Mitsubishi Outlander (2007 – 2012) Review

2021 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4 PHEV Dynamic 5dr Auto

Mitsubishi Outlander
2.4 PHEV Dynamic 5dr Auto
£18,990

Mitsubishi Outlander (2007 – 2012) At A Glance

Handsome looks and plenty of kit, Mitsubishi chain cam 2.3 DI-D engine is excellent. 5 seats + 2 child seats. Very competent off-road with 4WD. Also available with 2WD.

Small rear seats are strictly for children only and rattle when not in use. With belt cam 2.2 PSA engine, crankshaft oil seal failures are leading to clutch slip.

Insurance Groups are between 24–27
On average it achieves 90% of the official MPG figure

This car is a nice surprise. We had to wait a long time for it because of some complex component sharing.

For the UK the first batch of Outlanders had the same Volkswagen 2.0 TDI PD 140PS as the Mitsubishi Grandis and countless numbers of Volkswagen, Skoda, SEAT and Audi models. And since it emits just 183g/km CO2, that gives it the smallest ‘carbon footprint' of any SUV capable of carrying seven.

Later it got a 158PS version of the new 2.2 litre diesel - developed by Ford, Peugeot and Citroen, and in exchange gave its body to the Citroen C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007. It also has a 168bhp 2.4 MIVACs petrol engine combined with a CVT automatic transmission.

It's a handsome looking thing, with a front reminiscent of the L200 pick-up and a rear that looks remarkably like a Ford S-MAX. It was later facelifted later with Mistubishi 'jet fighter' look front, giving it a much more aggressive appearance.

Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0 DI-D 2007 Road Test

Road Test similar Peugeot 2007 with PSA 2.2 engine: Peugeot 4007 2007 Road Test

Much improved Mitsubishi engined 2.2 DiD: Mitsubishi Outlander GX4 2011 Road Test and Video

Road test 2011 Outlander 2.2 GX4: Outlander 2.2 GX4 Test

Reviews for Mitsubishi Outlander (2007 – 2012)'s top 3 rivals

Nissan X-Trail

Excellent drive on tarmac and very competent off road, large boot, plenty of standard equipment.

Citroen C-Crosser

Excellent handling. Reasonable 2.2 turbo diesel. Respectable off-road ability. Well equipped.

Hyundai Santa Fe

Relaxed motorway cruising. Comfortable ride. Excellent on very rough tracks. Available with seven seats....

Mitsubishi Outlander (2007 – 2012) handling and engines

Engines range from 2.0 DI-D to 2.4 Automatic
Readers report Real MPG to be between 22–48 mpg

The four-wheel drive system is extremely straightforward. You can select 2WD, which gives front drive only, bringing rear drive into play in very extreme conditions, 4WD AUTO which brings rear drive in at a 70/30 split whenever needed to stabilise the vehicle, and 4D LOCK which provides a lock to the centre diff distributing power 60/40 front and rear at low speed.

What is very impressive is how good this vehicle is to drive.

We were faced with conditions varying from minus 5 to plus 5 degrees on country roads, so 4WD AUTO made the most sense. And set up like that it has really good, confidence-inspiring handling and roadholding, with excellent steering feel. With only 140PS there is no abundance of power, of course and the usual VAG lack of torque below 1,700rpm. But using the clean-shifting six-speed box sensibly you can make very decent progress.

We wound up on Salisbury Plain at the military vehicle testing and training area to check the Outlander's off-road ability.

That is very good too, at least an equal best in class with the X-Trail and completely out-classing the CR-V and RAV-4. Both ascents and descents were made cleanly, with the minimum of fuss in 1st gear and 4WD LOCK. No nasty smells of clutches working too hard.

So, for just 10 grams of CO2 per kilometre more than the RAV-4 2.2 diesel and the Honda CR-V 2.2 diesel, you can have a very competent, fine-handling estate car/SUV with decent off road ability that is capable of carrying seven, at a pinch. A definite recommendation, then.

