2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Review

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a popular compact SUV for families and individuals who prefer a spacious vehicle with seven seats. The Outlander is also available as a plug-in hybrid, offering good fuel economy and a long electric range. Outlander is also equipped with a host of safety features, making it a top choice for consumers who value road safety.  Outlander competes with the Toyota Harrier, Nissan X-Trail, Toyota Vanguard, Toyota Rav4, Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester.

Introduction

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) that has been in production since 2001.
The first generation (CU/ZE/ZF) was sold as Airtrek in Japan and Outlander in other markets. Production of the Airtrek ceased in 2008 and the name was dropped. The second generation (CW/ZG/ZH) was produced between 2006 and 2012. The third generation (GF/GG/ZJ/ZK/ZL) was in production from 2012 to 2020, the fourth generation
(GM/GN/ZM) has been in production from 2021 to the present. The plug-in hybrid variant introduced in 2013 received a significant update in 2018, with a larger battery pack and increased electric range.

Engines

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander offers five engine choices;
Petrol
– 2.0-litre 4J11 MIVEC engine
– 2.4-litre 4J12 MIVEC engine
– 3.0-litre 6B31 MIVEC engine
Diesel engine
– 2.2-litre 4N14 DI-D engine
Hybrid engine
– 2.0-litre 4B11 PHEV engine

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Grades

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander LS– This is the base grade that comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reverse camera, Bluetooth phone connectivity, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and locks, and 7 seats.

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV VRX– This is the top trim level that comes with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, 20-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, surround-view camera system, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Interior

The 2018 Outlander has a refined interior with plenty of soft-touch materials and wood accents. The controls are straightforward and the infotainment interface is easy to use for most drivers.
The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and the second row offers plenty of legroom and headroom. The third row is a little cramped and is best suited for children. The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander also comes with two sets of lower anchor points and three tether anchor points for child seats, all located in the second row.
Standard interior features on the 2018 Outlander include dual-zone climate control, a 7-inch touchscreen, HD Radio, a USB port, and Bluetooth.

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Cargo Space

The 2018 Outlander has 10.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat and 34.2 cubic feet behind the second-row seat. This is enough space to meet the needs of most owners.

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander cargo space

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Exterior

The exterior of the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander has been significantly redesigned, with a bolder and more aggressive look that catches the eye. The front fascia has been completely redesigned with a new grille, headlights, and bumper, while the sides feature prominent fender flares and a rising waistline. The rear end is distinctive, with wraparound taillights and a dual exhaust system. Color options for the 2018 Outlander include; Cosmic Blue MetallicLabrador Black Metallic, Mercury Grey Metallic, Quartz Brown Metallic, and Rally Red Metallic.

 

Safety features; 7 SRS airbags (driver, front passenger, side curtain, and driver’s knee), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Auto High Beam (AHB), Blind Spot Warning (BSW) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Lane Change Assistant (LCA).

Performance

The 2018 Outlander is considered to have average performance on the road. It offers a reasonably stable ride on the motorway, but it’s not the most comfortable SUV to drive, as the suspension system is unable to absorb major road imperfections and limit body roll. The 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre engines feel underpowered on the road and make for an uninspiring drive. The 2018 Outlander’s four-wheel-drive system is supposed to improve cornering, but it feels less poised than its rivals. In terms of handling, the 2018 Outlander is not as sharp as its rivals, but it is still adequate for most drivers. The steering wheel is light and responsive at low speeds but can feel a little numb at motorway speeds. The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander’s brakes are strong and responsive. The pedal is easy to modulate and the car stops quickly. Acceleration can feel a little sluggish, especially from a standstill, but it picks up well at motorway speeds.

Reliability

The 2018 Outlander is considered to have average reliability. The most common problems reported with the 2018 Outlander include faulty airbags, headlamp burnout, random emergency parking brake (EPB) activation, engine stalling, and battery drainage. Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure the long-term reliability of your Mitsubishi Outlander. We have compiled a detailed reliability report on the 2018 Outlander in the Buyers’ Guide. We also recommend that you read the Mitsubishi Outlander Owner’s Manual.

Pros

Standard three-row seating
Spacious cabin
Respectable fuel economy

Cons

Slow engines

Verdict

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander is a good choice for buyers looking for a simple, no-frills transport option. The Outlander offers a spacious interior, a standard third row of seats, and a host of safety features. However, it lags behind its rivals in terms of performance, refinement, and technology.
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander side profile.

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander side profile.