Mitsubishi’s Outlander has been a strong performer in the SUV under $60,000 category for some time now. The brand might not be the darling of enthusiasts that it once was, but has established itself on a more pragmatic basis with core attributes of value, dependability and build quality.
For the new, fourth-generation Outlander, Mitsubishi and alliance partner Nissan shared development, giving each brand a chance to imbue their respective strengths.
Sales have undeniably flourished, with an increase of 24.1 per cent in 2023 according to VFACTS figures, compared with last year’s ageing model. In fact, Outlander performed well enough in 2023 to earn second spot overall for the year, in its class, behind only the RAV4.
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed Tourer: Specifications
Engine: 2.5-litre petrol four-cylinder
Output: 135kW@6000rpm / 244Nm@3600rpm
Gearbox: CVT auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 18×7.5, 225/40
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 1730kg
Power-to-weight: 12.81:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 8.1L/100km
Our consumption: 8.7L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 55L/91 RONPower efficiency: 16.66kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 4.79 seconds*
0-100km/h: 10.10 seconds*
60-110km/h: 7.08 seconds*
1/4 mile: 17.36 seconds at 135.3km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.492g
100-0km/h braking: 3.24 seconds at 41.91 metres*
Max deceleration: -1.025g
Decibel at idle: 40*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 83*
Starting price: $55,190
*Figures based on regular Exceed variant, tested in 2022. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed Tourer: How much does it cost?
At $55,190 before on-road costs, the MY2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed Tourer marks itself as a sharp proposition for a flagship, offering a balance between affordability and a plethora of features. Unfortunately, it isn’t available with the PHEV (plug-in hybrid) powertrain option.
This price point positions it competitively against its rivals; X-Trail Ti, Escape Vignale and CX-5 Akera, making it an enticing option for those seeking all the fruit.
Moreover, Mitsubishi’s 10-year/200,000km warranty adds an extra layer of confidence for potential buyers, promising long-term reliability and peace of mind.
Capped-price service intervals are every 12 months or 15,000km varying between $320 and $680. You can find a summary of the service schedule here.
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed Tourer: Interior & packaging
Delightfully, the rental-car-esque interior of the previous-generation Outlander has given way to a more modern and sumptuous environment. In fact, the combination of orange highlights on the dash and seat cross-hatch stitching exude gravitas.
The overall layout and ergonomics are best described with one word: functional. Fonts on buttons are clearly legible and everything is where it should be. This is a classic example of form following function, which ends up elevating the overall aesthetic anyhow.
Dimensions of 4710mm long,1862mm wide and 1745mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2706mm auger well for excellent head, knee and shoulder room for the front two rows. Unfortunately, the third row remains suitable only for children or the vertically-challenged. With all three rows up, you’ll get 163L of cargo packed in, but with the middle and third row down, this expands to a capacious 1473L.
Standard equipment highlights include a 9.0-inch touch-screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, electric front seats with massagers, panoramic sunroof, 12.3-inch IP with crisp instrumentation, a BOSE 10-speaker audio system, 20-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, head-up display and a myriad of active driver assistance systems (ADAS).
As you’d expect from a market-leader with a relatively fresh platform, crash performance is outstanding, supported by a five-star ANCAP rating. Impressively, a centre airbag and driver’s knee airbag are standard fare on all Outlanders. See the full ANCAP report here.
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed Tourer: Powertrain & handling
The naturally-aspired, 2.5-litre ‘PR25’ engine and eight-step CVT are shared with the Outlander’s Nissan X-Trail brother, generating 135kW and 244Nm. This is good enough for a 1600kg braked towing capacity.
In practice, the four-cylinder donk is quiet, smooth and well-paired to the CVT for daily duties. Up a steep hill, you do need more revs on board to get the job done, but the paddles are on hand to maximise the engine’s torque. Surprisingly, downshifts result in meaningful engine braking, almost as good as a conventional transmission – almost.
The nicely-stitched four-spoke tiller commands a stiff and competent chassis, always conveying a sense of solidity – even if it’s not the last word in feedback. There’s no sporting flavour to the dynamics, but grip levels are reassuring, there is a pleasing absence of pitch and wallow, with a well-judged damper setting.
Ultimately, body roll will telegraph an eventual yield to understeer but it delivers better than expected results here. Competent, fuss-free if not truly engaging. It does the job it’s supposed to, and does it very well.
While we didn’t get the chance to take this example off-road, Mitsubishi’s well-established credentials in this arena plus 210mm of ground clearance and switchable modes give us confidence it would handle moderately challenging conditions. Auto Expert recently did an in-depth video on its off-road performance, including talks with key engineers. You can check it out below:
Official average consumption rated at 8.1L/100km is impressive for such a versatile vehicle. Our efforts saw 8.7L/100km, which is testament to the real-world achievability of those figures. The 55L fuel tank is also happy to take 91RON fuel, with a touring range stated at 524km for urban and 809km for strictly freeway cruising.
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed Tourer: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Build quality and trouble-free ownership: Mitsubishi has built trust among its faithful customer base, with warranty, low ownership costs and excellent build quality. The new Outlander continues, and in some cases, improves these attributes.
- Excellent safety: How safe is the Mitsubishi Outlander? With a five-star ANCAP rating, a full suite of ADAS systems and 9 airbags, it is as safe as it gets for today’s standards.
- Standard equipment: The Outlander Exceed Tourer doesn’t lack much in the standard equipment department, with excellent presentation to boot.
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed Tourer: Key considerations before you buy
- Third-row seating space: To be fair, few medium SUVs offer adult-sized third row seats, so these are a bonus to growing families rather than those with several teenagers or adults.
- Not the sexiest or most engaging to drive: This is not part of the Outlander’s USP – Ford Escape offers best-in-class acceleration but an inferior interior, while the Mazda CX-5 holds the crown for best dynamics in our opinion.
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
The level of quality and premium ambience of the interior more than justifies the price tag. Running costs including fuel consumption and servicing are low, with an industry-beating warranty (200,000km notwithstanding). It’s not going to get pulses racing, but it’s a family conveyance – not a sports car. Unless you want the most engaging driver’s car in the medium SUV segment, we have no issues recommending this vehicle wholeheartedly.
