Mitsubishi Outlander full review – cost $5,000

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The Mitsubishi Outlander has become a notable player in Canada’s competitive SUV market, offering a blend of versatility, technology, and value that resonates with Canadian drivers. This article delves into the Outlander’s presence in Canada, exploring its features, market performance, and reception among Canadian consumers.

History and Evolution

The Mitsubishi Outlander first made its debut in the Canadian market in the early 2000s. Since then, it has undergone several generations of improvements, each bringing significant advancements in design, technology, and performance. The latest generation, introduced in 2022, marks a significant leap forward for the model, showcasing Mitsubishi’s commitment to innovation and quality.

Key Milestones:

  • 2001: First generation Outlander introduced
  • 2006: Second generation debuts with improved styling and performance
  • 2013: Third generation launches, introducing the PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) variant
  • 2022: Fourth generation arrives, featuring a complete redesign and advanced technologies

Features and Specifications

The current Mitsubishi Outlander offers Canadian consumers a range of features that cater to the diverse needs of families, adventurers, and daily commuters alike.

Powertrain Options:

  1. Standard Gasoline Engine: A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque.
  2. PHEV Variant: A 2.4-liter gasoline engine combined with electric motors, offering enhanced fuel efficiency and electric-only driving capability.

Key Features:

  • Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) for improved handling in various Canadian weather conditions
  • Spacious interior with optional third-row seating
  • Advanced driver assistance systems, including MI-PILOT Assist
  • 12.3-inch digital driver display
  • 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration

Canadian-Specific Adaptations:

  • Enhanced cold weather package with heated seats and steering wheel
  • Improved battery performance for PHEV models in colder climates
  • Rust-resistant undercoating for protection against harsh Canadian winters

Market Performance and Sales Figures

The Mitsubishi Outlander has shown strong performance in the Canadian market, particularly with the introduction of the PHEV variant. Recent sales figures highlight the model’s growing popularity among Canadian consumers.

Sales Highlights:

  • In Q2 2024, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada reported 9,318 total units sold, marking a 4.5% increase over Q1.
  • The Outlander PHEV set a record in Q2 2024, selling more than 4,000 units, the best quarter for any Mitsubishi nameplate in Canada.
  • For the first half of 2024, Mitsubishi sold 18,239 units in Canada, a 2% increase over the same period in 2023.

These figures underscore the Outlander’s strong position in the Canadian market, with the PHEV variant driving significant growth.

Consumer Reception and Reviews

Canadian consumers have generally responded positively to the Mitsubishi Outlander, praising its value proposition, versatility, and the eco-friendly appeal of the PHEV model.

Pros Often Cited by Canadian Reviewers:

  • Spacious and well-designed interior
  • Impressive fuel economy, especially in the PHEV variant
  • Competitive pricing compared to other SUVs in its class
  • Robust warranty coverage

Areas for Improvement:

  • Some critics note that the third-row seating is best suited for children
  • The standard gasoline engine, while adequate, may not match the power of some competitors

Comparison with Competitors

In the competitive Canadian SUV market, the Mitsubishi Outlander faces stiff competition from established players like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape. However, the Outlander distinguishes itself through its unique features and value proposition.

Competitive Advantages:

  1. PHEV Technology: The Outlander PHEV was one of the first plug-in hybrid SUVs in its class, giving it an edge in the eco-friendly vehicle segment.
  2. Warranty: Mitsubishi’s comprehensive warranty package, including a 10-year/160,000 km powertrain warranty, is among the best in Canada.
  3. Third-Row Seating: Unlike many compact SUVs, the Outlander offers optional third-row seating, appealing to larger families.

Impact of Government Incentives

The success of the Outlander PHEV in Canada can be partially attributed to government incentives for electric and hybrid vehicles. These incentives have made the PHEV variant more accessible to Canadian consumers, contributing to its strong sales performance.

Federal and Provincial Incentives:

  • Federal iZEV Program: Up to $5,000 rebate for eligible PHEV models
  • Provincial incentives: Additional rebates available in provinces like Quebec and British Columbia

These incentives have played a crucial role in making the Outlander PHEV an attractive option for environmentally conscious Canadian consumers.

Adaptation to Canadian Market Needs

Mitsubishi has made efforts to tailor the Outlander to the specific needs of the Canadian market, recognizing the unique challenges posed by the country’s diverse geography and climate.

Canadian-Specific Features:

  • Enhanced winter driving capabilities through the S-AWC system
  • Improved heating systems for quick cabin warming in cold weather
  • Specific PHEV battery management systems optimized for colder temperatures

Future Outlook

The future looks promising for the Mitsubishi Outlander in Canada, with the company continuing to invest in improvements and adaptations for the Canadian market.

Upcoming Developments:

  • Continued refinement of PHEV technology for improved range and efficiency
  • Potential introduction of fully electric variants to align with Canada’s push towards electrification
  • Enhanced connectivity features to meet the evolving demands of Canadian consumers

Mitsubishi Outlander

The Mitsubishi Outlander has carved out a significant niche in the Canadian automotive landscape, offering a compelling blend of practicality, efficiency, and value.

Its success, particularly in the PHEV segment, demonstrates the model’s alignment with Canadian consumer preferences and the country’s push towards more sustainable transportation options.

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, with a growing emphasis on electrification and advanced technologies, the Mitsubishi Outlander is well-positioned to maintain its relevance in the Canadian market.

Its adaptability to Canadian conditions, combined with Mitsubishi’s commitment to innovation, suggests that the Outlander will continue to be a significant player in Canada’s SUV market for years to come.

The Outlander’s journey in Canada reflects broader trends in the automotive industry, including the shift towards electrification, the demand for versatile family vehicles, and the importance of adapting global products to local market needs.

As Mitsubishi continues to refine and evolve the Outlander, it will be interesting to see how this model shapes and is shaped by the preferences of Canadian consumers in the dynamic and competitive automotive landscape.

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