Engine	MPG	0-62	CO₂
2.0 DI-D	41–43 mpg	10.8 s	174–183 g/km
2.2 DI-DC	39 mpg	9.9 s	194 g/km
2.2 DI-DC 2WD	46 mpg	9.7 s	162 g/km
2.2 DI-DC 4WD	40–45 mpg	9.8–11.1 s	165–185 g/km
2.2 DI-DC 4WD SST	39–39 mpg	11.1–11.7 s	189–192 g/km

Real MPG average for the Mitsubishi Outlander (2007 – 2012)

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

90%

Real MPG

22–48 mpg

MPGs submitted

118

Mitsubishi Outlander (2007 – 2012) interior

Boot space is 220–1691 litres

Dimensions
Length	4545–4665 mm
Width	1750–1800 mm
Height	1670–1720 mm
Wheelbase	2625–2670 mm
Full specifications

Inside you get five comfortable seats, the rear three split, sliding and slightly reclining 60:40 with a sort of trigger mechanism that tumbles them forwards leaving a completely flat load floor with the folded seats as a bulkhead.

Behind them is a small bench of what Mitsubishi calls ‘Hide and Seats' that fold into the load area floor and make all versions of the Outlander nominal 7 seaters. However these seats are so small and legroom so restricted they are only really of any use to pygmies and small children. An adult could not reasonably be expected to travel in them for more than a couple of miles.

However, with the Hide and Seats hidden there is 589 litres of luggage space to the window line. And that S-Max-like rear end is actually split between a hatch and a low tailgate, very useful for sitting on at outdoor events.

Up front, top spec versions come with 30GB hard disc satnav with a Rockford Fosgate 650W 9 speaker sound system (the rearmost speaker is almost the size of a spare wheel). Both the satnav and the sound system are upgradeable and can store a huge number of album tracks. The system can also be used to play video DVDs.

Mitsubishi Outlander (2007 – 2012) models and specs

Dimensions
Length	4545–4665 mm
Width	1750–1800 mm
Height	1670–1720 mm
Wheelbase	2625–2670 mm

Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight	1565–1755 kg
Boot Space	220–1691 L
Warranty	3 years
Servicing	9000–12500 miles

Costs
List Price	£17,044–£31,029
Insurance Groups	24–27
Road Tax Bands	G–J
Official MPG	29.5–46.3 mpg

Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult	4
Child	2
Pedestrian	2
Overall	-

On sale until January 2013

4 X 4
Version	List Price	MPG	0-62
2.2 DI-DC GX2 4WD 5dr	£22,949	44.8 mpg	9.8 s
2.2 DI-DC GX3 2WD 5dr	£22,743	46.3 mpg	9.7 s
2.2 DI-DC GX3 4WD 5dr	£25,759	43.5 mpg	9.8 s
2.2 DI-DC GX3 4WD SST 5dr Auto	£27,189	39.2 mpg	11.1 s
2.2 DI-DC GX4 4WD 5dr	£29,599	43.5 mpg	9.8 s
2.2 DI-DC GX4 4WD SST 5dr Auto	£31,029	39.2 mpg	11.1 s

On sale until October 2011

4 X 4
Version	List Price	MPG	0-62
2.2 DI-DC Juro 4WD 5dr	£26,599	43.5 mpg	9.8 s
2.2 DI-DC Juro 4WD SST 5dr Auto	£27,799	39.2 mpg	11.1 s

On sale until July 2010

4 X 4
Version	List Price	MPG	0-62
2.2 DI-DC Juro 5dr	£25,999	40.4 mpg	11.1 s
2.2 DI-DC Juro SST 5dr	£27,199	38.7 mpg	11.7 s
2.2 DI-DC Juro SST 5dr Auto	£27,199	-	-

