A Comprehensive Look at the Mitsubishi Outlander from 2003 to 2022

The Mitsubishi Outlander is an SUV that prioritizes drivability, comfort, and usefulness. When it was revealed in 2005, it quickly became a fan favorite. Furthermore, the latest models combine exceptional driving performance with environmental friendliness, making them lighter and more fuel-efficient. Mitsubishi has continuously enhanced the cargo, interior, comfort, and safety features.

2001 – 2005

The 1st generation Outlander is known as Mitsubishi Airtrek and was based on the Mitsubishi ASX concept that represents Mitsubishi‘s approach to the industry-wide crossover SUV trend for retaining the all-season and off-road abilities, while still offering car-like economy, size, and levels of emissions. On 20 June 2001, the Airtrek was first introduced to the Japanese market fitted with two engine sizes which are 2.0L 4G63 I4, 2.0L 4G63T turbo I4, 2.4L 4G69 MIVEC I4, 2.4L 4G64 GDI I4 petrol engines. The 2.0L 4G63 I4 offered 126 PS (93 kW) power while a 2.4L 4G64 GDI I4 offered 139 PS (102 kW) mated to a standard INVECS-II 4-speed automatic transmission, 5-speed manual or 5-speed INVECS-II automatic.

2006 – 2011

Mitsubishi launched the 2nd generation model on 17 October 2005 powered by a new 2.4L DOHC 16-valve MIVEC engine. Other 2nd generation engines are 2.0L 4B11 DOHC MIVEC I4, 2.4L 4B12 DOHC MIVEC I4, 3.0L 6B31 SOHC MIVEC V6 petrol engines, 2.0L VW TDI I4, 2.2L PSA DW12 HDI I4, and 2.3L 4N14 Di-D MIVEC I4 diesel engines. The transmission is linked either to a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual INVECS-III CVT, 6-speed automatic, or 6-speed twin-clutch SST automatic. The Mitsubishi S-AWC AWD system and multi-function display were introduced with the 2010 model year's significant makeover and the top-of-the-line Outlander XLS. The older MFD and the less sophisticated AWC AWD technology are retained in the lower grades. Similarly, a small redesign of the inside was made to include leather on the dashboard and doors. For the lesser grades, the outdated MFD and the less advanced AWC AWD technology are still in use.

2012 – 2020

At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show Mitsubishi launched the 3rd generation Outlander with good sound insulation and the front doors and dashboard are covered with soft-touch material while the seats are redesigned. The 3rd generation Outlander comes equipped with 2.0L 4J11 I4, 2.4L 4B12 I4, 2.4L 4J12 I4, 3.0L 6B31 V6 petrol engines, 2.0L 4B11 I4, 2.4 L 4B12 I4 petrol PHEV and 2.3L 4N14 I4 turbo diesel engine. The Meiden S61/Y61 AC Synchronous Permanent Magnetic Motor, which is connected to a GKN Multi-Mode gearbox, powers the petrol PHEV 2.0L 4B11 I4 and 2.4 L 4B12 I4. The third generation features a plug-in hybrid model, which made its debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

The third-generation was equipped with airbags, traction and stability control systems, front and rear anti-roll bars, and ABS. Also include a backseat entertainment system, an internal computer with more than 40 terabytes of memory, and complete in-stereo navigation. The third generation's fuel efficiency ranges from 7.0 km/L to 16.0 km/L depending on the model. 

2021 – Present

On February 16, 2021, the 4th generation Outlander was introduced offering a 7-seat configuration. The 4th generation is powered by a 2.5L Nissan PR25DD I4 petrol engine and 2.4L 4B12 I4 (GN0W) petrol PHEV, this PHEV version couples with 2x AC Synchronous permanent magnet motors (S91 & YA1) / 85kW 255Nm Front Motor / 100kW 195Nm Rear Motor generates 188 hp (140 kW; 190 PS) (PR25DD) and petrol engine only generates 98 kW (131 hp).

Also came with new interior features including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display, and a 9.0-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay. Added with forward collision mitigation, a 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. 

2022 model

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander offers standard 3-row seating with unremarkable 181-hp four-cylinder powertrain. There is also driver-assistance technology and an assortment of new connectivity features. A PHEV (plug-in hybrid model) will eventually join the lineup, too. The 2022 Outlander is fitted with 2.5L I4 cylinder engine with 181 hp exclusively with a CVT. The 2022 Outlander has a lower fuel-economy rated at 10.2 Km/L cities and 12.7 Km/L highways.

The 2022 Outlander comes fitted with an 8.0- or 9.0-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 10-speaker Bose audio system, access to the subscription-based Mitsubishi Connect app, and wireless device charging. Also comes with extra legroom and hip room than the previous model. The cargo space increases by 1 cubic foot to the total volume behind the 2nd and 3rd rows. 

Finally

Although the Mitsubishi Outlander has gained popularity, the PHEV variant from 2022 has done better than the gasoline vehicle. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was ahead of its time, forcing rivals to follow up. Overall, the Mitsubishi Outlander is a respectable and exciting all-around car. You can now check the Mitsubishi Outlander stocklist to see more exciting models.