2018 Mitsubishi Outlander

The Outlander being an affordable option lacks in power, performance, ergonomics and you won't be much happy about the build quality as well but again it only costs $20,395 for the base variant. The 2018 Outlander doesn't have anything special about it but it can get the work done, and the Jeep Renegade, Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3 being the only other options the Outlander survives the game.

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander has four different trim levels starting for, $20,395 to $25,995. The Outlander ES 2.0 is the base variant featuring a 148hp engine with 5-speed manual, a touch screen infotainment display, rear-view camera, alloy wheels, cruise control, keyless entry, panic mode and power mirrors along with some packages and extra bit of features.

As you move up to LE 2.0 you get LED daytime lights, fog lights, heated seats, leather steering wheel and more advanced infotainment system. The SE variants includes all LE upgrades along with 7.0” Smartphone Link Display Audio, Six speaker audio system, Satellite radio and USB port. As for the SEL variant you get all the SE features with some more automatic/ power features.

Trims	ES 2.0	LE 2.0	SE 2.4	SEL 2.4
MSRP (FWD)	$20,395	$22,595	$22,995	$24,495
MSRP (AWD)	$23,095	$24,095	$24,495	$25,995
Features	7.0” Touch panel display audio system with rear view camera, 18-inch two tone alloy wheels, Bluetooth, cruise control, seven airbags, remote keyless entry with panic feature, color-keyed folding side- view mirrors with turn indicator	Xenon headlights with LED running lights, Fog lights, Heated front seats, A leather-wrapped steering wheel, 6.5” Smartphone Link Display Audio System	Includes all LE’s upgrade except Xenon headlights and styling changes, 7.0” Smartphone Link Display Audio, Six speaker audio system, Satellite radio, USB port	Include all SE’s upgrade and adds Xenon headlights, Power folding mirrors, Automatic wipers, Auto dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, power adjustable drive seat

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The ES 2.0 packs enough for an affordable, 3-row all-weather SUV but for $20,395, you get a front-wheel drivetrain which limits its off-road capability but paying an extra $2700 for all wheel drive train doesn’t sound much affordable. In case you need the off-road powers just go for the LE or the SE variant. AS for the SEL it depend on how deep your pocket is but at that price point, better consider other options.

“There are bright spots, but the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander feels over-burdened by its mass and a lack of power on most trim levels.”- thecarconnection

Engine and Transmission

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander has several power options available in its lineup, as for the base model it features a 2.0L MIVEC DOHC 4-cylinder engine that produces 148hp and 145 lb.-ft. of torque. The powerhouse is coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drivetrain. The engine that outlander particularly offer is to offers smooth rides and maximum reliability.

The Outlander might be the most costly in the whole section but not the most powerful one. Despite being the cheapest the Jeep Renegade offers a 160hp, 1.4L MultiAir turbo engine that produces 184 lb.-ft. torque followed by the Outlander, Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V. Well, being powerful might not mean the fastest but the strongest, which matters when it comes to SUV.

Models	Mitsubishi Outlander Sport	Jeep Renegade	Honda HR-V	Mazda cx-3
MSRP	$20,395	$17,995	$19,570	$20,110
Engine	2.0L MIVEC DOHC 16-Valve Inline 4-cylinder	1.4-Liter I4 MultiAir Turbo Engine	1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC I4	2.0L SKYACTIV-G DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder
Transmission	5-speed Manual	6-speed manual	6 speed Manual	6 speed Automatic
Power	148 hp @ 6000 rpm	160 hp @ 5500 rpm	141 hp @ 6500 rpm	146 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	145 ft-lbs @ 4200 rpm	184 ft-lbs @ 2500 rpm	127 ft-lbs @ 4300 rpm	146 ft-lbs @ 2800 rpm

Acceleration

As I mentioned above none of the SUVs in this section is designed from a performance point of view and so the power delivery is linear as well as mild. The Outlander with its 148hp engine accelerates from 0-60mph in 8.4 sec and hits the quarter mile margin in 17.5 sec @82mph as the engine gets more stressed.

In the competition the Mitsubishi Outlander is the fastest in 0-60mph while the Mazda CX-3 takes the lead in the quarter mile section. Now, travelling in city, doing off-road, or driving in harsh condition you won’t be going above 60mph unless you hit the highways, and so the acceleration offered by both the Outlander and the Mazda CX-3 is quite good. 

