2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Review

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a medium-sized SUV manufactured in Japan for four generations 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. The fourth generation Outlander has been in production from 2021 to the present.

The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander comes equipped with four engine options; 4J11 2.0L inline 4-cylinder SOHC 16 valve (MIVEC) petrol engine, 4J12 2.4L inline 4-cylinder SOHC 16 valve (MIVEC) petrol engine, 4B12 2.4L inline 4-cylinder DOHC 16 valve (MIVEC) PHEV engine and 4N14 2.2L inline 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve IC turbo (DI-D) Diesel Engine.

The combustion engines are linked to a six-speed automatic transmission or Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) while the PHEV powertrain uses a single-speed planetary gear system.

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander grades

• M: This is the basic grade equipped with Fabric seats, Shift panel, LED headlights, LED position lamps, LED rear combination lamps, LED fog lamps, Multi-Around Monitor, and Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium.
• G: It features a full range of equipment, including 20-inch wheels, a Driver’s power seat, an electric tailgate, a keyless operation key, cruise control, a smartphone-linked navigation system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an 8-inch screen, a rear spoiler, and Mitsubishi Power Sound System
• P: This is a high-end grade that comes standard with 20-inch alloys, high-quality interior and exterior, a BOSE premium sound system, a light gray roof, leather seats, a  Head-up display, Adaptive LED Headlights with automatic beam axis adjustment mechanism and a Headlight Washer, Fully automatic air conditioner with independent 3-zone temperature control and Electric tailgate.
• Black Edition: This is a special edition vehicle based on the G model, with black accents on the interior and exterior.

Interior, Legroom & Space

The 2020 Outlander comes with a modern interior and a range of features to ensure your daily driving is enjoyable. This includes a; Heated steering wheel, Mitsubishi Power Sound System, Auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, Push button start, Leather-wrapped steering wheel, and shift knob, and Eight-way power-adjustable drivers with power lumbar and front passenger seats. An electronic parking brake with automatic hold is now included, the same as an air conditioning system with rear air vents.

The eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use with the steering wheel buttons but really needs a volume knob.

In the first row, the Outlander’s seats are spacious offering ample legroom and headroom, the driver also has a nice view of the road ahead. At the second row, the seats are equally spacious and can accommodate adults comfortably. There is also an optional third row in some Outlander models but it is a bit tight and is best suited for kids.

Cabin Storage

The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander comes with several storage compartments that are designed to improve the comfort of the passengers. The first row is fitted with a center console, a glove box compartment, door panel storage, and two cupholders. The second row has two cupholders mounted on the armrest, and door pockets. Passengers in the third-row seat have access to cupholders.

Boot Space

The 2020 Outlander has plenty of boot space for all your traveling needs. With a maximum of 63.3 cubic feet behind the front rows, 34.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, there’s enough room for passengers and cargo.

Exterior

The Outlander still clings to its traditional SUV shape but it looks modern with its new large starfish-shaped piano black grille although not futuristic. Mitsubishi has also updated the LED headlights, daytime running lights, and fog lights. Below there the front bumper, the Outlander now has a carbon fiber styling that adds to its modern appearance.

The side profile has nice character lines running from the front bumper to the rear end. It has 18-inch alloy wheels and black mirror caps which fold in and out when you lock and unlock the doors. The door handles have black chrome and the side skirts also have carbon fiber which extends to the rear.

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Safety Features; 7 airbags, Adaptive cruise control, Multi-view camera system, Blind spot warning with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert, Forward collision mitigation, Lane departure warning, and Automatic high beams

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Fuel Consumption

• 2.0L Petrol Engine consumption; 14KM/L on average.
• 2.4L Petrol Engine consumption; 12.8 KM/L on average
• 2.4L inline PHEV engine consumption; 18.9 KM/L on Hybrid mode.
• 2.2L Diesel Engine consumption; 16.1 km/l on average

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Acceleration

• 2.0L Petrol Engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 11.3 secs.
• 2.4L Petrol Engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 9.8 secs
• 2.4L inline PHEV engine  accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10 secs
• 2.2L Diesel Engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 8.9 secs.

The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Fuel Tank Capacity: 62 liters

Ground Clearance: The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander has a ground clearance of 8.5 inches.

Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.

Major Service: At 10,000km. 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 and Availability

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

Stability And Handling

Under the bonnet, the 2020 Outlander offers four engines: 2.0-liter petrol, 2.4-liter petrol, 2.4-liter in-line PHEV and a 2.2-liter diesel.

The base 2.0L engine is capable of everyday driving but won’t win you any drag races as it takes long to accelerate, for better performance there is the option of the 2.2L 4N14 diesel engine and the 2.4L petrol engine.

The Outlander is designed for maximum passenger comfort and its suspension system does a good job of minimizing road imperfections, although there is some squirming on motorway ramps when driven aggressively.

Drivers can switch between Normal, Eco, Snow, and Gravel driving modes, depending on the road surface.

The 2020 Outlander also features Active Yaw Control (AYC), which gives the driver greater traction and control on the road.

This electronically controlled feature uses an active differential to transfer torque to the wheels, making driving easier in difficult conditions.

Reliability

The Outlander is regarded to have average reliability but has undergone several improvements over the years with its latest models getting build quality, durability, and technology.

When well-maintained and serviced, the Mitsubishi Outlander can serve you for over 10 years without any major issues. You can’t miss to spot an old model Outlander on the Kenyan roads that cruise nicely.

Common reported problems with the Outlander include; CVT issues, battery drain in PHEV models, and Engine stalling.

Resale Value: Good

Mitsubishi Outlander Competitors: Toyota Harrier, Nissan X-Trail, Toyota Vanguard, Mazda CX5, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Subaru Forester.

What we like about the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander

• Generous list of standard features
• Three-row seating
• Sensible SUV body

What we don’t

• Limited Mitsubishi dealer network
• Slow and noisy acceleration with the base four-cylinder
• Cramped third-row seat

Conclusion

If you are in the market for a budget-conscious mid-size SUV with seven seats to accommodate your family you should consider the Mitsubishi Outlander. Its seating capacity and spacious interior puts it ahead of most of its competitors. It is also equipped with an all-wheel drive drivetrain that enables it to tackle challenging driving situations.

If you want to buy the Mitsubishi simply give us a call at 0722469360 or email us at info@topcar.co.ke. We have developed a network of trusted dealers in Japan, South Africa, UK and Dubai who supply us with exceptionally good quality vehicles. Eliminate middlemen and showroom costs by importing the car with us and saving up to KES 500,000. The import process takes 45-60 days and the car is delivered on your doorstep.