The Mitsubishi Outlander (Japanese: 三菱・アウトランダー, Hepburn: Mitsubishi Autorandā) is a compact crossover SUV manufactured by Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors since 2001. It was originally known as the Mitsubishi Airtrek (Japanese: 三菱・エアトレック, Hepburn: Mitsubishi Eatorekku) when it was introduced in Japan.
The original Airtrek name was chosen to "describe the vehicle's ability to transport its passengers on adventure-packed journeys in a 'free-as-a-bird' manner", and was "coined from Air and Trek to express the idea of footloose, adventure-filled motoring pleasure." The Outlander nameplate which replaced it evoked a "feeling of journeying to distant, unexplored lands in search of adventure."
The second generation of the vehicle was introduced in 2006 and all markets including Japan adopted the Outlander name, although production of the older version continued in parallel. It was built on the company's GS platform, and used various engines developed by Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, and PSA Peugeot Citroën. PSA's Citroën C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007, which were manufactured by Mitsubishi in Japan, are badge engineered versions of the second generation Outlander. Global sales achieved the 1.5 million unit milestone in October 2016, 15 years after its market launch.
As part of the third generation line-up, Mitsubishi launched in January 2013 a plug-in hybrid model called Outlander PHEV. As of January 2022, global sales totaled about 300,000 units.
The fourth-generation model was released in 2021 as a 2022 model. Following Mitsubishi's entry to Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance, the fourth-generation Outlander is based on the Rogue/X-Trail, which is built on the CMF-CD platform.
Contents
First generation (CU/ZE/ZF; 2001)
The first-generation Outlander/Airtrek was based on the Mitsubishi ASX concept vehicle exhibited at the 2001 North American International Auto Show. The ASX (Active Sports Crossover) represented Mitsubishi's approach to the industry wide crossover SUV trend for retaining the all-season and off-road abilities offered by a high ground clearance and four-wheel drive, while still offering car-like levels of emissions, economy, and size.
The Airtrek was first introduced to the Japanese market on 20 June 2001, and was sold at Mitsubishi Japan dealership chain called Car Plaza. It offered a choice of either a 126 PS (93 kW) 4G63 2.0 L or a 139 PS (102 kW) 4G64 2.4 L GDI, mated to a standard INVECS-II 4-speed automatic transmission. Both front- and four-wheel drive were available. The four-wheel drive version uses open differentials for the front and rear axles, with a viscous coupling unit for the center differential. A performance-oriented model, called the Turbo-R, was introduced in 2002 and used a detuned version of the Lancer Evolution's 4G63T 2.0 L I4 turbo. The engine produced 240 PS (177 kW) and 343 N⋅m (253 lb⋅ft), although in export markets the Outlander version's output was reduced to 202 PS (149 kW) and 303 N⋅m (223 lb⋅ft). The availability of four-cylinder engines under 2.0 liters offered Japanese buyers a vehicle that was in compliance with Japanese regulations concerning exterior dimensions and engine displacement, however, the exterior dimensions exceed Japanese regulations for the "compact" designation.
The Outlander arrived in 2003 in North America, replacing the Mitsubishi Montero Sport, with a modified front grille and headlights which increased the overall length by approximately 130 millimetres (5.1 in), and the two models were manufactured in parallel thereafter. It shared its platform with the Mitsubishi Grandis, also introduced in 2003. A version of the 4G64 powerplant was offered first, while a 4G69 2.4 L SOHC MIVEC I4 producing 120 kW (163 PS) and 220 N⋅m (162 lb⋅ft), and the turbocharged 4G63T appeared in 2004. All had the option of front- or four-wheel drive.
In several South American markets it was known as the Montero Outlander, to benefit from an association with the strong-selling Mitsubishi Montero Sport.
Second generation (CW/ZG/ZH; 2006)
On 17 October 2005, Mitsubishi launched the second generation model, dropping the Airtrek in Japan in favour of adopting the global name. It features a new DOHC 2.4 L 16-valve MIVEC engine; INVECS-III continuously variable transmission (CVT), Mitsubishi's AWC system which features electronically controlled four-wheel-drive and stability control, on a stretched Mitsubishi GS platform. The North American version, powered by a newly designed 6B31 3.0 L V6 SOHC MIVEC was shown in April 2006 at the New York International Auto Show prior to its release in October the same year. Due to the availability of a V6 engine, Mitsubishi returned to offering a shorter version of this vehicle and reintroduced the Mitsubishi RVR on 17 February 2010. The usage of a four-cylinder engine under 2.0 liters offers Japanese buyers a vehicle that was in compliance with Japanese regulations concerning exterior dimensions and engine displacement, which has tax advantages, giving buyers the ability to purchase a vehicle capable of seating seven people without paying the tax penalty of a larger engine.
