Now into its second yr on sale, the current-shape Mitsubishi Outlander mid-sized SUV is proving to be a gross sales hit for the Japanese firm.

Round 11,400 of them had been delivered in Australia between January and June this yr, sufficient for 11.4 per cent market share – third behind solely the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5, and forward of the Hyundai Tucson.

The variant we’re driving right here, known as LS Black Version, was launched into the vary for the 2023 mannequin yr, plugging a niche on the decrease finish of the line-up. Already an attention grabbing design, the LS Black Version lives as much as its title with a spread of styling additions.

Eye-catching design will not be a trait for which earlier iterations of Outlander had been synonymous, however this new one actually turns heads. It has avenue presence, even from its extra polarising angles.

How a lot does the Mitsubishi Outlander LS Black Version price?

The LS Black Version prices $42,490 earlier than on-road prices, positioning it between the LS ($39,740) and Aspire ($43,240) variants with the identical seven-seat layouts. Consider it as a rung above the fleet-focused ES with some sporty design bits added on for added impact.

This record value equates to a drive-away value of about $47,000, which in right this moment’s surroundings is fairly cheap.

As a result of the Outlander as examined presents an occasional-use third row, it’s technically a seven-seater, in contrast to the aforementioned RAV4, CX-5 and Tucson.

A few of its closest rivals that supply related ranges of versatility for the price embrace the mechanically associated Nissan X-Path ST or ST-L (the Outlander slots proper between them price-wise) and Honda CR-V VTi 7+ Luxe.

Whereas it’s categorised in a smaller market section by trade gross sales database VFACTS, we’d additionally look carefully at autos reminiscent of the bottom Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-8 Sport, and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 110TSI Life.

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander pricing:

Entrance-wheel drive (2WD):

• Outlander ES 5-seat: $37,240
• Outlander LS 7-seat: $40,740
• Outlander LS Black Version 7-seat: $42,490
• Outlander Aspire 7-seat: $44,240

All-wheel drive (4WD):

• Outlander ES 5-seat: $39,740
• Outlander LS 7-seat: $43,240
• Outlander Aspire 7-seat: $46,740
• Outlander Exceed 7-seat: $51,990
• Outlander Exceed Tourer 7-seat: $54,490

Plug-in Hybrid EV 4WD:

• Outlander PHEV ES 5-seat: $56,490
• Outlander PHEV Aspire 5-seat: $62,990
• Outlander PHEV Exceed 7-seat: $68,490
• Outlander PHEV Exceed Tourer 7-seat: $70,990

Costs exclude on-road prices

What’s the Mitsubishi Outlander LS Black Version like on the within?

It is a main enchancment on the previous automobile, and an actual promoting level.

The proximity key fob unlocks the automobile if you seize the deal with, and the facet mirrors unfurl of their very own accord. The microsuede and pretend leather-based seats really feel good high quality and are acceptably comfy, and the motive force’s seat strikes electrically.

That steering wheel has trendy perforated leather-based hand grips, and wise buttons and rollers on every spoke – audio controls and journey laptop menu selector on the left, cruise controls and telephone/voice capabilities on the best.

This variant misses out on the full-width digital cluster with swish graphics in addition to a head-up show discovered additional up the vary (Aspire and Exceed), as a substitute utilizing easy analogue gauges bookending a smaller show with digital speedo.

The distinguished landscape-oriented 9.0-inch touchscreen has helpful shortcut buttons under and makes use of easy tiles and menus. It presents good graphics, sat-nav, and telephone mirroring – together with wi-fi CarPlay for Apple customers. There’s additionally a rubberised wi-fi charger under the local weather controls.

Whereas a surround-view monitor is out there additional up the vary, this Outlander grade has a reverse-view digital camera solely. Entrance and rear occupants get USB ports, each USB-A and USB-C.

The twin-zone local weather management is operated by buttons and dials relatively than touchscreen menus – wonderful selection, Mitsubishi – whereas the transmission tunnel homes a stubby by-wire shifter, electrical park brake, and Auto Maintain button to cease you creeping ahead in visitors when off the brakes in Drive.

