Mitsubishi Outlander
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a practical family SUV that won’t break the bank? The Mitsubishi Outlander could be exactly what you need. This seven-seat SUV has been quietly serving families for years, offering genuine value in a market where prices keep climbing. It’s the SUV for people who prioritise space, practicality, and affordability over flashy styling or cutting-edge technology.

The Outlander stands out by offering what many families actually need rather than what looks good in brochures. Its boxy, upright design maximises interior space while keeping costs reasonable. You get proper seven-seat capability and a generous boot, making it genuinely useful for large families or those who regularly carry lots of gear. The ride is comfortable and the driving position commanding, giving you that SUV feel without the premium price tag that rivals like the Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage command.

What makes the Outlander appealing is its honest approach to family motoring. It doesn’t pretend to be a luxury vehicle or a sporty crossover. Instead, it focuses on being a dependable, spacious, and affordable way to move people and their belongings. The PHEV version adds impressive fuel economy for those wanting to reduce running costs. It’s a sensible choice that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a capable family SUV.

How Does the Mitsubishi Outlander Drive?

The Mitsubishi Outlander isn’t built for excitement, but rather for steady, dependable performance. The standard petrol engine is a 2.4-litre four-cylinder unit producing around 168 horsepower, which provides adequate power for family duties. It feels composed around town and has sufficient grunt for motorway cruising, though you won’t mistake it for a sports car. The CVT automatic gearbox prioritises smoothness over sportiness, making it relaxing to drive in stop-start traffic.

Where the Outlander truly excels is with the PHEV variant, which combines petrol and electric power for impressive fuel economy. This plug-in hybrid SUV delivers strong low-end torque thanks to its electric motors, making it feel more responsive than the figures suggest. The ride quality is one of the Outlander’s strongest points, soaking up bumps and keeping passengers comfortable on long journeys. The steering is light and easy, making parking straightforward despite the SUV’s size. It’s engineered for real-world family use rather than dynamic thrills.

How Comfortable Is the Mitsubishi Outlander?

Step inside the Outlander and you’re greeted by a spacious, well-laid-out cabin that prioritises function over form. The dashboard design is straightforward and user-friendly, with large buttons and clear displays that are easy to operate while driving. Materials feel solid rather than luxurious, but everything is well put together and designed to withstand family life. The infotainment system includes smartphone connectivity, making it easy to integrate your device for navigation and music.

The seating is a real highlight, with comfortable front seats that provide good support on longer drives. All three rows offer genuine space for adults, not just children, which sets it apart from many seven-seaters. The second row slides and reclines, helping you balance passenger comfort with boot space. Road noise is well controlled, creating a calm environment that’s perfect for family conversations or keeping children content. Climate control keeps everyone comfortable, and there are plenty of cup holders and storage spaces throughout the cabin.

The Mitsubishi Outlander succeeds by focusing on what really matters to families: space, value, and dependability. It offers genuine seven-seat capability at a price that won’t stretch the budget, backed by one of the best warranties in the business. The PHEV version adds impressive fuel economy for those wanting to reduce running costs and environmental impact.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Mitsubishi Outlander Expensive to Run?

The Outlander delivers impressive value when it comes to running costs, especially if you choose the PHEV version. The plug-in hybrid can achieve remarkable fuel economy figures of over 100 mpg in real-world use if you regularly charge it and stick to shorter journeys. Even the standard petrol version returns decent economy for such a large SUV. Insurance groups are reasonable, and the Outlander’s reputation for reliability means fewer unexpected repair bills.

The main advantage is the competitive purchase price compared to similar-sized rivals. You get seven-seat capability and a comprehensive warranty for less money than many five-seat alternatives. Servicing costs are reasonable, and Mitsubishi’s extensive warranty provides peace of mind. The PHEV qualifies for various government incentives and lower company car tax rates, making it particularly attractive for business users. With car finance options available, the Outlander represents excellent value for families needing genuine seven-seat capability without premium pricing.

Mitsubishi Outlander Practicality & Boot Space

The Outlander excels in the practicality stakes, which is exactly what families need from a seven-seat SUV. The 478-litre boot with all seats up is genuinely usable, easily accommodating the weekly shopping or holiday luggage. Fold the third row and space expands significantly, while dropping all rear seats creates a van-like load area. The tailgate opens wide and the loading lip is low, making it easy to lift heavy items in and out.

Inside the cabin, you’ll find thoughtful storage solutions throughout. Door pockets are large enough for water bottles, the centre console has multiple compartments, and there are cup holders for all passengers. The second-row seats slide and fold independently, allowing you to prioritise passengers or cargo as needed. For families considering used Mitsubishi cars, the Outlander offers exceptional space and versatility. Its upright design and wide-opening doors make child seat installation straightforward, while the high driving position gives excellent visibility in traffic.

The Mitsubishi Outlander stands out in the competitive seven-seat SUV market by offering exceptional value and genuine practicality. It combines spacious accommodation, dependable performance, and reasonable running costs into an honest family package. The PHEV version adds impressive fuel economy and reduced emissions, making it particularly attractive for cost-conscious families.

You choose the Outlander because it prioritises what matters most: getting your family and their belongings from A to B in comfort and safety. It’s perfectly suited to school runs and family holidays alike. For families seeking cars under £10,000 on the used market, older Outlanders offer the same practical benefits at even more affordable prices. If you need genuine seven-seat capability without premium pricing, the Outlander should be at the top of your list.