Mitsubishi Outlander Expert Reviews

Until an exciting new plug-in hybrid version (which Mitsubishi claims will emit CO2 at a rate of just 50g/km) goes on sale, the Outlander will only be available with a 148bhp diesel engine and on-demand four-wheel drive.

The entry-level GX2 trim comes with cruise control, seven airbags and a six-speaker stereo. However, we reckon it’s worth upgrading to GX3, which adds desirable features, such as dual-zone climate control, automatic wipers, Bluetooth and alloy wheels. GX4 and GX5 models are very well equipped, but pricey.

The Mitsubishi Servicing Plan, which fixes the price of the first three scheduled services, is worth considering.

What You Get From This Vehicle

This improved post-2015-era third generation Outlander certainly looks a whole lot sharper than the original version of this MK3 model did. In place of the rather apologetic looks of that car, we were, with this facelifted model, treated to smarter, more confident styling exemplifying what Mitsubishi called its 'Dynamic Shield' design direction. That gave us a lower, leaner and wider bodyshape, yet one still continuing with the high flanks, the raised beltline, the uncluttered surfaces and the strong shouldering that originally defined this model. Behind the wheel, this revised model got a smarter 'black ash' dashboard, padded door panels and a stitched instrument cowl, all of it adding to the cabin ambience. The things commonly interact with are much better on this facelifted model too, with a classier silver-trimmed 'joystick'-style gear lever next to a handbrake that, rather surprisingly for such a futuristic car, is of the conventional kind. In the second row, there's reasonable space for two adults - or three at a squash, with the third person's cause aided by the way that the central transmission tunnel has been kept usefully low. And luggage space out back? Well in the five-seat-only PHEV model, there's 731-litres of space - only 50-litres less than you'd get in the diesel version with the luggage area chairs folded. If you need more space, then folding the second row backrest frees up 1.85m of floor length. The 2.2 DI-D diesel was fitted with a third seating row. Where fitted, these extra chairs are really only intended for children, but they are separate, properly-sprung seats with integral head restraints and reclining backrests. The diesel version featured a 781-litre boot, extendable to 1,608-litres if you folded the 2nd row seats.