The second generation Outlander went on sale in Europe in February 2007, and this time included a diesel engine – essential in the European market at the time. Mitsubishi chose to purchase Volkswagen's 2.0-litre Pumpe-Düse unit with 140 PS (103 kW), as also installed in the European market Grandis. Before this even went on sale, Mitsubishi had decided that there was a need for a more powerful diesel option and by November 2007 higher end diesel models received PSA's 2.2-liter DW12 common rail diesel with 156 PS (115 kW). Both diesels were labelled "Di-D" by Mitsubishi. In September 2010 Mitsubishi's own 2.3-liter 4N14 diesel engine with 177 PS (130 kW) was introduced while the Volkswagen engine was discontinued. The PSA unit continued to be available in certain countries.
The Outlander, which features Mitsubishi's RISE safety body, received a four-star rating from the Euro NCAP car safety performance assessment programme. One of its unique features is something Mitsubishi calls a "Flap-Fold Tailgate"; it is a two-piece tailgate integrated into the rear bumper that folds down for easy loading, while serving as a bench when the tailgate is open, able to accommodate up to 180 kg (400 lb).
In the Philippines, the second generation Outlander was released in 2007. It was offered in 2 grades; the entry-level GLS and the top-spec GLS Sport. The GLS grade is powered by a 2.4L MIVEC inline-four engine, while the GLS Sport is powered by a 3.0L V6 engine both paired to an INVECS-III CVT with 6-speed sportronic mode and multi-select 4WD system.
Gallery
First facelift
Second facelift
Second facelift (Taiwan)
Third generation (GF/GG/ZJ/ZK/ZL; 2012)
Mitsubishi unveiled the third-generation Outlander at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The production version of the Outlander was debuted in Russia in July 2012, and was introduced in other European markets in September 2012. While the new vehicle was introduced to North America at the November 2012 LA Auto Show it was not available for purchase until early 2014. North American Outlanders continued on the second-generation platform through model year 2013. However, the third generation Outlander are not sold in the Philippine market due to poor sales, in favor of the third-row Mitsubishi Montero Sport.
The redesigned model has a new lightweight body that weighs approximately 200 pounds (90 kg) less than the previous model due to extensive use of high tensile strength steel. With a lower drag coefficient of cd 0.33, fuel economy has been improved over the previous model. Inside, the dashboard and front doors are covered with soft touch material, the seats are redesigned, and there is good sound insulation.
The front suspension consists of MacPherson struts with a stabilizer bar, and the rear suspension is a multi-link design with a stabilizer bar. Electric Power Steering reduces load on the engine compared to a hydraulic system and helps to improve fuel economy. Disc brakes are installed on all four wheels, with 11.6 in (294 mm) vented rotors in front along with 11.9 in (302 mm) solid rotors in back.
Newly available safety features include a Forward Collision Mitigation system, a Lane departure warning system, a driver knee airbag to reduce leg injury in a crash, and adaptive cruise control. In addition, the Outlander has standard driver and passenger front airbags, front side torso airbags along with curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, Traction Control Logic, Active Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, and a brake pedal that recedes to prevent leg injury in a crash.
In crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Outlander received a top score of "Good" in every category. When equipped with the optional Forward Collision Mitigation system, the car received the institute's Top Safety Pick+ award. The vehicle also received full five star overall ratings in the United States, Japanese, and European New Car Assessment Programs.
Second facelift
At the 2015 New York International Auto Show, Mitsubishi debuted a heavily revised Outlander for the 2016 model year. The vehicle features new design language called "Dynamic Shield" that will be the basis for future vehicles in different segments. The revised headlights now include LED DRLs with the option of full LED headlights. Inside the cabin, Mitsubishi made refinements to the steering wheel, headliner, rear folding seats, and door controls.
Besides cosmetic changes, the updated Outlander has somewhat reduced cabin noise via increased use of sound insulation, thicker door glass, dynamic suspension and differential dampers, and thicker weatherstripping. The suspension and steering are re-tuned and a new generation Jatco CVT8 transmission introduced for four-cylinder models. The revised SUV first went on sale in Russia in April 2015, followed by the Australia in June and Canada and the Caribbean in July.
Third facelift
The Outlander received another facelift for the 2019 model year. Changes included a new twin blade grille that contains black inserts, revised front and rear bumper design, and new 18-inch alloy wheels.
Outlander PHEV
The third generation includes a plug-in hybrid variant, called PHEV, and its production version was unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. According to JATO Dynamics, the Outlander PHEV was once the world's all-time best selling plug-in hybrid since December 2018.
The plug-in hybrid has a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder MIVEC petrol engine, coupled with an electric powertrain, derived from the electric systems used on the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, it produces a combined 197 hp (147 kW). Two 60 kW electric motors independently power the front and rear wheels, while the petrol-powered engine can be used as a generator for the motors, and/or power the vehicle directly. The combustion engine can only send power to the front wheels as there is no driveshaft linking it to the rear wheels. Located on the left side of the engine (positioned transaxle-style), the front motor is a smaller, lighter, and higher output version of the permanent magnet synchronous electric motor used in the i-MiEV.
