Mitsubishi Outlander 2018: Honest Review & Road Test

by Alex Braham 53 views

Hey guys! Are you in the market for a reliable and spacious SUV? Let's dive into a comprehensive review of the Mitsubishi Outlander 2018. This SUV has been making waves with its affordability and practical features, but is it the right choice for you? We'll explore everything from its performance and fuel efficiency to its interior comfort and technology, giving you an honest and detailed look at what the Outlander 2018 has to offer. Whether you're a family looking for a dependable ride or an individual seeking versatility, this review will provide you with the insights you need to make an informed decision. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Overview of the Mitsubishi Outlander 2018

The Mitsubishi Outlander 2018 is a compact SUV that offers a compelling blend of value and functionality. It stands out in a crowded market with its available third-row seating, making it a practical choice for larger families or those who frequently need to transport extra passengers. The Outlander 2018 comes in several trim levels, each offering a different set of features and options to cater to various needs and budgets. From the base ES model to the higher-end GT trim, there's an Outlander configuration to suit a range of preferences.

One of the key selling points of the Outlander 2018 is its affordability. Compared to many of its competitors, the Outlander offers a lower starting price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, this doesn't mean that Mitsubishi has skimped on essential features. Even the base models come equipped with a decent array of standard equipment, including a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and automatic climate control. As you move up the trim levels, you'll find more advanced features such as a larger touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and advanced safety technologies.

Under the hood, the Outlander 2018 offers two engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter V6. The four-cylinder engine is the more fuel-efficient of the two, making it a good choice for daily commuting and long highway trips. The V6 engine, on the other hand, provides more power and quicker acceleration, which can be useful for towing or hauling cargo. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps to optimize fuel economy. The Outlander also offers available all-wheel drive, providing enhanced traction and stability in adverse weather conditions.

Overall, the Mitsubishi Outlander 2018 is a well-rounded SUV that offers a lot of value for the money. Its available third-row seating, affordable price, and decent array of features make it a compelling choice for families and individuals alike. However, it's important to consider its drawbacks, such as its somewhat unrefined driving experience and less-than-stellar interior quality, before making a final decision. In the following sections, we'll delve deeper into the various aspects of the Outlander 2018, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of its strengths and weaknesses.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance and handling, the Mitsubishi Outlander 2018 offers a mixed bag. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produces 166 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. While this engine is adequate for most daily driving situations, it can feel underpowered when accelerating quickly or climbing steep hills. The CVT transmission, while efficient, can also contribute to a somewhat sluggish feel. However, the four-cylinder engine does offer decent fuel economy, with EPA ratings of up to 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

For those seeking more power, the Outlander 2018 offers an available 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 224 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides significantly better acceleration and overall performance, making it a more enjoyable choice for drivers who prioritize power. The V6 engine is paired with a traditional six-speed automatic transmission, which offers smoother and more responsive shifts than the CVT. However, the V6 engine does come at the expense of fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

In terms of handling, the Outlander 2018 offers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and road imperfections, providing a smooth and pleasant driving experience. However, the steering can feel a bit numb and disconnected, lacking the precision and feedback of some of its competitors. The Outlander also has a relatively wide turning radius, which can make it a bit challenging to maneuver in tight spaces.

One of the standout features of the Outlander 2018 is its available all-wheel-control (AWC) system. This system provides enhanced traction and stability in a variety of driving conditions, making it a valuable asset in inclement weather. The AWC system offers multiple driving modes, including an Eco mode for maximizing fuel efficiency and a Snow mode for improved traction on slippery surfaces. Overall, the Outlander 2018 offers a decent driving experience, but it's not the most engaging or sporty SUV in its class. Its strengths lie in its comfortable ride and available all-wheel drive, making it a practical choice for daily commuting and family trips.

Interior Comfort and Features

Stepping inside the Mitsubishi Outlander 2018, you'll find a functional but somewhat uninspiring interior. The design is simple and straightforward, with an emphasis on practicality rather than luxury. The materials used throughout the cabin are generally of decent quality, but they don't quite measure up to the standards set by some of its competitors. However, the Outlander does offer a comfortable and spacious interior, with plenty of room for both passengers and cargo.

The front seats are supportive and well-cushioned, providing a comfortable driving experience even on long trips. The rear seats offer ample legroom and headroom, making them suitable for adults. One of the key selling points of the Outlander is its available third-row seating, which is a rarity in the compact SUV class. While the third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults, they do provide extra seating capacity when needed. When the third-row seats are not in use, they can be folded down to create a large and versatile cargo area.

