In today’s article we are going to review the up and coming 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander. The good, the bad, the ugly, and even the indifferent.
So with 2013 right around the corner, and automakers are vying for everyone’s attention, and their pocket money, Mitsubishi needed to join the ongoing battle by revamping their Outlander Crossover SUV. This was going to take some doing, being that the out going model left a bad taste in the mouths of drivers just about everywhere. The 2012 Outlander was an OK kind of vehicle to say the least. It was the perfect vehicle for the person who didn’t need much out of a car. (We’ll leave it at that.)
The 2013 model has been given a new look that makes it fall flat on it’s face. It looks like the designers dropped the ball on this one, by trying to channel the looks of the PX-MiEV concept car, but the finished product looks like an extra for a RoboCop movie.
The good thing is, is that there is a new power source available for the 2014 model. The unreliable V6 motor has been replaced by a 2.2L turbo diesel four cylinder engine that can produce 110Kw, and 360Nm of torque.
For what it’s worth the diesel is by far the best performing motor that this car will ever have. The lesser 2.0L petrol, and the 2.4L petrol four cylinder engines seem to have shakiness written all over them. The 2.0L petrol just manages 110Kw of power while just cracking 190Nm of torque, and that little bit of power in this size of a vehicle is only good on the flat lands. The next step would be the 2.4L petrol four cylinder mill that only makes 124Kw, and 220Nm of torque, just 14Kw & 30Nm more than the 2.0L. In keeping with the drive train, Mitsubishi has offered up a new, but not great CVT transmission that can come with most of the models. For the most part the CVT will do it’s job, but it seems to very indecisive when it comes to traversing the hillside. Constant up & down shifting make this Outlander a somewhat bother to drive. The solution is the better 2.2L turbo diesel that is, oddly enough mated to a very conventional six speed automatic transmission, that does nothing but shine from beginning to end.
As we move to the interior, there is a vast improvement from the last model. 
Depending on the trim level, you will either be faced with Aluminum trim pieces that actually compliment the cabin, or some faux wood trim that looks cheaper than the price of a large coffee at On the Run. The improvements continue with the center console that has been enhanced with a better looking stereo system sitting atop the collage of gadgets. The seats are now firmer than before, and provide more support for all that sit in the front seats. Rear seating is now moderately comfortable, and is a joy to be in. Once the third, and second row of seats are folded the boot space opens up to about 1600 litres of space.
In closing the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander rides along on a decent looking set of 18”
wheels, with an anti-lock braking system which is linked to either a 2WD, or 4WD system. All in all, the Outlander is odd looking crossover that is leaning on the cusp of becoming a full size SUV, which basically means that it’s slowly climbing into the arena with other SUV’s such as the KIA Sorento, and Hyundai Santa Fe. If this is the outcome for the Outlander, Mitsubishi needs to step up their game and make this vehicle a much more palatable, and versatile car that everyone will actually will want. Pricing for the 2013 Outlander begins at $28,990 for the ES trim 2.0L, manual 2WD petrol, and will climb up to $45,490 for the Outlander Aspire 2.2L Turbo-diesel Automatic 4WD. If you want the best out of the Outlander, you will need to get your hands on the Aspire version, and you do good to avoid any potential problems the lesser models may have. Thanks for reading.
