2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Expert Review
Reviewed by Abigail Bassett
The 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander gets some new interior updates, a new available all-wheel-drive system on the base model, new technology updates including support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a suite of updated safety tech.
Vehicle Summary
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a three-row crossover SUV that sits above the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport in the lineup. It seats up to seven people and can be configured in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Overview
The Outlander can be optioned with one of two engines: a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine that makes 166 hp and 224 lb-ft of torque or a 3.0-liter V-6 engine that makes 224 hp and 215 lb-ft of torque. The lower trim levels and smaller engine comes with a CVT transmission and the 3.0-liter engine comes with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. After several delays, a PHEV version is scheduled to come stateside for summer 2017. The exact specs for this SUV remain unclear, but the U.K.-spec version has a 12 kilowatt-hour battery pack.
At the bottom of the lineup is the ES trim which comes with the 2.4-liter engine. Move up to the SE and SEL and you get more features but the same engine. At the top of the lineup is the GT S-AWC with the larger V-6 engine and the six-speed automatic. All versions except the top of the line GT S-AWC come with optional front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The GT S-AWC only comes with all-wheel drive.
The Outlander with the 2.4-liter front-wheel drive configuration is rated at 25/30 mpg city/highway. The 2.4-liter with all-wheel drive gets 24/29 mpg, and the 3.0-liter all-wheel-drive version gets 20/27 mpg.
Safety
Blind spot warning and lane change assist as well as rear cross traffic assist and forward collision mitigation are all optional on the SEL and GT S-AWC level of the 2017 Outlander. Antilock brakes, hill start assist, electronic stability control, and traction control are standard on the 2017 Outlander.
The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander was a Top Safety Pick+ according to the IIHS and performed well in all tests. The 2017 model hasn't been evaluated yet.
NHTSA gave the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander a 5-star rating overall in the all-wheel-drive version and a 4-star rating in the front-wheel-drive version. Both ratings are out of a maximum of 5 stars.
What We Think
We last had a Mitsubishi Outlander as a long-term vehicle in our Motor Trend fleet in 2016, and while we thought it was a perfectly competent commuter, it still felt like it was well behind the competition.
Satellite radio would cut out regularly, the 2.4-liter engine in our SEL model felt a bit underpowered, and the CVT transmission was a bit laggy. Meanwhile, the power liftgate drove us bananas because it was very slow.
We were pleased with the interior space and the "minimalist" styling, but it did look a bit dated in our long termer. "Like something you might have seen on the last generation car," we noted.
Cool Fact
Jackie Chan had a deal with Mitsubishi and would use only Mitsubishi cars in his movies.
Key Competitors
- Honda CR-V
- Kia Sorento
- Toyota RAV4
- Nissan Rogue
- Ford Escape