Models	Mitsubishi Outlander Sport	Jeep Renegade	Honda HR-V	Mazda cx-3
0-60 MPH	8.4 sec	9.2 sec	9.3 sec	8.6 sec
Quarter mile	17.5 sec @ 82 mph	17.2 sec @ 80.0 mph	16.8 sec @ 80.9 mph	16.3 sec @ 83.3 mph
Engine	2.0L MIVEC DOHC 16-Valve Inline 4-cylinder	1.4-Liter I4 Multi Air Turbo Engine	1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC I4	2.0L SKYACTIV-G DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder
Emission Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year	7.0	6.8	6.3	5.7

 Handling and Steering

In terms of specs, the 2018 Outlander is equipped with electric power steering, tilt-telescopic steering wheel and cruise control along with the 5-speed manual which ensures a smooth city ride and more comfortable long trips. Now the 5-speed manual might be a hassle in the cities but once you hit the highway it won’t be a bugger anymore.

The Outlander also features 4-wheel independent suspension which will not only soak up the bumps but also comes really handy while off-roading as the 5-speed stick shift works as an aid. As for the handling the car feels much smaller while driving, has good grip and is pretty sharp around the corners well, you might feel bit of a body roll but it won’t affect much.

Braking

The Mitsubishi Outlander is equipped with small 11.6/11.9 inch ventilated front and solid rear disk brakes. The car also comes with 4-wheel ABS, traction control and stability control along with emergency braking assist. The brakes might feel small, but for a 3252lbs. crossover with 148hp engine, it has plenty of braking power.

Moving up to the competition, every one of the competitors features almost the same size of brakes which moves the competition to the body weight, and the Outlander being the heaviest stays at the last while the Mazda CX-3 offers intense braking and less stopping distance.

Model	Mitsubishi Outlander Sport	Honda HR-V	Ford EcoSport	Mazda cx-3
Brake Rotors-front(in)	11.6	11.5	11.8	11.0
Brake Rotors Rear(in)	11.9	11.1	12.0	11.1
Curb weight(lbs)	3252	2888	3060	2809
60-0 MPH (ft.)	N/A	127	125	117

One of the best thing about featuring small but refined engine is handsome fuel economy. And when it comes to affordable or daily driving it matters a lot. The Mitsubishi Outlander offers an average mileage of 23 mpg in city and 29 mpg on the highway with a combined mileage of 25 mpg. Individually the fuel efficiency is quite commendable but in the competition it is not.

The Outlander is the least efficient in the whole class, while the Mazda CX-3 leads the segment followed by the Honda HR-V and Jeep renegade. And again in the whole race of being the best in each segment weight plays an important role.

Model	Mitsubishi Outlander Sport	Jeep Renegade	Honda HR-V	Mazda cx-3
MPG city	23	24	25	29
MPG highway	29	31	33	34
MPG combine	25	26	28	31

“The first two rows offer plenty of space for adults, but the third row is only suitable for small kids. Build quality is still a bit disappointing as well. Outward visibility is excellent.”- Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

The Outlander is a 4-door crossover that offers either a 5-seat configuration or 7-seat configuration. Well, the outlander comes quite loaded when it comes to infotainment system and has a lot of comfortable features at its price point but what really turns off is the build quality. The low quality plastic on dash, outdated looking interior design and the low quality seating material sure turn off a bit.

As for the features, the Outlander comes equipped with multifunctional steering wheel, 6-way manual driver seat and 4-way manual passenger seat along with split folding rear seats with a center armrest. You get driver side controls, plenty of storage, and several analog buttons with some fake ones, as for the center console it doesn’t have much

Model	Mitsubishi Outlander Sport	Jeep Renegade	Honda HR-V	Mazda cx-3
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Passenger Volume(ft cube)	97.5	100.1	100.1	86.3
Front (Head/Hip/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.4/52.1/56.2/41.6	41.1/53.1/55.9/41.2	39.5/53.1/56.8/41.2	37.6/52.3/53.5/41.7
Second (Head/Hip/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.9/51.6/55.5/36.3	40.5/51.9/55.1/35.1	38.3/47.4/54.5/39.3	37.2/49/50.4/35

Interior Features

• Remote Keyless entry
• Heated Mirrors
• Power steering
• Tilt-telescopic Steering wheels
• Cruise control
• Climate control
• Manually adjustable seats
• Rear-view camera
• Dual vanity mirrors
• Interior Filtration

Infotainment System

The Outlander has pretty loaded infotainment system for the higher tiers of course. The base model features a 7.0” touch panel display, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, 10 watts Stereo Output with AM/FM stereo and set of 6-speaker. For an added feature, it get speed sensitive volume control and that sums up its infotainment features.