We’re typically not a fan of the shiny piano-like trim piece although, which is an absolute magnet for mud, scratches, smudges and solar glare.

Storage-wise there’s a decent-sized centre console and glovebox, bottle holders within the doorways, and slim open sections subsequent you every entrance occupant’s knee alongside the centre tunnel.

Total construct high quality is fairly good, and there are a variety of padded touchpoints and some contrasting trim items to brighten up the atmosphere. Nonetheless there are additionally indicators of cost-cutting, for instance the door playing cards are fairly flimsy.

The center row of seats slide and recline a number of levels, and the flat-ish ground makes the center place extra helpful. I’m 194cm and had good quantities of leg- and knee room, however head room is barely simply acceptable because of the raised bench.

Second-row occupants get huge home windows, their very own vents (however no temperature controls at this spec degree), and USB ports, plus the centre part tumbles downwards and presents a pair of cupholders.

Entry to the third row from the kerbside comes through a slide-and-tilt center bench part, however remember that this third row is actually just for youngsters or very occasional use. Helpful to have positive, however it is a ‘5+2’ seater relatively than a full seven-seater a-la the Toyota Kluger or Hyundai Palisade.

At 4710mm lengthy, the Outlander is a good bit longer than many different medium SUVs (as categorised by VFACTS) – about mid-way between a Toyota RAV4 and a Hyundai Santa Fe.

Fortuitously these sixth and seventh seats stow away neatly into the ground, with the headrests eliminated and stowed below the loading space individually. Boot house with 5 seats in use is an honest 478 litres, solely 7L lower than the ES five-seater.

Nonetheless the ES will get a full-size spare tyre whereas the ‘5+2+ seater fashions like our take a look at automobile make do with a thin space-saver spare. Cargo house behind the third-row of seats after they’re in use is a claimed 163L.

Dimensionally, the boot with the primary two rows of seats in operation is 974mm lengthy and 870mm tall, with 1070mm of width between the arches (the narrowest level).

Fold down the middle-row seats through levers within the boot and also you get a Bunnings-friendly 1.7-metre loading ground.

What’s below the bonnet?

There’s simply the one engine accessible throughout all non-PHEV Outlander variants.

It’s a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol (91 RON) producing 135kW at 6000rpm and 244Nm at 3600rpm, mated to a CVT automated transmission with paddle shifters.

The LS Black Version pushed right here comes as front-wheel drive solely, however those that need an on-demand AWD system can go for this in different variations for a $2500 impost.

Mitsubishi claims gasoline consumption on the mixed cycle of 7.7 litres per 100km. The gasoline tank holds 55 litres. The braked-trailer towing capability is listed as 1600kg with a 160kg towball load most.

How does the Mitsubishi Outlander LS Black Version drive?

There’s nothing notably attention-grabbing about the best way this variant of Outlander drives, and no efficiency updates to match the stylistic rizz.

The engine’s outputs are stable however not spectacular, and peak energy comes on stream fairly excessive within the rev band which suggests it’s raspier when overtaking. Not less than it doesn’t overwhelm the entrance wheels and trigger axle tramping.

The CVT is sort of a very good utility so far as this stuff go, given it doesn’t merely flare and maintain revs with out including considerable ahead momentum.

There’s a rotary dial on the transmission tunnel that cycles by means of completely different drive modes which tweak the drivetrain and traction controls for sure surfaces, and subtly change the throttle mapping to swimsuit slower or sooner preliminary response.

I averaged gasoline effectivity of 8.5 litres per 100km, which is respectable however not a match for a hybrid or diesel of any kind, actually.

Whereas front-wheel drive is right for city commuting, and saves each weight and value, the added versatility and soft-road functionality you entry by choosing Mitsubishi’s on-demand AWD system needs to be taken into consideration.

Whereas the engine is appropriate with out being overly blessed with low-end torque, the trip high quality is under par.

These giant wheels and low-profile Bridgestone Ecopia tyres, at the side of the damper tune, imply potholes and different street imperfections are felt contained in the cabin way more than they need to be.

The electrical energy steering is gentle and doesn’t ship a lot in the best way of really feel, whereas the distinguished bonnet-lines make the Outlander really feel all of its dimension on the street.