The Outlander PHEV has a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack capable of delivering an all-electric range of 52.3 km (32.5 mi) under the New European Driving Cycle. Under the Japanese JC08 test the all-electric range is 60 km (37 mi), with a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph). The battery pack is located in a dust- and waterproof encasement positioned beneath the passenger compartment subfloor and between the front and rear axles, with no intrusion into the passenger compartment. It consists of 80 cells configured in series. Mitsubishi's target was to achieve a combined fuel economy for Japan in "EV Drive" mode of 67 km/L equivalent, or equivalent to about 157 miles per U.S. gallon (MPGe). Fuel economy in hybrid mode for Japan is 5.3 L/100 km (44 mpg‑US).
The plug-in hybrid comes equipped with two charging sockets, regular and quick charging CHAdeMO. When charging at home the driver can choose between a standard 3-pin plug socket or via a dedicated EV charging point. From a standard plug, charging from empty to full charge takes about five hours. From a dedicated charging point at home or at a public charging point, it takes about 3.5 hours for a full charge. The DC rapid charging socket can be used at CHAdeMO charging stations. Rapid charging allows for an 80% charge in approximately 25 minutes.
The Outlander PHEV features three driver-activated modes, which are ECO Mode, Battery Save Mode and Battery Charge Mode, along with three driving modes: "EV Drive", "Series Hybrid", and "Parallel Hybrid". It also features regenerative braking during normal deceleration (braking or coasting), with the front and rear electric motors working as generators so that electricity can be generated and fed back into the main battery pack. In addition, the plug-in hybrid has a set-up that allows the driver to control the strength of the engine braking with paddles behind the steering wheel. The driver switches on regenerative braking either by sliding the central selector to the "B" position, or by operating the paddles.
Safety
The 2014 Outlander was awarded "Top Safety Pick+" by IIHS.
Fourth generation (GM/GN/ZM; 2021)
The fourth-generation Outlander debuted on February 16, 2021. It first takes inspiration from the GT-PHEV concept which debuted at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, then the Engelberg Tourer concept which debuted at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, and finally developed four years after Nissan purchased a 34 percent stake in Mitsubishi Motors. It is based on the Nissan Rogue/X-Trail (T33), and is the first Mitsubishi product riding on the new CMF-CD platform. Like its predecessor, it continues to offer the same seven-seat configuration.
Changes include the new PR25DD 2.5-litre petrol engine shared with the Nissan Rogue, producing 181 hp (184 PS; 135 kW) and 245 N⋅m (25.0 kg⋅m; 181 lb⋅ft). A plug-in hybrid powertrain is available with diesel powertrains discontinued. Due to its close ties with the Rogue, many interior elements are also shared with this model. New interior features include an available 9.0-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display.
In the US, it was sold in five trim levels in 2022: ES, SE, SE Launch Edition, SEL and SEL Launch Edition. In 2023, it was sold in ES, SE Special Edition, SE, Black Edition, SEL, SEL Black Edition, RALLIART, and SEL 40th Anniversary Edition. For 2024, SEL 40th Anniversary Edition was replaced by Platinum Edition. For 2026, the 2.5-litre PR25DD engine was dropped and replaced by the 1.5-litre 4B40 turbocharged engine with 48 V mild hybrid system. Trim levels include ES, LE, SE, SEL, and Trail Edition.
The model was introduced in Australia in November 2021 and went on sale in February 2022. Trim levels available are ES, LS, Aspire, Exceed and Exceed Tourer, with the ES trim receiving both 5-seat and 7-seat options.
The Outlander includes a 360-degree camera, forward collision mitigation, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring. The North American market 2022 Outlander SE Launch Edition adds features such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure prevention.
Outlander PHEV
The plug-in hybrid version was released in Japan in October 2021. It retains the 4B12 engine used by the previous generation Outlander PHEV, coupled with a more powerful motor and a larger 20 kWh battery. The revised setup means an increased power output on the front and rear motors, combining for a total driving range of 87 km (54.1 mi) in electric-only mode. The engine was rated at 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) at 6,000 rpm and 226–232 N⋅m (167–171 lb⋅ft) at 4,100 rpm depending on region. Contrary to its predecessor, the PHEV model is available in a 7-seat configuration which made possible by unifying the rear motor with the control unit.
The second generation Outlander PHEV went on sale in North America in 2022 for the 2023 model year. The model became available in some European countries beginning in early 2025.
Starting in early 2026 for the 2026 model year, the Outlander has been supplied to Nissan as the Nissan Rogue Plug-in Hybrid in the North American market. Based on the 2025 model year Outlander PHEV, the Nissan-badged model came with light visual changes including a modified grille and rear tail lights. The Rogue Plug-in Hybrid is planned to be discontinued for the 2027 model year as it was only intended to be a temporary gap-filler before the launch a new Nissan Rogue with a e-Power series-hybrid drivetrain in North America.
Awards
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV won the Technology Car of the Year Award in 2021–2022 Japan Car of the Year Awards.
Safety
The Outlander in its most basic Latin American configuration received 5 stars from Latin NCAP 3.0 in 2023 (similar to Euro NCAP 2014).
The 2022 Outlander was awarded "Top Safety Pick+" by IIHS.
The Outlander received 5 stars from ANCAP in 2022:
Sales and production
Global Outlander sales achieved the 1.5 million unit milestone in October 2016, 15 years after its market launch.