Pros and Cons: Mitsubishi Outlander - Love the comfort, but is it good enough to beat the CR-V and CX-5?

First introduced in Malaysia as an imported (CBU) model in 2016, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) then launched the locally-assembled (CKD) Mitsubishi Outlander in 2017.

MMM currently offers two variants of the Mitsubishi Outlander, with prices ranging from RM 133,491 for the 2.0L variant to RM 147,762 for the top-spec 2.4L variant.

In the sea of highly-capable C-segment SUVs, is the Mitsubishi Outlander worth your consideration over similarly-priced rivals, such as the Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5?

Here’s a quick round up of the Mitsubishi Outlander’s pros and cons.

Pros

• Intelligent 4WD system
• Ride and handling
• Most spacious in its class

Cons

• No rear air-conditioning vents
• Lacks ADAS suite
• Limited colours

Pros – Switchable, on-road 4WD system

Unlike its mainstream rivals, like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5, the Mitsubishi Outlander offers a 4WD system across the range.

And the Outlander’s 4WD system isn’t just your run-of-the-mill-type of system; it is far more intelligent as it offers the ability to toggle between three modes: 4WD Eco, 4WD Auto, and 4WD Lock.

Unlike Subaru's permanently-on AWD system, the Outlander's 4WD system is able to disconnect the rear axle under normal driving conditions to improve fuel consumption, while retaining the faster response time of a full-time 4WD system.

The system will send power to the front and rear wheels, giving the driver’s all-weather assurance when the need arises, especially in slippery conditions.

Also Read: Mitsubishi Outlander – 2.0L vs 2.4L, which one to pick?

Pros – Ride and handling

Mitsubishi’s expertise in suspension tuning is evident in the Outlander. Despite riding on 18-inch wheels with 55-series tyres, ride comfort is actually rather impressive.

The Outlander is more than capable of soaking up bad roads, yet at the same time, doesn’t not jostle passengers. One would think just because ride comfort is good, handling would take a back seat, but that’s not the case in the Outlander.

It can take just about anything you throw at it confidently, as the Outlander is more than capable of resisting body roll given its size. It definitely beats the Mazda CX-5 when it comes to ride comfort, and the facelifted Honda CR-V is on par with the Outlander. 

Also Read: Top Rank: What is the quietest C-seg SUV on sale in Malaysia?

Pros – Most spacious in class

What many may not be aware of is the fact that the Mitsubishi Outlander is able to seat seven. Now, sitting seven may be a stretch for the Nissan X-Trail, seeing how cramped the third-row seats are, but that’s not the case in the Outlander.

Unlike rival seven-seater SUVs, an average-height adult can actually get comfortable in the third-row seats, as the Outlander offers more than enough legroom.

Think of it like getting a seven-seater for the price of a five-seater. 

Also Read: VW Tiguan Allspace vs Mazda CX-8 vs Mitsubishi Outlander – Which is the alright choice?

Cons – Poor air-conditioning system

As comfortable and spacious the Outlander may be, it lacks one crucial feature that could be a deal-breaker for some – there are no rear air-conditioning vents.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia does offer a roof-mounted air circulator for those who really needs to keep those at the rear chilled.

Making matters worse is the Outlander’s centre and driver’s side air-conditioning vents that are angled towards the driver, making it unbearably cold on longer drives, while passengers at the rear are left feeling warmer.

Yes, the air-conditioning vents can be angled, but despite angling it to extreme sides, it made little to no difference and was definitely an annoyance to anyone driving the Outlander.

Also Read: Deal breakers: The Mitsubishi Outlander air-conditioning system needs to be improved

Cons – Lacks ADAS suite

Given its price point, it is quite unfortunate that the Malaysian-spec Mitsubishi Outlander lacks the Mitsubishi ADAS suite.

Rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 offer ADAS features on upper mid variants, which certainly make the Outlander look poorly-equipped.

That said, both variants of the Outlander offer seven airbags, as well as stability control and traction control.

Cons – Limited colour options

The Malaysian-spec Mitsubishi Outlander is available in just three colours: Red Metallic, Solar White, and Ruby Black.

While these colours are sufficient for most Malaysians, the Honda CR-V is available in five different colours, while the Mazda CX-5, wait for it, is available in eight different colours.

Conclusion

The Mitsubishi Outlander, despite not being as popular as the Honda CR-V or the Mazda CX-5, still remains one of the most underrated SUVs today. 

Where the Mitsubishi Outlander loses in the safety and air-conditioning department, it more than makes up for that with its superior comfort levels and spacious interior.

Further complementing the Outlander is Mitsubishi's service network, as it was ranked the highest in terms of after-sales service satisfaction, ahead of Toyota and Mazda.

Also Read: JD Power Ranks Mitsubishi Highest In After-Sales Service Satisfaction