Japan and Outlander in other markets. Production of the Airtrek ceased in 2008 and the name was dropped entirely. The third generation was launched in 2012 with a new hybrid known as the Outlander PHEV injected into the lineup. The PHEV is a radically different SUV with plug-in capability and most Kenyan buyers are interested in its long-term suitability to this market. For a detailed analysis of the Outlander PHEV, refer to the Mitsubishi Outlander Buyer’s Guide

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander comes with five engine options these are the 2.0-liter 4J11 MIVEC Engine, 2.4-liter 4J12 MIVEC Engine, 3.0-liter 6B31 MIVEC Engine all petrol, the 2.2 4N14 DI-D  diesel engine and the  2.0-liter 4B11  PHEV engine for the hybrid version.

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Grades

1. 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander ES- This is the base grade that comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED running lights and taillights, heated mirrors, rear privacy glass, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, a rearview camera, voice controls, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system and a  7-inch touchscreen display.
2. 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander SE-  This grade adds foglights, keyless ignition and entry, body-color side mirrors with integrated turn signals, an electronic parking brake, heated front seats, and an upgraded audio system with satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
3. 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander LE- The Limited Edition grade adds a few aesthetic upgrades such as black roof rails, black exterior trim and a blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
4. 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL- This grade adds automatic headlights, power-folding mirrors, automatic wipers, gloss-black interior trim, a power liftgate, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a power driver seat. It also boasts a range of packages  which include (Premium, Advanced Safety, and Touring)
5. 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander GT- This trim comes standard with All-wheel- drive and adds LED headlights, silver roof rails, chrome exterior beltline accents, steering wheel shift paddles and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Interior Legroom & Space

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander offers a spacious interior that can comfortably accommodate up to 7 passengers. In the first row, the seats provide generous headroom and legroom, even for taller adults. The second-row seats can slide and recline, allowing passengers to adjust their seating position for optimal comfort. The third-row seats are not spacious like the first two rows and are suitable for children or small-sized adults.

Cabin Storage

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander has a spacious cabin with plenty of storage options for passengers. In the first row, there are 4 cup-holders, door panel storage, a storage shelf below the dashboard, a glovebox and the center box. For the second row, the only storage is on the front seat jacket pockets. For the third row, there is one pocket compartment on the left side.

Mitsubishi Outlander Boot Space

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander has a cargo capacity of 10.3 cubic feet behind its third row, 34.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 63.3 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down. This is a decent amount of cargo space for a compact SUV and should be sufficient for most people’s needs.

Mitsubishi Outlander Safety Features: 7 SRS airbags, Forward Collision Mitigation System(FCM), Lane Departure Warning System(LDW), Adaptive Cruise Control(ACC)

Exterior

The 2018 Mitsubishi boasts a sleek and stylish design that is sure to turn heads. The dynamic shield grille is the centerpiece of the front fascia and is surrounded by headlights with sharp, angular lines that give the Outlander a powerful and presence on the road.

The Outlander’s side profile design is both elegant and athletic. The sculpted body lines create a sense of movement even when it is still.

The Outlander’s unique combination of sleek lines and rugged features creates a captivating design from the back. The sharp taillights and chrome accents complement the dynamic lines of the rear bumper, and the integrated rear spoiler adds a sporty touch.

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Fuel Consumption

2018 Outlander 2.0L Fuel Consumption: 15 Km/L (On average)

2018 Outlander 2.2L Fuel Consumption: 16.8 Km/l (On average)

2018 Outlander 2.4L Fuel Consumption: 12.1 Km/L (On average)

2018 Outlander 3.0L Fuel Consumption: 10.7 Km/L (On average)

2018 Outlander PHEV fuel Consumption: 21.5 Km/L(On average)

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Acceleration

2018 Outlander 2.0L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 11 sec.

2018 Outlander 2.2L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 10 sec.

2018 Outlander 2.4L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 9.2 sec.

2018 Outlander 3.0L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 8.5 sec

2018 Outlander PHEV accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 10.5 sec.

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 Litres

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Ground Clearance

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander has a ground clearance of 8.5 Inches (216mm) which is sufficient for off-road driving.

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Stability and Handling

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander provides a comfortable and stable ride, with balanced handling. It’s suspension system has been fine-tuned to provide a comfortable and composed ride on most roads. The  2018 Outlander also has responsive steering and good body control, making it agile, particularly around tight turns and corners.

The Outlander is standardly equipped with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available as an option. The all-wheel-drive system improves traction and stability in bad weather and on rough roads, but it adds weight and reduces fuel economy.

Some owners however feel the Outlander’s handling is a bit sluggish as compared to other SUV’s in its class.

Compared to the 2017 model, the 2018 Outlander has several improvements in terms of stability and handling. These changes gives it a more stable and responsible driving experience than previous models.

Service and Maintenance Costs

Minor Service: At 10,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil

Major Service: At 15,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil

Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy

Mitsubishi Outlander spares, especially body parts are not as easily available in Kenya and they are sometimes expensive. Service parts are fairly affordable and easy to find within Nairobi and other major towns.

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Reliability

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander is considered to have average reliability. The Mitsubishi Outlander just like any other car can experience problems.

The Transmission system is the most reported problem with some of the owners complaining about rough shifting, hesitation, and slipping.

Others have raised concerns over the electrical system, including problems with the infotainment system, warning lights coming on, and issues with the battery.

To ensure long-term reliability, it’s also important to ensure regular maintenance. We have put together a detailed reliability report in the Buyer’s Guide. Click here to purchase the Mitsubishi Outlander Buyer’s Guide.

Resale Value: Good

Mitsubishi Outlander Competitors: Toyota Harrier, Nissan X-Trail, Toyota Vanguard, Toyota Rav4, Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester.

What we like about the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander

• Spacious interior
•  7 Seater capacity

What we don’t

• Expensive parts

Conclusion

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander is a well-rounded SUV that offers great value for its price. With its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and impressive fuel efficiency, the Outlander is an ideal SUV for families and individuals who value practicality without sacrificing style