2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Review, Pricing, and Specs

Overview

The Outlander is a lukewarm option in a boiling-hot compact-SUV market, with bland styling, a cheap-feeling interior, and an outdated infotainment system. Despite these faults, the Outlander does offer a standard third row of seating, a plug-in-hybrid model, and a 10-year powertrain warranty—all features that stand out in this class. But unless you consider these features to be must-haves, it is hard to recommend the Outlander over more compelling compact-SUV alternatives.

What’s New for 2020?

After a mild visual refresh in 2019, Mitsubishi keeps the updates coming for 2020 despite an imminent all-new Outlander. For this year, every all-wheel-drive Outlander gets updated Super All Wheel Control (Mitsubishi’s more advanced all-wheel-drive system). There is also a new SP trim that adds special appearance bits to the LE trim—it’s only available for a limited time. All versions that are above the ES get standard forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beams as well as a new 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. All Outlanders get power-adjustable lumbar support on the driver seat, a second rear-seat USB port, and redesigned second-row seats. A new color, Red Diamond, is also available.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

With multiple trims, powertrains, and driven-wheel configurations, there are many different Outlanders to choose. The top-shelf V-6 GT can tow 3500 pounds, but at $34,740 before options, there are many better choices from other brands. The Outlander only stands out as a value three-row crossover or a versatile all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid. Therefore, we recommend either the nearly base SE or the plug-in SEL.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

With three powertrains that include a class-exclusive PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) model, the Outlander has something for almost everyone—unless zippy acceleration and engine refinement are important, that is. The base four-cylinder that we tested was unimpressive, with lethargic performance and an apathetic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that lets the rpm soar and the engine moan. The 224-hp V-6 and regular six-speed automatic transmission pair exclusively with Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive, which is optional with the four-cylinder. The V-6 boasts substantial towing ability, and the PHEV features a state-of-the-art hybrid system that utilizes Level 3 fast charging. The base four-cylinder can tow 1500 pounds, while the V-6 can tow 3500. We’ve driven Outlanders with all three powertrains, and they’ve all had a quiet and comfortable ride on the diversified road surfaces around southeast Michigan. However, overly soft suspensions contributed to excessive body motion that diminished composure when cornering. While Mitsubishi’s unique all-wheel-drive system is intended to improve cornering capability, all our test vehicles used this setup and still felt less poised than rivals. The Outlander GT had competitive cornering grip, but its lifeless steering felt like holding hands with a forlorn lover—cold and disconnected with an uncomfortable twitch every now and then. All three Outlanders we drove felt the same, which underscores their unremarkable driving dynamics.

Mitsubishi

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The Outlander lineup isn’t the most fuel efficient in this segment, but it does have the only plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), which can run solely on electricity for short periods. While the PHEV has a unique powertrain, its EPA estimates and real-world fuel economy are unimpressive. This also applies to the four-cylinder and V-6 versions. The electrified Outlander’s 12.0-kWh battery gives it 22 miles of combined city/highway range according to the EPA, but the gas engine provides backup when the battery runs out of power. In our real-world highway testing, the Outlander delivered an impressive 26 miles of electric-only range; electric vehicles usually don’t do well in this test due to the effects of aerodynamic drag and a lack of opportunities for regenerative braking. The V-6–powered Outlander GT underperformed by 4 mpg and had the lowest observed highway figure among similar rivals.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Outlander has a satisfactory albeit unspectacular interior, but it does feature a standard third row, which is uncommon in this class. Unfortunately, the plug-in version only has two rows since it has to make room for its battery pack. Although the cabin is quiet and well built, its aging design and slim-to-none options place it behind most rivals. Apart from the Volkswagen Tiguan, the Outlander is the only compact crossover with an available third row. While this limits its capacity with all the seats up, with the second and third rows folded, the Mitsubishi held more carry-ons in our test than any other rival. Our testing also proved that the Outlander has competitive interior cubby storage. However, several rivals have superior center-console functionality and adjustable load-floor heights.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Don’t be fooled by the Outlander’s standard touchscreen and optional Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability—Mitsubishi’s infotainment system is the opposite of attractive or intuitive. It also forgoes several features that are available on most competitors. While the Outlander has up to three USB ports and three 12-volt outlets, most rivals have more power points. However, the GT plug-in hybrid has an exclusive 1500-watt AC power supply with two outlets that can power an LED TV or other power-hungry devices.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

The Outlander is available with a host of high-tech assists that include automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. It also earned excellent crash-test results from the testing agencies. Unfortunately, all driver-assistance technology costs extra, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) scores don’t apply to every model. Key safety features include:

• Available forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
• Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Mitsubishi brand has one of the best protection plans in its class, with exceptional powertrain coverage and above-average warranty periods.

• Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
• Hybrid components are covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance