Powered by
Subscribe to the only car newsletter you’ll ever need

Mitsubishi Outlander Review 2016

 

Good points

  • New look makes it a much more attractive car
  • Handles more confidently
  • Quieter than the old model

Needs work

  • The bones are the same – doesn’t wow dynamically
  • Base petrol is a little breathless
  • Advanced safety tech only available on Exceed

Chasing Cars attended the Australian launch of the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander, held in Sydney’s Cottage Point.

What we drove:

  • Outlander LS (base) – 2-litre aspirated petrol four, 5 speed manual, Ironbark, front wheel drive
  • Outlander Exceed (flagship) – 2.2-litre turbodiesel four, 6 speed automatic, Cool Silver, four wheel drive

It’s been just two years since the third-generation Outlander SUV made its debut – but Mitsubishi have already seen fit to give the car a comprehensive refresh. There’s a new look coined ‘Dynamic Shield’ outside, there’s a refit inside, and performance improvements lie under the skin. All this creates a much-improved midsize SUV – the Outlander still isn’t class leading, but the changes see it climb the ranks.

The range remains broad with three trims, three engines, and two drivelines. Pricing has gone up and down, with entry to a base LS up $750 to $28,490, while the flagship Exceed diesel falls in price to $46,490. But differences between the models are less distinct than ever, with Mitsubishi opting for zero visual differentiation between the grades. It’s creature comforts that set costlier Outlanders apart, with the Exceed’s advanced safety technology not even optional on lesser trims.

Mitsubishi told us that the focus was on making the Outlander ‘more aggressive’. We wouldn’t say the new car is as energetic as that – but it becomes more like the competent family SUV it should have been from the start, and a much more compelling option in the segment.

Budget Direct
Comprehensive cover
/ year
(indicative only)
Budget Direct
Comprehensive cover
/ year
(indicative only)

Key specs (as tested)

Engine
Capacity
2.2L
Cylinders
4
Induction
Single turbocharger
Power
110kW @ 3500rpm
Torque
360Nm @ 1500-2750rpm
Configuration
Conventional
Power to weight ratio
67kW / tonne
Fuel
Fuel type
Diesel
Fuel capacity
60L
Consumption
6.2L / 100km
Average Range
968km
Drivetrain
Transmission
Automatic
Drivetrain
All wheel drive
Engine configuration
In-line
Gears
6
Dimensions
Length
4695mm
Width
1810mm
Height
1680mm
Unoccupied weight
1630kg
Cargo space seats up
477L
Cargo seats down
1608L

About Chasing cars

Chasing Cars reviews are 100% independent.

Because we are powered by Budget Direct Insurance, we don’t receive advertising or sales revenue from car manufacturers.

We’re truly independent – giving you Australia’s best car reviews.

Related articles

Terms and conditions

The estimate provided does not take into account your personal circumstances but is intended to give a general indication of the cost of insurance, in order to obtain a complete quote, please visit www.budgetdirect.com.au. Estimate includes 15%^ online discount.
^Conditions Apply

Budget Direct Insurance arranged by Auto & General Services Pty Ltd ACN 003 617 909(AGS) AFSL 241 411, for and on behalf of the insurer, Auto & General Insurance Company Limited(ABN 42 111 586 353, AFSL 285 571).Because we don’t know your financial needs, we can’t advise you if this insurance will suit you. You should consider your needs and the Product Disclosure Statement before making a decision to buy insurance. Terms and conditions apply.

Indicative quote based on assumptions including postcode , 40 year old male with no offences, licence suspensions or claims in the last 5 years, a NCD Rating 1 and no younger drivers listed. White car, driven up to 10,000kms a year, unfinanced, with no modifications, factory options and/or non-standard accessories, private use only and garaged at night.

^Online Discounts Terms & Conditions
1. Discounts apply to the premium paid for a new Budget Direct Gold Comprehensive Car Insurance, Third Party Property Only or Third Party Property, Fire & Theft Insurance policy initiated online on or after 29 March 2017. Discounts do not apply to optional Roadside Assistance.
2. Discounts do not apply to any renewal offer of insurance.
3. Discounts only apply to the insurance portion of the premium. Discounts are applied before government charges, taxes, levies and fees, including instalment processing fees (as applicable). The full extent of discounts may therefore be impacted.
4. We reserve the right to change the offer without notice.