Buying a used Mitsubishi Outlander (2012-2021)

Mitsubishi had for years been at the forefront of recreational off-roading, but always with vehicles that were too big and thirsty for some buyers.

A smaller type of off-roader appeared during 2001, badged in some markets as the Airtrek and related to the RVR people-mover which wasn’t sold in Australia.

British versions from 2003 carried the Outlander name, which by 2006 had been adopted for all markets including Japan.

A Series 2 version came to light in 2005. Some months later a V6 was displayed for US sale and introduced to Australia in late 2006. High pricing and concerns about fuel consumption did nothing for sales, resulting in Mitsubishi selling four of the 2.4-litre Outlander for every one V6.

Seven-seat accommodation became available in higher-spec Outlanders from introduction of the ZG model in 2007 and they did benefit from access to the bigger engine.

ZH versions launched in 2009 brought minimal change visually or mechanically, but a local Outlander in top-specification (VRX V6) form still cost almost $52,000.

2012 brought the Outlander ZJ, with significant restyling and improved interiors. Three engines including a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel were offered, but only the basic 2.0-litre front-drive ES could be specified with manual transmission.

Two years later, and in very limited numbers to begin with, came PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) versions. These had a 60kW electric motor helping the 2.0-litre petrol engine, CVT transmission and AWD standard.

‘Dynamic Shield’ styling that accompanied arrival of the ZK series in 2015 brought more distinctive character to the Outlander range, but still no significant changes to mechanical or chassis designs.

For 2019 the front-end changed again while a 124kW 2.4-litre engine, CVT and the choice of front- or four-wheel drive remained staple fodder.

PHEV versions remained available but expensive and thus it remained until the current fourth-generation ZM Outlander arrived in late 2021, with the plug-in hybrid following in August 2022).

• Outlanders suffer from a range of recall issues, some that might not yet have received dealer attention. Check using the VIN that problems affecting the Outlander you are considering have been rectified.
• Oil leaks from the cooler seals or valve cover gasket.
• Power steering issues including stiffness and fluid leaks.
• Check for underbody damage due to careless off-road use.
• Models with CVT can experience delayed engagement – manufacturing faults.
• Electrical issues with power windows and infotainment.
• Premature wear of brake pads causing squeaking or grinding.
• Exhaust circulation issues can cause increased emissions and poor performance.
• Suspension issues with bushes, ball joints and struts can lead to noise and vibrations in handling.
• Coolant leaks from water pump or radiator.
• Battery draining issues resulting in challenges starting the vehicle.

In third-generation guise, the Mitsubishi Outlander with 2.4-litre petrol engine and all-wheel drive seem the most popular with owners.

However, Gen 3 versions began below $30,000 with a 2.0-litre front-drive manual in ES trim. The list then topped out with a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel Aspire, running six-speed automatic transmission, at $45,490 plus on-road costs.

ES model inclusions were basic but sufficient in a car pitched at singles or couples of all ages and families with growing children. The sound system had multiple inputs, a CD player and six speakers.

Step up to the popular LS version and not a lot would change. Three choices of engine were offered but virtually all of the cars sold were automatic, and it was impossible to buy a diesel Outlander in manual form.

Wheels fitted to 4WD versions are 16 inches in diameter, with 70-profile tyres to absorb ‘rock shock’ when driving off-road. 2WD drivers who likely needed their maximum grip on wet bitumen got 18-inch alloys with 55-series rubber.

Inside the LS, things get more comfortable and entertaining with features like dual-zone air-con, Apple CarPlay as part of the six-speaker sound system, leather-bound steering wheel and decently-sized display screen.

Had the original owner added a safety pack to their LS, the features list would have expanded to include additional airbags, hill start assist for steep and loose terrain, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors.

Priced new at $43,490 plus on-road costs (2.4 petrol) or $46,490 plus ORCs (2.2 turbo-diesel) in 2013 was the Aspire. With this version came heated, part-leather seats with electric adjustment, higher-grade trim and a sunroof.

These remained the most expensive Outlanders until late 2014 when buyers were able to access the quirky economy of the PHEV.

The plug-in hybrid range came in three trim levels and the powertrain combined a 2.0-litre petrol engine with two electric motors and a 12kWh lithium-ion battery. The latter gave the vehicle a notional battery-only range of 50km, while total output was 87kW/186Nm.

