2020 Mitsubishi Outlander

Yes, Outlander is an option
The compact crossover segment is as crowded as it gets, with strong performances from nearly every manufacturer. We recently wrote about timeless props, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, tough contenders like Subaru Forester, and even next-level luxury options like the Porsche Macan and Mercedes GLC. With such hot competition, it can be difficult to stand out. So how does Mitsubishi Outlander stack up? Let’s find out.

How does Mitsubishi Outlander stand out then? It’s not by elegant interior design, and it’s too simple. And it’s not for sporty driving, even for a CUV the Outlander is pretty heavy. Instead, the Outlander considers itself one of the few 3-row options in the compact crossover segment (only other competitors are the slightly larger Kia Sorento and Volkswagen Tiguan) and the only options for the plug-in hybrid.

Unfortunately, these two cases are mutually exclusive because PHEV does not come with Grade 3, with the battery taking up that space. But if you are looking for the budget option of a third-row crossover or a hybrid engine, the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander is your choice.

Sick Engine and PHEV

The Outlander has three powertrain options. The first is the base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder synchronized with the 166 hp and 162 lb-ft CVT. Couple. This setup is as powerful as you might expect, i.e. not much. Fuel economy, like the horsepower, sits at the lower end of the average segment with 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway FWD and 24/29 with all-wheel drive. 2.0 liter capacity is 1,500 lbs.

You have to hop all the way to the highest trim level for the larger 3.0-liter V6 with a 6-speed automatic transmission that produces 224 hp and 215 lb. From a couple. The increased horsepower doesn’t translate to much once you’re on the road, and the 3.0-liter engine gets a little awkwardly 20/27 mpg in a four-wheel-drive setup only. However, it gets a massive increase in towing up to 3,500 pounds.

As mentioned in the introduction, one of the main reasons to consider the Outlander is the plug-in hybrid option, which combines a 2.0-liter engine with two electric motors. This system allows you to get 190 horsepower and improved off-line torque, but the real excitement lies within the 22 miles of pure electric range.

Cargo capacity shy of the competition segment at 10.3 cubic meters. Feet With 3rd Row In Use, 34.2 Cubic Feet. Feet behind the second row and 63.3 cubic feet. Foot. With all the seats. PHEV reaches just behind the 2nd row even less than 30.4 m3. Feet, but a little more in total capacity with 66.6 cubic meters. One of the Outlander’s features is the seats’ ability to fold flat, which is rare in SUVs of all sizes.

Finally, the unbroken CVT

People didn’t flock to SUVs and crossovers for the thrill of driving. We have revised our expectations for the Outlander accordingly. However, the 2.4 liter capacity felt lackluster, capable, or below the average portion. Crossing the highway with the Outlander is a test of planning and patience.

This is partly a bug in the CVT, which avoids artificial gearshifts for a “conventional” increase in revs. In practice, this means that when you step on the throttle, the Outlander picks up speed in a completely linear fashion, no-frills, and noiseless. Some will not like this behavior because it only highlights the engine’s strict 2.0-liter rating. But, on the other hand, it’s kind of refreshing that Mitsubishi didn’t even bother pretending that the Outlander’s CVT was something it wasn’t.

If you were hoping that the GT-model’s 3.0-liter, 6-speed automatic transmission would add some excitement to the Outlander stage, you would be disappointed. The 3.0 liter adds a bit of oomph. The only real reason to go up to the GT is its third-row combination and a 3,500-pound towing capacity.

The Outlander handling is what you expect from small crossovers. It’s a precise drive without much of the excitement. There is very little body roll on the Outlander compared to the average CUV thanks to the soft suspension. The bends require care and restraint for the sake of passengers. Outlander rotation steering can be described as disconnected or “light”. Then again, Mitsubishi mistook it for ease of use rather than excitement.

Benefit in the best and worst ways

Comfort is another area where the Outlander performs average. On the inside, Outback is understated and unremarkable. The material is not bad, and soft plastic is commonplace on high-touch surfaces, but the quality is not quite up to the level of other competitors in this segment.

The same can be said of the overall design, whose stands work well before the model. In some ways, this is impressive. Ease of use prevails (this also applies to the infotainment system, for better and for worse). But aesthetically, the Outlander looks and feels behind a few generations like the Hyundai Santa Fe or Honda CR-V.

Harsh engine noise, even from the 2.0-liter base, prevents the well-insulated cabin. Road noise and wind are well contained, so you have to judge for yourself whether you find this classification inspiring or boring.

The suspension works well even on the roads but becomes unstable on bad roads, bypassing road imperfections like stone. The experience isn’t exactly shocking, but it’s a lot of reactions from the road in all the wrong ways.

Outlander (almost) for any budget

As we said, the two biggest attractions in Outlander are Grade 3 and PHEV Options. But this did not prevent Mitsubishi from offering a wide range of versions. There’s a host of typical safety and comfort features, but the biggest attraction here is a generous 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty covering the powertrain, including PHEV. For our money, the OS is the best budget option with a good set of add-ons and security features available.

ES – $ 24,895
USB port, bluetooth, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, six speakers, 7-inch touch screen.

SE – $26,095
8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, power front seats, AWD upgrade (+$2,000).

LE – $27,295
Sunroof, rear cross traffic alert, roof rails, blind spot monitor, power folding mirrors.

SP – $28,495
The SP is an LE with an appearance package giving the Outlander a “sportier” look.

SEL – $ 27,495
Leather upholstery, power tailgate, chrome accents, “Touring” package ($ 2,700) includes a heated steering wheel, 8 stereo speakers, 360-degree camera, and adaptive cruise control.

The SEL was also the first edition to have the PHEV powertrain available. The upgrade raises the price to $ 36,295.

GT – $ 33,745
V6 engine, 360-degree camera, sunroof, 8-speaker stereo, heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors (add $ 585).

The GT PHEV option starts at $ 41,695.

The Outlander Kennel

Options abound in the compact crossover segment; And the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander does its job in a narrow slice of that bigger pie. The interior and less modern technology, coupled with a slow-paced driving experience, do not balance warranty or the recognized generous options of a third grade or PHEV.

So, only consider the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander if you insist that you have a PHEV and a crossover integrated in the same vehicle or if you really want to save money on a third-row SUV and are not afraid to compromise in other areas.