On sale until December 2009

4 X 4
Version	List Price	MPG	0-62
2.0 DI-D Elegance (7-seat) 5dr	£26,549	40.9 mpg	10.8 s
2.0 DI-D Equippe (5-seat) 5dr	£20,549	42.8 mpg	10.8 s
2.0 DI-D GSE (7-seat) 5dr	£22,049	40.9 mpg	10.8 s
2.0 DI-D SE (7-seat) 5dr	£20,549	40.9 mpg	10.8 s
2.0 DI-D Warrior (7-seat) 5dr	£23,299	40.9 mpg	10.8 s
2.2 DI-DC Diamond (7-seat) 5dr	£28,549	38.7 mpg	9.9 s
2.4 Elegance (7-seat) 5dr Auto	£26,549	-	-

On sale until March 2006

4 X 4
Version	List Price	MPG	0-62
2.4 Equippe Auto	£17,044	-	-
2.4 Sport Auto	£18,294	-	-
2.4 Sport SE Auto	£19,044	-	-

Model History

March 2007: New Mitsubishi Outlander launched
January 2008: Production transferred to Holland
March 2008: SST transmission added
April 2010: Outlander facelifted
October 2010

March 2007

New Mitsubishi Outlander launched

Second generation '5+2' seater Outlander sharing L200 Triton look and using same 140PS VAG 2.0 diesel engine as Grandis. On sale in the UK 1st March 2007. Combined estate car versatility, rugged off-road styling, safety-oriented all-wheel drive ability, Priced from £19,449 to £24,749. Powered initially by a 138bhp VW 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine, with a 154bhp/380Nm PSA 2.2 turbo diesel and 168bhp Mitsubishi 2.4-litre petrol engine from end of 2007.

One-step fold-and-tumble second row seats. Innovative ‘Hide and Seat’ third row of seats for occasional 5+2 seating. Familiar Equippe, Warrior and Elegance line-up that combined high specification with wallet-friendly pricing. Anticipated 5,600 sales in first 12 months. Body and basic structure shared with Citroen and Peugeot.

January 2008

Production transferred to Holland

In order to keep up with the strong demand for Outlander in Europe and new Lancer worldwide, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation decided to transfer production of the Outlander (for European markets) to its regional production hub (Netherlands Car B.V. [NedCar], Born, the Netherlands) during 2008.

The company originally built Outlanders at its Nagoya Plant in Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture and the new 4007 and C-Crosser SUVs for PSA Peugeot Citroën at its Mizushima Plant in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture. As production of the Europe-market Outlander shifts from Nagoya to NedCar, production of the new SUVs supplied to PSA Peugeot Citroën will be transferred from Mitsubishi Motors' Mizushima Plant to its Nagoya Plant.

March 2008

SST transmission added

Mitsubishi’s twin-clutch Sports Shift Transmission (SST) offered in Outlander from Spring 2008. Benefits include: quick shifting versus normal manual transmissions, almost no power loss when shifting versus traditional automatic transmissions, lower fuel consumption and emissions versus automatics due to the inherent efficiency of the system’s gear changes. UK models came complete with paddle shifters, dual mode (Normal/Sport) and Hill Start Assist functions.

April 2010

Outlander facelifted

With similar front to Lancer and Colt. New features include a twin-clutch Sports Shift Transmission SST (also found on Lancer Evolution and Lancer Ralliart models).

The first derivative of the new range was a Special Edition variant, the “Juro” available at Mitsubishi dealers from 1 July 2007, the rest of the range from October 2007.

Facelifted Outlander featured the following product enhancements:

New Exterior Appearance Features:

Distinctive ‘Jet-Fighter’ grille gives Outlander the family face of Mitsubishi – in line with Lancer Evolution, Lancer and Colt
New front skid plate
New side sill garnish – black material with chrome accent
New colour keyed door mirror with side turn lamp
New chrome bezels for front fog lamps

The interior passenger environment is dramatically enhanced with the introduction of faux leather and contrasting stitching on the dashboard and door panels. Furthermore, a new high contrast colour LCD instrument meter display gives a higher quality feel than the current display.