For many who need an Outlander with a extra spectacular drivetrain, think about the PHEV (plug-in hybrid), however be ready to fork out much more.

The energetic security techniques are typical for the category excluding the lane-keeping assist which depends on haptic alerts and selective wheel braking relatively than steering intervention.

What do you get?

The Outlander LS Black Version echoes the specs of the LS with a number of beauty additions, listed in daring – although oddly, it loses the common LS’ roof rails.

• 20-inch black alloy wheels
• Gloss black skid plates
• Gloss black facet mirrors
• Gloss black grille garnish
• Black entrance pillar trims
• Area-saver spare wheel
• LED headlights and DRLs
• Nightfall-sensing headlights
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Entrance and rear parking sensors
• Auto-folding, heated facet mirrors
• Proximity-sensing key fob
• Rear privateness glass
• Rear spoiler
• Color choices:
  • Pink Diamond
  • Titanium
  • White Diamond – $200 additional
  • Black Diamond – $200 additional

• Button-operated begin
• Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
• Microsuede seats, artificial leather-based bolsters
• Powered driver seat changes
• Black headlining
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Twin-zone local weather management, rear vents
• 9.0-inch touchscreen
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• Apple CarPlay – wi-fi
• Android Auto – wired
• Wi-fi telephone charger
• 6-speaker audio system
• DAB/FM/AM radio
• Bluetooth streaming
• 4 x USB ports
• Reversing digital camera

Our take a look at car got here with a number of Mitsubishi equipment together with ‘OUTLANDER’ lettering on the bonnet ($202), ground mats ($216), and a mat liner for the cargo space ($372).

Is the Mitsubishi Outlander LS Black Version secure?

The Outlander ought to do a very good job holding your loved ones secure.

It carries a 2022 five-star ANCAP security ranking with scores of 83 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 92 per cent for baby occupants, 81 per cent for pedestrians and cyclists, and 83 per cent for security help aids.

Normal security options embrace:

• 8 airbags
  • Twin entrance
  • Twin front-side airbags
  • Twin facet curtain airbags
  • Driver’s knee airbag
  • Entrance-centre airbag
• 2 x ISOFIX and three x high tethers
• Autonomous emergency braking
  • Ahead, Reverse
  • Pedestrian detection
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane departure warning
  • Steering vibration
  • Selective braking
• Driver consideration alert
• Visitors signal recognition
• Adaptive cruise management
• Auti high-beam

How a lot does the Mitsubishi Outlander LS Black Version price to run?

Mitsubishi supplies an ordinary five-year, 100,000km guarantee. Nonetheless, in the event you service your car at a Mitsubishi dealership this extends to a 10-year or 200,000km guarantee – which is market-leading by way of timespan.

You’re lined by a 12-month roadside help plan together with Membership Membership if you drive off the lot.

Outlander service pricing:

• 1 yr or 15,000km: $299
• 2 years or 30,000km: $349
• 3 years or 45,000km: $299
• 4 years or 60,000km: $349
• 5 years or 75,000km: $299
• 6 years or 90,000km: $649
• 7 years or 105,000km: $299
• 8 years or 120,000km: $649
• 9 years or 135,000km: $299
• 10 years or 150,000km: $849

As you possibly can see, it’s fairly low cost to keep up for the primary 5 years, earlier than extra substantial work must be paid for.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Mitsubishi Outlander LS Black Version

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a extra refined little bit of equipment than the previous mannequin, notably inside, and there’s little question this LS Black Version turns a variety of heads.

Whereas it’s not likely a discount any longer, it’s nonetheless a variety of well-specified household SUV for the cash in right this moment’s context, and comes with a protracted guarantee in the event you pledge to return to the supplier for servicing.

As a low-frills medium SUV it does a very good job, however don’t anticipate a lot in the best way of driving pleasure – the AWD fashions and notably the PHEVs are higher on this facet. We’d additionally like a smoother trip, come facelift time.

Shortlist the Outlander, however be sure to additionally do your homework and take a look at a number of rivals. As a result of that is probably the most tight-fought of all market segments, and the array of selection provides you a key purchaser benefit.

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