Using it in sequence with the petrol engine would replenish a flat battery in about 80km and deliver a claimed fuel consumption figure of 1.5L/100km – a figure that couldn’t be matched in mixed-condition real-world driving.

2015 brought a controversial restyle and adoption by Outlander of the company’s Dynamic Shield design, involving a reshaped nose and body embellishments that seemed to take inspiration from mediaeval suits of armour.

New construction techniques and greater attention to noise reduction gave later versions a quieter ride but there was still no significant mechanical change.

The range entering 2017 comprised nine model variants; Safety Pack versions by then had their own slots in the new-car listings. Prices still began at $28,750 plus ORCs for a front-wheel drive ES 2.0 and topped $55,000 if you wanted a PHEV in top-whack Exceed trim.

Local and overseas comparisons between the Mitsubishi Outlander and its peers seem to regularly reach the same conclusion. Newish versions are well built and competent in most respects but never outstanding.

That’s fair comment and reasonable except that reviewers have been saying the same things for years and Outlanders don’t change in any significant way. During that time, aspects of the mid-size SUV have definitely evolved, but change doesn’t come fast enough in a market segment that is probably the most competitive on earth.

Like other models in the category, Outlander lets you sit high and provides a good view in most directions. Most in this selection will have their dash-mounted screen linked to a rear camera, helping avoid hazards when reversing.

One annoyance is siting of the drink holders up front where tall containers in manuals can be bumped when changing gears, causing spills.

Inside the Outlander feels spacious and comfortable, with room above and lengthwise for tall occupants and decent amounts of cargo space. Those in the ‘boot’ of a seven-seater won’t be thrilled at their surroundings, but hopefully the incarceration isn’t for too long a journey.

If you can abide some diesel clatter, exhaust pong when idling and the penalty imposed on owners by illogical fuel pricing, then a 2.2-litre will be the way a lot of owners will go.

Power is a little down on the petrol 2.4-litre, so getting away from the lights or winding up for a quick overtake will be sluggish, however steady cruising will save lots of fuel and tall hills, especially when towing, won’t seem nearly as daunting as in petrol versions.

PHEV models are claimed to deliver extreme fuel economy, with judicious use of the electric motors helping minimise stress on mechanical components. The hit comes, of course, when the storage battery needs replacement and its cost could exceed the total value of a 10-year-old vehicle.

Handling is limited by the dimensions and weight of the Outlander and that goes for other models in the category too.

Yes, it will probably get untidy when pushed through tight bends, but not many Outlander owners will have bought it to contest a tarmac rally.

Many family owners would reply to that question with a resounding yes, so if you’ve got a brood to ferry about, need decent space and economy, give an Mitsubishi Outlander a go.

Given their size, Outlanders work best as a five-seater, however you can pack a couple of younger fry into the folding rear seats. Just don’t try carting much luggage at the same time.

PHEV models if used correctly will deliver exceptional fuel economy but check their limitations, especially if you intend towing.

Owners have discovered that attaching anything that comes close to the Outlander’s capacity limit can create problems, including refusal to move after stopping on a steepish uphill gradient.

• A thorough underbody check is needed before even test driving an Outlander. Look under the extended nose and sills for scrapes, at the exhaust for flattened sections and rear diff for impact damage.
• Getting a straight answer on battery replacement costs is difficult, but well worth persevering before choosing a PHEV version. Prices range from $500 for replacement of individual battery cells to around $13,000 (2023 prices) for a new unit.
• Make sure when considering a CVT-equipped Outlander that you can deal with the lag between pressing the throttle and the transmission responding. Arrange for your test drive, if possible, to include slow moving traffic (or mimic it on a quiet street) plus more open terrain.
• Check service history and nature of repairs carried out during ownership.
• Check the engine bay area for stain marks.
• Check for abnormal noises, handling and smoke emissions on road test.
• Check tyre wear as a signal of any suspension issues.

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Used vehicle grading for Mitsubishi Outlander (2012-21)
Design & Function: 13/20
Safety: 15/20
Practicality: 15/20
Value for Money: 13/20
Wow Factor: 10/20
Score: 66/100