The SST ‘auto’ transmission (except Equippe) uses two clutches, one to engage the gear in use the other to pre-select the next gear required, which ensures that the gear change takes place instantaneously. This innovative technology saves on CO 2 emissions and massively reduces power loss through the range. With no torque converter, this 6-speed TC-SST gearbox is more efficient than a normal automatic.

Hill start assist automatically holds the brakes for about 2 seconds to prevent the vehicle from slipping backwards on steep slopes.

Electric Time and Alarm Control System (ETACS) controls the functionality of all electronic devices on board

The ESS system automatically detects severe braking to engage the hazard warning lights and also increase braking efficiency. This is just one of the innovative technologies incorporated into the Outlander range to give it its Euro NCAP

Juro Specification:

Based on Warrior specification (without front resin guard and chrome items) the Juro offers a comprehensive specification including:

2.2 diesel engine
Choice of manual or SST auto transmissions
Leather seats as standard
New design 18" alloy wheels
Privacy glass
Metallic paint as standard

Juro available in Tanzanite Blue (metallic), Amethyst Black (metallic), Cool Silver (metallic)

Outlander Juro list price, including free metallic paint (excluding VED and FRF):

Outlander 2.2 DI-D Juro Manual £25,999 List Price
Outlander 2.2 DI-D Juro SST £27,199 List Price

October 2010

Mitsubishi Motors UK announced details of its 2011 Outlander range with significant changes, including the introduction of an all-new 175PS 2,268cc Mitsubishi-developed 2.2 chain cam Di-D engine on all manual transmission vehicles. Also Mitsubishi introduced a 2WD diesel Outlander variant to the UK market to further underline its pursuit of lower CO 2 emissions under its “Intelligent Motion” environmental sub-brand. The new 2.2 chain cam Di-D M/T Mitsubishi Outlander engine is combined with a 6-speed manual gear box, and available in 2 or 4 wheel drive options. It offers:

14% increase in power from 154PS to 175PS on the manual transmissions
Torqueremains 380Nm at 2,000rpm
12 % reduction in CO 2 on manual transmission variants
Low 162 g/km CO 2 on the new 2WD Outlander diesel
Fuel consumption improvements for all engines,
Improvements in VED bands for all engines, with the range now starting at Band G

Performance details for all engines are listed below.

Engine	GX3 2.2 DI-D MT 2WD	GX1 & GX 2 2.2 DI-D MT 4WD	GX3 & GX 4 2.2 DI-D MT 4WD	GX3 & GX 4 2.2 DI-D SST 4WD
BHP	175	175	175	154
Combined MPG	46.3	44.8	43.5	39.2
CO 2	162	165	169	189
VED Band	G	G	H	J
First Year Rate VED	£155	£155	£250	£425

Product Line Up and Specification

11MY range available with two engines: 2,268cc Di-D M/T Mitsubishi chain cam unit on the GX3 M/T variant and a 2,179cc Di-D SST PSA belt cam unit with the A/T versions. The 2WD variant will be available with GX3 M/T trim only.

Manual 2.2 Di-D	SST 2.2 Di-D
GX 1 - 4WD – 4Work (Commercial Vehicle)
GX 2 - 4WD
Juro - 4WD
GX 3 - 2WD (Leather option available)
GX 3 - 4WD (Leather option available)
GX 4 - 4WD

Key product highlights include:

GX1 and GX2

4Work commercial conversion (GX1 only)
16’’ steel wheels
Climate control
Front electric windows
Factory fit Alarm
Radio/CD with MP3 player
Hill start assist

GX3

ColourLCD centre instrument panel
18’’ alloy wheels
Bluetooth (including USB connection), and steering wheel audio remote controls
Black roof rails
Front fogs
Leather seat option is available on all GX3 variants at and additional £1,200 (inc VAT)
Manual or SST variants available
There is no front resin guard on this derivative