In terms of features, the Outlander 2018 offers a decent array of standard and available equipment. Even the base ES model comes equipped with features such as a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and automatic climate control. As you move up the trim levels, you'll find more advanced features such as a larger touchscreen display, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and a premium Rockford Fosgate audio system. The Outlander also offers available safety technologies such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning.

However, the Outlander's infotainment system can be a bit clunky and outdated compared to some of its competitors. The touchscreen display is not as responsive or intuitive as those found in other SUVs, and the graphics look a bit dated. The Outlander also lacks some of the more advanced features that are available in other SUVs, such as a panoramic sunroof and a head-up display. Overall, the Outlander 2018 offers a comfortable and functional interior, but it's not the most luxurious or technologically advanced SUV in its class. Its strengths lie in its spaciousness, available third-row seating, and decent array of features.

Fuel Efficiency and MPG

Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for many SUV buyers, and the Mitsubishi Outlander 2018 offers competitive MPG ratings. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is the more fuel-efficient of the two available engines, with EPA ratings of up to 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. These numbers are on par with other SUVs in its class, making the Outlander a decent choice for those who prioritize fuel economy.

The available 3.0-liter V6 engine, while offering more power, does come at the expense of fuel efficiency. The V6 engine is rated at 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, which is lower than the four-cylinder engine but still respectable for a V6-powered SUV. The Outlander's CVT transmission also helps to optimize fuel economy, as it keeps the engine running at its most efficient RPM range.

It's important to note that actual fuel economy can vary depending on driving conditions, driving habits, and other factors. For example, driving in heavy traffic or on hilly terrain can decrease fuel economy, while driving on the highway at a constant speed can improve it. Additionally, using the air conditioning or carrying heavy loads can also impact fuel economy. To get the best possible fuel economy, it's important to drive conservatively and maintain your vehicle properly.

The Outlander 2018 also offers an Eco mode, which further optimizes fuel efficiency by adjusting the engine and transmission settings. When engaged, the Eco mode reduces throttle response and shifts the transmission earlier, resulting in improved fuel economy. However, the Eco mode can also make the vehicle feel a bit sluggish, so it's best used when fuel economy is the top priority. Overall, the Mitsubishi Outlander 2018 offers competitive fuel economy for its class, making it a practical choice for daily commuting and long trips.

Reliability and Safety

When evaluating any vehicle, reliability and safety are paramount. The Mitsubishi Outlander 2018 has a mixed track record when it comes to reliability. Some owners have reported issues with the vehicle's electrical system, transmission, and other components. However, many other owners have reported no major problems and have found the Outlander to be a reliable and dependable vehicle. It's important to research and consider these factors when making your decision.

In terms of safety, the Outlander 2018 has performed well in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Outlander received an overall safety rating of four out of five stars from NHTSA, and it was named a Top Safety Pick by IIHS. These ratings indicate that the Outlander provides a good level of protection for its occupants in the event of a crash.

The Outlander 2018 also offers a range of available safety technologies, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. These features can help to prevent accidents and make driving safer and more enjoyable. However, it's important to note that these features are not standard on all trim levels, so you may need to upgrade to a higher trim level to get them.

Mitsubishi also offers a generous warranty on the Outlander 2018, which includes a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty. This warranty provides peace of mind and can help to offset any potential repair costs. Overall, the Mitsubishi Outlander 2018 offers a decent level of reliability and safety, making it a practical choice for families and individuals alike. However, it's important to research and consider all factors before making a final decision.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Mitsubishi Outlander 2018:

Pros:

  • Available third-row seating
  • Affordable price
  • Decent fuel economy (especially with the four-cylinder engine)
  • Available all-wheel drive
  • Generous warranty

Cons:

  • Somewhat unrefined driving experience
  • Less-than-stellar interior quality
  • Clunky infotainment system
  • Mixed reliability track record

Conclusion

The Mitsubishi Outlander 2018 is a compelling choice for buyers seeking an affordable and versatile SUV with available third-row seating. While it may not be the most luxurious or technologically advanced SUV in its class, it offers a lot of value for the money. Its decent fuel economy, available all-wheel drive, and generous warranty make it a practical choice for families and individuals alike. However, it's important to consider its drawbacks, such as its somewhat unrefined driving experience and less-than-stellar interior quality, before making a final decision. Ultimately, the Outlander 2018 is a well-rounded SUV that offers a lot to like, especially for those on a budget.