Small but meaningful improvements

Mitsubishi Outlander VRX AWD has improved in small but meaningful ways. Photo: supplied

Mitsubishi’s mid-size Outlander SUV has remained a consistently strong sales performer in our part of the automotive world, and these days this sales champion is selling better than ever.

It was the 5th on the 2025 10 best selling vehicles chart in New Zealand behind the seemingly unstoppable Toyota RAV4. It was beaten home for fourth place by its 16 year-old sibling the ASX compact SUV. It’s the cheapest Japanese model in its class with prices starting at $28,990.

A mid-model life makeover has improved the Outlander in small but meaningful ways, making worthwhile differences in a variety of areas. Among them, are safety tech enhancements to systems such as lane departure warning, blind spot warning and multi around view monitor. Sure to be music to the ears of owners is a premium Yamaha audio system. Appearances are much as before apart from some exterior styling and new wheel designs. The clean and uncluttered contemporary lines lean a little too heavily on the generic side to visually soar above the automotive crowd.

The 10-model range is has two and four-wheel drive options in four trim levels LS, XLS, VRX, and the luxurious Exceed. Versions of the 221kw PHEV (Plug-in hybrid electric) of this model have a claimed all-electric range of 109km, are limited to the premium priced at a lofty $77,990 and $81,990 respectively. AWD is standard on both. I sampled the VRX AWD petrol retailing for $59,490.

The 135kw 2.5L petrol is an upgraded version of an engine that’s served in at least two generations of Nissan X-Trails, and struggles at times in the heftier latest Outlander what weight heavily on it 1575kg. Engine noise is a regular reminder it has to dig deep to maintain good forward momentum under load on steep hill grinds. A modest 245nm of torque at 3600rpm falls a bit short of low-speed pulling power in these situations. An excellent 8-speed sport mode CVT is one of Mitsubishi’s best. The step shift control gear changes are crisp, accurate and as good or better than most conventional automatics.

A generously proportioned passenger compartment is spacious, practical and a pleasant place to be over long distance journeys. Upping the comfort ante on the test vehicle were heated seats, three-zone automatic climate control and rear door sunshades. The three rows of seats can be easily arranged in multiple configurations to suit passenger numbers and their luggage, although the amount of space with the third row of seats in use is limited.

Good smartphone storage is provided in the centre console tray offering wireless phone charging. A smart bit of tech is the ability to remotely start the engine and turn on the air conditioner to make the cabin nice and comfy ahead of entering the vehicle on chilly mornings.

The proven Super All wheel control system turned in a gripping performance on the numerous rural roads I travelled over, many gravelled, but none were what you call challenging. With its well-sorted AWD system at play and 205mm of ground clearance, it was not class leading, but sufficient to manage all but the most gnarly backcountry tracks.

The suspension tune is in sync with our often-exacting driving conditions and topography. It makes an immediate impression with its strong road holding, even when you quicken the pace over demanding undulating roads. While the striking 20-inch alloys make a powerful visual statement, ride quality suffers, with more suspension noise at low speed over high frequency bumps typically particularly on over rougher road surfaces.