GX4

Rockford Fosgate integrated SatNav / Music server
Reversing camera
Leather heated seats
18’’ premium alloy wheels
Bi-Xenon HID headlights with AFS (Adaptive front lighting system)
Electric Sunroof
Privacy glass
Manual or SST variants available

Colours & Interior trim

The 11MY Outlander range available in the following exterior colours:

Polar White (Solid)
Cool Silver (Metallic)
Stone Grey (Pearlescent)
Tanzanite Blue (Pearlescent)
Orient Red (Metallic)
Amethyst Black (Pearlescent)

Metallic and pearlescent paint £450 (inc. VAT) surcharge.

Outlander GX2 2.2 DI-D 4WD	£21,549
Outlander GX3 2.2 DI-D 2WD	£22,799
Outlander GX3 2.2 DI-D 4WD	£24,299
Outlander GX3 2.2 DI-D 4WD SST	£25,499
Outlander Juro 2.2 DI-D 4WD	£25,999
Outlander Juro 2.2 DI-D SST	£27,199
Outlander GX4 2.2 DI-D 4WD	£27,999
Outlander GX4 2.2 DI-D 4WD SST	£29,199

What to watch out for

01-01-0001:

When buying new or 2nd hand, buyers need to make sure they know exactly which 2.2 diesel engine they are getting. The 2011MY range is available with two engines: a 175PS chain cam 2.3 Di-D M/T Mitsubishi unit on the GX3 M/T variant and a 154PS belt cam 2.2 Di-D SST PSA unit. The 2WD variant is be available with GX3 M/T trim only. The Mitsubishi 2.3Di-D is capable of an excellent 45mpg.

Criticism that very small back seats are also of flimsy construction and 'rock'. Locking problem as TSB in Recalls. More Feedback welcome.

Clutch and dual mass flywheel failures common when towing because 1st and 2nd gears are not low enough to take off without some slip.

On PSA 2.2 litre powered Outlanders, Eolys fluid reservoir bag for DPF regenerating is mounted close to and level with the rear wishbone where it is unprotected and extremely vulnerable to road debris and twigs and rocks while off roading.

23-09-2014:

Report of repeat cranksaft oil seal failures of 2009 Outlander 2.2 belt cam PSA engine contaminating the clutch.

26-09-2014:

Report of clutch failure of 2010 Citroen C-Crosser with DCS (Dual Clutch System) automatic transmission at 42,000 miles. Probably caused by the common crankshaft oil seal failure. Quoted £4,500 to repair, but Citroen offered 60% of parts cost. Dealer told reader that if the transmission itself failed the cost of repair would be a ludicrous £14,000, far more than the vehicle is worth.

15-02-2016:

Late report of 2010 Outlander SST (with PSA 2.2 angine and dual clutch box) recalled in November 2014 to remove silicone residue from contact points of shift lever. A few weeks previously the owner had paid £2,500 for a new clutch pack. He thought this had been unnecessary, but it was probably needed due to the common cranksaft oil seal failure.

15-07-2017:

Diesel 'knock' reported on start up of 63,000 miles 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander with "2.2 litre Movic engine"? (Not sure if this is the 2,179cc belt cam PSA diesel or the 4N14 2,268cc chain cam Mitsubishi diesel.)

26-09-2017:

Report of 2011/61 4N14 engined Mitsubishi Outlander losing power on the motorway. Thought to be a DPF filled up with ash. 4N14 is the chain cam 2,268cc Mitsubishi engine, not the PSA 2.2.

07-09-2019:

Complaint of cabin fumes in 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.2 (presumed PSA) coming in via vents when stationary and idling. Garage replaced manifold and EGR valve. Fumes still occurring. Possibly caused by too much ash in the DPF preventing exhast fumes freely exiting (see 26-9-2017 above).