Cargo Capacity

The 2018 Outlander offers a standard cargo volume of 21.7 cubic foot which can be expanded up to 49.5 cubic foot. Being an SUV makes it easier to access the cargo area but rear seats being manually adjustable, sure going to be a bit of workout. The standard cargo volume offered by the Outlander is good but the Jeep renegade and the Honda HR-V offers quite commendable cargo volume.

Model	Mitsubishi Outlander Sport	Jeep Renegade	Honda HR-V	Mazda cx-3
Behind Second Row (cube ft.)	21.7	18.5	24.3	12.4
Second Row Folded (cube ft.)	49.5	50.8	58.8	44.5

“Simple and understated, the design of the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander doesn’t stand out in a class that includes the more aggressively styled Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Still, the Mitsubishi’s look is clean and attractive, with a BMW-like character line down it flanks and an angular nose that hints of the Lexus NX SUV.”- Kelley Blue Book

Dimension and Weight

The 2018 Mitsubishi outlander doesn’t get any significant or notable change over last year, it has the famous dynamic shield design in the front and almost the same side or rear profile. It does look more sleek and modern and has a very sturdy build to it. You do get LED daytime running lights, Xenon light, sunroof but only at the higher variants as you have to settle down with a simple looking outlander for the base model.

The Outlander weighs 3032 lbs and has a body length of 171.9 inch. It is 71.3 inch wide and has a body height of 64.8 inch, well the outlander is not much big of an SUV but it sure is spacious. The 8.5 inch ground clearance increases its off-roading capabilities as the 105.1 inch of wheelbase keeps it stable.

Model	Mitsubishi Outlander Sport	Jeep Renegade	Honda HR-V	Mazda cx-3
curb weight(lbs)	3032	3056	2888	2809
Length(in)	171.9	166.6	169.1	168.3
Width(in)	71.3	74.2	69.8	60
Height(in)	64.8	66.5	63.2	60.7
Ground clearance(in)	8.5	6.7	7.1	6.2
Wheel base(in)	105.1	101.2	102.8	101.2
Track width(in) F/R	60.6/60.6	60.6/60.6	60.4/60.6	60/59.9

Exterior Features

• Body color door handle
• Body color Mirror
• Chrome Grille
• Halogen Headlamps
• 18x7.1 inch wheels
• All-season tires
• Spare tires

The 2018 Outlander safety system is almost the same even in the higher trim levels. In terms of safety it offers more than enough as for its value. And the best of all, it has been rated 5 stars for its overall safety features by NHTSA and IIHS which proves that it is pretty safe. The standard safety features are as follow-:

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• ABS and Driveline Traction Control
• Side Impact Beams
• Dual Stage Driver and Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Dual Stage Driver and Passenger Front Airbags
• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• Driver Knee Airbag
• Rear Child Safety Locks
• Outboard Front Lap and Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3 Point, Height Adjusters and Pretensions
• Back-Up Camera

Mitsubishi Outlander VS Jeep Renegade

The Jeep Renegade is the most affordable crossover in this whole class, with the price tag of $17,995 it offers a 160hp engine with 6-speed manual. In terms of performance figure the Renegade is the most capable of all but it has a bit odd looking body that some of you may like or not.

Compared to the Mitsubishi, the Renegade is small and lacks practicality and interior space, but it has more modern, comfortable interior. Its compact body design makes it more agile and easy to handle which also increases its off-roading range in compact areas.

Mitsubishi Outlander VS Honda HR-V

The Honda HR-V is actually the most stylish looking vehicle in whole class. It is a bit less powerful than the Outlander but it has better fuel economy, passenger volume, cargo capacity and lighter body with more affordable price tag of only $19,570. One of the major things that you are going to notice is that the Honda is more modern and more stylish while the Mitsubishi is more bulky and old fashioned.

When it comes to performance the Mitsubishi has the upper hand, while both offers almost same level of comfort.

Mitsubishi Outlander VS Mazda CX-3 

Mitsubishi Outlander is known for its superior ride and handling. It gets independent front and rear suspensions that allows the wheels to move on the road with best grip along the corners and pavement, without compromising the comfort level. Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-3 comes with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Mazda CX-3 doesn't offer front parking aid whereas the Outlander offers optional parking sensors.

The Mitsubishi Outlander is an affordable crossover made to handle daily commute, highway cursing as well as off-roading. Featuring the Japanese DNA the Outlander is quite reliable, sturdy, and easy to ride and offers good amount of comfort not to mention an handsome fuel economy and low cost of ownership.

One of the biggest drawback the outlander has is its outdated interiors and low quality materials along with lack in functionality. But, from a SUV point of view the outlander packs enough to satisfy your needs and keep thing going.