Mitsubishi Outlander. Tool

The third-generation Mitsubishi Outlander was presented in March this year at the Geneva Motor Show. But sales started in Russia and the CIS: in Europe and even in Japan and the USA, the car will appear only in late autumn — the Russian market is one of the most successful for the Outlander. Specifically for us, the Japanese changed the approach angles by literally half a degree and passed the vehicle type approval as an SUV.

P2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
Photo: Mitsubishi

However, this is not the only and far from the most noticeable change. Outside and inside, the new Outlander is completely different from the previous one. The interior trim now uses softer plastic. I can't say I felt a significant difference, but it has become a bit better. The rear seats now fold differently, forming a flat floor and increasing the trunk space by as much as 32 cm — this is really noticeable! The exterior dimensions remain the same as the previous Outlander XL, but inside it has become more spacious. And, of course, the car's appearance has changed dramatically. The design, though, is debatable, but it's unlikely that practical Russians choosing this car give primary importance to exterior looks.

2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
Photo: Mitsubishi

The greatest number of innovations is hidden inside. One of the most important is the time-tested petrol engine 2.0 L (146 hp) or 2.4 L (167 hp) now consumes 92-octane petrol instead of 95-octane and has generally become more economical. This was facilitated by improved aerodynamics (by 7%) and reduced weight (by 5%, about 85 kg) compared to the previous generation.

The second important change is the updated CVT. According to the Japanese engineers' idea, it should now be less sluggish, respond more sensitively to throttle input, and the revs should better match the speed. The key word is "in theory": no matter how hard I tried, I didn't notice any particular improvements in this parameter.

The instrument panel has changed slightly
Photo: Mitsubishi

Interestingly, now the all-wheel-drive version has no option to drive in pure front-wheel-drive mode: the rear drive engages automatically depending on driving conditions. Many sensors are responsible for its operation (the entire system was taken from the Mitsubishi Evolution). There are three transmission modes: Eco — front-wheel drive, like on the Outlander XL, but the rear engages when slipping; Auto — the rear drive is more involved: sensors determine that the car is driving on slippery surfaces, at full throttle, or uphill, and engage the rear drive; Lock — the rear drive is constantly engaged, but not rigidly, because the Outlander, despite the official document, is still not a real SUV, so it works as needed (during over-revving, in corners, on poor surfaces), disengaging as soon as the need disappears.

The trunk depth has increased by 32 cm thanks to the new seat-folding system!
Photo: Mitsubishi

As if on order, before the second day of the test, when we had to drive several dozen kilometers through the forest, a heavy downpour passed. The road was washed out, puddles formed up to the wheel arches, some with a clay bottom. It was on them that we managed to test all transmission modes. On a regular forest sandy road, the Outlander easily coped even on front-wheel drive alone, when the rear practically didn't engage. In clay mud baths, of course, the car was pulled and drifted, but that was more due to the road tires, as all obstacles were overcome without much difficulty. During the test, despite our efforts, the organizers', and the weather's, we failed to reach the car's limits, which means it will easily handle 90% of Russian roads, unless, of course, you venture onto the infamous "Lena" highway...

When "building" the new Outlander, they also thought about safety. They added a second subframe in the front part to increase body rigidity. In the rear suspension, they replaced cast arms with forged ones. More body elements were made of high-strength steel. In the top trim, there are 9 airbags.

The center console was fashionably turned toward the driver and more buttons were added
Photo: Mitsubishi

Instead of hydraulic power steering, there is now an electric power steering. In my opinion, Mitsubishi hasn't quite perfected it yet: both on the updated Pajero IV and on the new Outlander, I don't like how it works. It's unclear what position the steering wheel is in and where the wheels are — too weak feedback. Driving on asphalt is fine, but off-road or during tight maneuvers, you need to get used to it.

Overall, the new Outlander is a practical, spacious, and roomy family crossover. Not the pinnacle of design and engineering thought, but a quite worthy bearer of the ideas of reliability, functionality, and versatility inherent in Mitsubishi.

OUR VERDICT

The new Mitsubishi Outlander is unlikely to impress you with its design, refined finish, and richness of trim levels, unlikely to evoke strong emotions, but at the same time it will become a true workhorse for you and will serve you faithfully, like a proven, reliable friend. We hope.

Driving
The CVT hesitates, steering feedback is not informative enough, everything else is fine. The difference between the 2.0 and 2.4 L engines is noticeable only in acceleration at high speeds.

Interior
Lots of space for passengers, large trunk, but the trim is plain.

Comfort
Seats are comfortable, suspension works adequately, no complaints.

Safety
In the base, only ABS and 2 airbags.

Price
Does not stand out among classmates.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS